CME Group increases focus on regulated crypto, shifting from Bitcoin to Cardano
CME Group recently announced its plans to expand its footprint in the digital assets space by introducing futures contracts for Cardano, Chainlink, and Stellar. The move comes in response to the increasing demand for regulated cryptocurrency products from institutional and retail investors. These new futures contracts are set to begin trading on February 9, pending regulatory approval, and will complement CME Group’s existing offerings linked to Bitcoin, Ether, XRP, and Solana. This strategic move further solidifies CME Group’s position as a pioneer in bringing regulated crypto products to the market.
Each of the three tokens, Cardano, Chainlink, and Stellar, will be available in standard-sized and micro-sized contracts to cater to a wide range of market participants. Cardano futures will be offered in contracts of 100,000 ADA, along with a micro version of 10,000 ADA. Chainlink contracts will represent 5,000 LINK, with micro contracts of 250 LINK, while Stellar futures will cover 250,000 lumens, with a micro alternative of 12,500 lumens. This dual structure is designed to appeal to an array of investors, from larger hedge funds to smaller asset managers and individual retail traders looking to access these markets.
Giovanni Vicioso, the global head of cryptocurrency products at CME Group, expressed that the launch of these new futures contracts is a response to the exponential growth and increasing complexity of the crypto market. He highlighted that clients seek regulated products to manage price risks in this dynamic market environment. Additionally, the introduction of both micro and larger contracts is expected to provide market participants with enhanced flexibility and capital efficiency.
This recent expansion comes at a time when CME’s existing crypto derivatives business is experiencing record levels of activity. In 2025, the average daily volume across cryptocurrency futures and options hit an all-time high of 278,300 contracts, equivalent to $12 billion in notional value. Furthermore, the average open interest reached a record $26.4 billion, demonstrating the significant role that crypto derivatives play in portfolio construction and risk management. The surge in activity has been primarily driven by futures contracts, with average daily volumes of 272,200 contracts and open interest of $21.4 billion.
Industry experts have welcomed CME Group’s continued efforts to expand its regulated crypto futures offerings as a sign of the market’s maturation. Bob Fitzsimmons from Wedbush Securities sees this move as a testament to the market’s growing appeal to both retail and institutional clients. Retail-focused platforms are also optimistic about the new contracts, viewing them as a catalyst for broader participation in the market. Volatility-focused strategies are expected to benefit from the availability of additional regulated instruments for trading and risk management purposes.
As CME Group deepens its involvement in the crypto space with the launch of Cardano, Chainlink, and Stellar futures, it underscores the significant evolution of the crypto market from its unregulated beginnings to its current regulated state. With digital assets becoming increasingly integrated into mainstream portfolios, CME’s strategic approach reflects a shift towards a more structured and secure crypto market.
