CME Group Recognizes “Altcoins” in Institutional Crypto

CME Group, a reputable derivatives marketplace, is venturing further into the realm of digital assets by expanding its regulated crypto derivatives suite to include futures contracts tied to three major altcoins. This strategic move is poised to open up new opportunities for institutional and retail investors looking for compliant exposure to the digital asset market.

In a bid to solidify its standing as the primary institutional gateway for crypto risk management, CME Group aims to introduce new futures contracts linked to Cardano (ADA), Chainlink (LINK), and Stellar (XLM) starting on February 9, 2026, subject to regulatory approval. By accommodating these additional altcoins within its derivatives offerings, CME Group is responding to the growing demand for regulated exposure beyond established cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum.

The decision to expand the derivatives suite comes in the wake of CME Group’s record-breaking performance in 2025, where it reported a remarkable global average daily volume (ADV) of 28.1 million contracts, marking a 6% year-over-year increase. This uptick in trading activity was fueled by a diverse range of asset classes, with crypto derivatives playing a pivotal role in driving the firm’s overall momentum. The spike in demand for regulated crypto risk management tools underscores the increasing relevance of digital assets in the wider financial landscape.

Ever since venturing into the cryptocurrency space by launching Bitcoin futures in December 2017, followed by Ethereum futures, CME Group has been steadfast in cultivating the most widely utilized regulated crypto derivatives ecosystem in traditional finance. By offering asset managers, trading desks, and corporate treasuries a trusted platform to hedge and gain exposure within established regulatory frameworks, CME Group has emerged as a beacon of stability in the volatile world of digital assets.

In 2025, CME reported an impressive 139% year-over-year surge in cryptocurrency ADV, reaching a new pinnacle of 278,000 contracts traded daily, equating to approximately $12 billion in notional value transacted each day. This astronomical growth was underpinned by the growing interest in Ether-related products and the rising popularity of micro-sized contracts, both of which contributed significantly to the overall success of the firm’s crypto derivatives offerings.

With the forthcoming addition of Cardano, Chainlink, and Stellar futures to its derivatives suite, CME Group is poised to strengthen its foothold as a leading player in the institutional crypto landscape. By catering to the evolving needs of market participants and acknowledging the increasing diversity of digital assets, CME Group is setting a new standard for regulated exposure to the burgeoning crypto market.