Perpetual contract trading remains a dynamic segment of the cryptocurrency landscape. In Q3 2025, a report by CryptoCompare noted a 15% increase in perpetual futures volume compared to Q2, signalling sustained interest. With platforms like Binance, Coinbase, and eToro all offering perpetual trading, often with varying features and fee structures, choosing the right one requires careful consideration.
Key Developments
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- Binance upgraded its perpetual futures matching engine in July 2025, reportedly reducing latency by 20% and improving order execution speeds, according to the platform’s technical blog.
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- Coinbase integrated advanced risk management tools for perpetual trading in August 2025, allowing users to set more granular stop-loss and take-profit orders. Their user base for perpetual trading reportedly grew 12% in Q3.
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- Revolut expanded its crypto offering in September 2025 to include 10 new perpetual contracts, including smaller-cap altcoins like Solana (SOL) and Avalanche (AVAX), catering to a wider range of risk appetites among its users.
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- Bitpanda Pro launched a dedicated API (Application Programming Interface) for institutional traders seeking programmatic access to its perpetual futures markets, according to a press release on their website.
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- The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) issued updated guidelines on crypto-derivative advertising in June 2025, requiring platforms to include prominent risk warnings about the leveraged nature of perpetual contracts.
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- Independent audits conducted by CertiK on both Binance and Coinbase’s perpetual trading platforms in Q2 2025 reportedly found no critical vulnerabilities in smart contract security or custodial practices, providing increased user assurance.
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Why It Matters
These updates collectively paint a picture of a maturing perpetual trading market. Improvements in technology and risk management tools are positive for users seeking more sophisticated strategies and control. The regulatory developments in the UK, while adding compliance burdens for platforms, are ultimately aimed at protecting retail investors from the inherent risks of leveraged trading. The availability of APIs caters to the growing institutional interest in crypto derivatives, signalling the asset class’s integration into mainstream finance.
Market Context
The ongoing acceptance of Bitcoin ETFs continues to drive institutional adoption of crypto. This has spilt over into the perpetual futures market, with institutions increasingly using these contracts for hedging purposes. Ethereum’s transition to a proof-of-stake consensus mechanism and the subsequent focus on staking yields are also influencing trading strategies. Many users are utilising perpetual futures to amplify their exposure to ETH or hedge against potential price corrections stemming from staking lock-up periods. The continued growth of layer-1 ecosystems such as Solana and Avalanche also affects perpetual trading, increasing demand for related contracts. The UK’s regulatory landscape, with its cautious yet progressive approach, is shaping how these platforms operate and market their perpetual trading services.
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What to Watch Next
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- The upcoming release of Coinbase’s enhanced margin calculator for perpetual contracts, slated for Q4 2025, which promises to provide more accurate and real-time risk assessments for traders.
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- The FCA’s ongoing review of crypto asset regulation, expected to conclude in early 2026, may lead to further restrictions or clarifications on the advertising and offering of perpetual futures to retail clients.
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- The scheduled unlock of a significant portion of the APTOS (APT) tokens in late 2025, which could trigger increased volatility in its perpetual futures market as traders speculate on the potential price impact.
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- The potential listing of new perpetual contracts based on innovative DeFi protocols or projects across platforms like Binance and Bitpanda could create new trading opportunities.
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- The increasing adoption of decentralised perpetual exchange protocols such as dYdX, which offer potentially lower fees and greater privacy but also come with inherent risks related to smart contract security and governance.
FAQS
Which crypto apps are currently leading in 2025?
Coinbase and Binance remain leaders due to their extensive user base, liquidity, and regulatory compliance efforts. Revolut has also carved a niche with its simplified user interface and integration with traditional banking services, attracting a younger, less experienced demographic to crypto trading, including perpetuals.
How do fees compare among major crypto apps?
Fees for perpetual trading vary across platforms. Binance and Bitpanda Pro tend to offer lower maker/taker fees, sometimes as low as 0.02%/0.04% for high-volume traders. Coinbase and Revolut generally charge higher fees, reflecting their premium service offerings and easier-to-use interfaces. However, promotional periods and tiered pricing structures can significantly impact the actual fees paid.
Is UK regulation affecting crypto investment apps?
The FCA’s focus on consumer protection is increasingly impacting UK-based crypto apps. Platforms are required to implement stricter KYC/AML procedures, prominently display risk warnings, and restrict access to certain high-risk products, such as leveraged perpetuals, for inexperienced users. Adherence to these regulations is essential for maintaining operational licenses within the UK market.
Are staking and yield features still attractive?
Staking and yield farming remain popular, offering users the opportunity to earn passive income on their crypto holdings. Platforms like Binance and Coinbase continue to provide competitive staking rewards, particularly for Ethereum and other proof-of-stake assets. Integrated yield farming opportunities are also becoming more common, allowing users to participate in DeFi protocols directly from their exchange accounts. Yields fluctuate based on market conditions and network activity, but generally remain attractive for long-term holders.
Conclusion
The landscape of crypto perpetual trading platforms is evolving rapidly. In 2025, investor choice is increasingly driven by factors beyond just low fees, including risk management tools, regulatory compliance, user experience, and access to diverse asset offerings. Platforms like Coinbase, with their emphasis on security and advanced trading features, continue to appeal to a sophisticated and risk-aware user base.
