Q1 2026 TradFi-Perps Hit $8.6 Billion in Daily Volume, Binance Research Finds

Average daily trading volume for perpetual futures linked to traditional financial assets (known as TradFi-perps) rose from approximately US$3 billion in January 2026 to US$8.6 billion in March 2026, according to a new report from Binance Research titled “The Rise of TradFi-Perps”.

TradFi-perps are perpetual futures that provide exposure to traditional financial assets such as equities, commodities, and indices. Unlike traditional futures, they trade 24/7, do not expire, and offer more flexible access to underlying markets.

Notably, average daily trading volume rose from approximately $3 billion in January 2026 to $8.6 billion in March 2026, representing a 188% increase in Q1 2026. Aggregated monthly volume also climbed from $8 billion in November 2025 to $256 billion in March 2026.

These figures reflect the rising demand for always-on access to traditional asset exposure through crypto infrastructure.

Centralized Exchanges Dominate, Binance Leads

Centralized exchanges currently dominate TradFi-perps activity, accounting for roughly 70% of total volume compared with around 30% for decentralized exchanges. Binance holds an estimated 41% of historical TradFi-perps trading volume, according to the report.

A survey of over 2,000 Indian investors conducted by Binance found that 85% are open to investing in TradFi-perps, with 54% expressing clear intent and a further 31% willing to explore the products with more education.

Binance CEO Richard Teng noted on LinkedIn that the platform’s gold trading volume has already reached the scale of major national commodities venues. 

At peak, he said, it was “roughly twice that of the Dubai Gold & Commodities Exchange (DGCX) and the Multi Commodity Exchange of India (MCX), and approximately four times that of the Tokyo Commodity Exchange (TOCOM).”

Weekend Trading Gains Traction

Weekend activity has emerged as one of the clearest distinctions between TradFi-perps and legacy market structure. 

Average weekend trading volume increased by approximately 300% from January to March. Over the past four weeks, weekend volume reached an average of 38% of weekday volume. Over the weekend of February 28 to March 1, trading volume surged to $8.1 billion, equivalent to 116% of the previous average weekday volume.

The report also notes that TradFi-perps could carry broader implications for portfolio construction. Early analysis suggests potential benefits in diversification and risk-adjusted returns for both crypto-native and traditional investors.

“TradFi-perps are beginning to establish themselves as a new venue for accessing traditional financial markets through crypto rails,” said SB Seker, Head of APAC at Binance. 

“Their growth reflects the structural advantages of perpetual contracts, including 24/7 availability, no expiry, flexible sizing, and reduced rollover friction,” Seker added.

The full report, “The Rise of TradFi-Perps,” is available on the Binance Research website.