President Donald Trump said CFTC Chair Mike Selig is “working very hard” to bring Hyperliquid into the United States in a fully compliant and legal fashion, sending HYPE 11% higher. The remark came Wednesday at a White House meeting with crypto and technology executives. Trump did not specify what an onshore version would look like or which approvals it would need. His comments point to agency exploration, not CFTC approval of Hyperliquid.
Why it matters
Hyperliquid is a blockchain-based exchange best known for perpetual futures. The contracts let traders take price exposure without owning the underlying asset and without an expiration date, while users connect wallets directly instead of opening accounts with traditional futures brokers. Its growth has put fresh focus on perps as demand expands, in a market long dominated by offshore crypto exchanges.
U.S. venues are building a regulated alternative. The CFTC cleared Coinbase Derivatives to offer perpetual-style Bitcoin and Ether futures in April 2025, with trading starting in July, and cleared Kalshi for a similar product. Other U.S. venues have followed. Hyperliquid would join that competition subject to rules on registration, customer protections and market oversight.
Market impact
HYPE’s 11% jump reflects the market’s immediate response to the prospect of a compliant U.S. route. A launch could give Hyperliquid access to American derivatives demand while testing whether its wallet-connected model fits federal requirements.
The next signal is a defined structure from Hyperliquid or the CFTC, including product permissions, safeguards and oversight. Until then, this is a major regulatory signal, not a launch announcement.
Frequently asked questions
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What did Trump say Mike Selig was doing for Hyperliquid?
Trump said CFTC Chair Mike Selig was working very hard to bring Hyperliquid into the United States in a fully compliant and legal fashion.
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How do Hyperliquid’s perpetual futures differ from traditional futures?
They have no expiration date and let traders take price exposure without owning the underlying asset. Users connect crypto wallets directly rather than opening accounts with traditional futures brokers.
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What U.S. rules would shape a Hyperliquid launch?
A U.S. route would be subject to rules on registration, customer protections and market oversight. Trump did not specify which approvals an onshore version would need.
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Which U.S. venues already have perpetual-style products?
The CFTC cleared Coinbase Derivatives to offer perpetual-style Bitcoin and Ether futures in April 2025, with trading starting in July, and cleared Kalshi for a similar product. Other U.S. venues have followed.
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Does Trump’s statement mean the CFTC approved Hyperliquid?
No. The comments point to agency exploration of a compliant path, not approval of Hyperliquid or a launch announcement.
CoinDesk