Interactive Brokers has taken another step in deepening its exposure to digital assets, announcing the launch of nano-sized Bitcoin and Ether futures through a partnership with Coinbase Derivatives, the CFTC-regulated futures exchange owned by Coinbase.
The new products are now live on the IBKR trading platform, giving eligible clients access to smaller, more capital-efficient crypto futures contracts within a regulated environment. Trading is available nearly 24/7, reflecting the nonstop nature of crypto markets, with only a brief pause on Fridays between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time for scheduled maintenance.
Smaller Contracts, Broader Access
The nano futures are designed to significantly lower the barrier to entry for traders. Each Nano Bitcoin contract represents just 0.01 BTC, while Nano Ether futures represent 0.10 ETH. This structure allows traders to size positions more precisely and manage risk without the higher margin requirements typically associated with standard futures contracts.
In addition to monthly expirations, the contracts also include perpetual-style structures, which are designed to closely track the spot price of the underlying asset. This reduces the need for frequent rollovers and appeals to traders seeking longer-dated exposure.
Interactive Brokers CEO Milan Galik described the launch as a response to rising demand for flexible crypto derivatives.
“By offering nano-sized Bitcoin and Ether futures on a regulated exchange, we are expanding access to these products with smaller contract sizes and lower margin requirements,” Galik said.
According to the firm, the combination of perpetual-style design and nano sizing is intended to attract a wider range of market participants, from active retail traders to institutions testing crypto exposure at smaller scales.
Coinbase Partnership Strengthens Regulated Crypto Push
Coinbase Institutional also emphasized the importance of the collaboration, framing it as part of a broader effort to expand regulated crypto derivatives in the U.S. market.
“These nano sized contracts are designed to lower the barrier to entry and give more investors the ability to engage with digital assets in a secure and regulated environment,” said Greg Tusar, co-CEO of Coinbase Institutional.
The rollout fits into Interactive Brokers’ wider strategy of integrating crypto-related products into its multi-asset platform, which already provides access to more than 170 global markets from a single account. Earlier this year, the brokerage enabled stablecoin funding, allowing clients to deposit USDC and other regulated stablecoins.
Taken together, the addition of stablecoin infrastructure and nano-sized, perpetual-style crypto futures signals a clear shift for IBKR. Long known for equities, options, and traditional futures, the broker is positioning itself as a more comprehensive gateway for regulated digital asset exposure—while remaining mindful that product availability will depend on regional regulatory rules.
