Instead of focusing on a single flagship asset, the derivatives giant is broadening its reach across several major altcoins, responding […] The post CME ExpandsInstead of focusing on a single flagship asset, the derivatives giant is broadening its reach across several major altcoins, responding […] The post CME Expands

CME Expands Crypto Futures With Cardano, Chainlink, and Stellar

2026/01/16 04:10
3 min read

Instead of focusing on a single flagship asset, the derivatives giant is broadening its reach across several major altcoins, responding to a shift in how professional traders want to manage crypto exposure. The result is a new set of futures contracts designed to fit into traditional risk-management strategies, not speculative trading desks.

Key Takeaways

  • CME is expanding regulated crypto futures to cover more major altcoins.
  • Standard and micro contracts are designed to improve flexibility and capital efficiency.
  • Rising institutional demand for hedging and volatility management is driving the move.
  • 24/7 trading aims to bring futures closer in line with always-open crypto markets. 

CME Group plans to introduce futures tied to Cardano, Chainlink, and Stellar in early February, with trading expected to begin on February 9 if regulators give final approval. The contracts will be cash-settled and listed on CME’s regulated platform, allowing exposure without direct ownership of the tokens.

What stands out is not just the choice of assets, but how the products are structured. Alongside standard contracts, CME will offer micro versions that sharply reduce capital requirements. This makes it easier for firms to fine-tune positions, hedge smaller portfolios, or adjust risk incrementally rather than in large jumps.

Why now

The timing reflects a broader change in market behavior. Crypto volatility has become a permanent feature rather than an occasional shock, and that has pushed more institutions toward derivatives as a way to manage exposure. CME has pointed to rising demand from clients who want regulated instruments that behave like familiar futures products, even when the underlying assets trade in fast-moving, always-on markets.

This expansion follows earlier launches tied to other large-cap tokens, reinforcing the idea that institutional interest is no longer limited to Bitcoin and Ethereum alone.

A market that’s growing up

Activity on CME’s crypto complex has surged over the past year, with trading volumes and open interest reaching record levels in 2025. Importantly, the growth has been steady rather than episodic, suggesting longer-term positioning instead of short-lived speculation.

READ MORE:

BitMine Makes $200M Bet on MrBeast Company

Many in the industry see regulated futures as a bridge between traditional finance and digital assets, providing price discovery, hedging tools, and transparency that spot markets often lack.

Always open, like crypto itself

The new altcoin contracts also fit into CME’s broader push toward continuous crypto trading. By moving toward 24/7 availability, the exchange aims to align futures more closely with spot markets that never close.

That alignment matters for risk management. Round-the-clock trading reduces gaps between futures and spot prices, allows hedging outside traditional market hours, and gives global participants equal access regardless of time zone or weekend schedules.

In practical terms, CME isn’t just adding more crypto products. It’s building a derivatives framework that treats digital assets less like an experiment and more like a permanent asset class within institutional portfolios.


The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or trading advice. Coindoo.com does not endorse or recommend any specific investment strategy or cryptocurrency. Always conduct your own research and consult with a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

The post CME Expands Crypto Futures With Cardano, Chainlink, and Stellar appeared first on Coindoo.

Market Opportunity
Major Logo
Major Price(MAJOR)
$0.08478
$0.08478$0.08478
-3.04%
USD
Major (MAJOR) Live Price Chart
Disclaimer: The articles reposted on this site are sourced from public platforms and are provided for informational purposes only. They do not necessarily reflect the views of MEXC. All rights remain with the original authors. If you believe any content infringes on third-party rights, please contact service@support.mexc.com for removal. MEXC makes no guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the content and is not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided. The content does not constitute financial, legal, or other professional advice, nor should it be considered a recommendation or endorsement by MEXC.

You May Also Like

Trump MAGA statue has strange crypto backstory

Trump MAGA statue has strange crypto backstory

The post Trump MAGA statue has strange crypto backstory appeared on BitcoinEthereumNews.com. A 15-foot-tall statue of former President Donald Trump, cast in bronze
Share
BitcoinEthereumNews2026/02/04 08:22
ABC Also Pulled Jimmy Kimmel’s Predecessor After Controversial Comments

ABC Also Pulled Jimmy Kimmel’s Predecessor After Controversial Comments

The post ABC Also Pulled Jimmy Kimmel’s Predecessor After Controversial Comments appeared on BitcoinEthereumNews.com. Jimmy Kimmel (Photo by Media Access Awards Presented By Easterseals/Getty Images for Easterseals) Getty Images for Easterseals The shock decision by ABC to pull Jimmy Kimmel Live! “indefinitely” after the late-night host’s remarks about the killing of Charlie Kirk has created a rare moment in modern TV media: A major show abruptly taken off the air, with its network forced into crisis-management mode. Rare, that is, but not unprecedented. What might go unnoticed by many people reacting to the news about Kimmel and his potential cancellation is that this is not the first time ABC has made such a move. In fact, a version of the same thing happened to Kimmel’s predecessor program — Bill Maher’s Politically Incorrect, which once had Kimmel’s slot and which ABC cancelled in the wake of a firestorm around comments Maher made in the immediate aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks. (Notice, by the way, that I said cancelled “in the wake of” and not “because of.” More on that in a moment.) Here’s what happened: Less than a week after 9/11, Maher and a panel were talking about then-President George W. Bush’s use of the word “cowards” to describe the hijackers. “We have been the cowards,” Maher interjected, referencing the practice of “lobbing cruise missiles from 2,000 miles away. That’s cowardly.” But Maher then went even farther over the line: Actually staying in an airplane as it hits a building? “Not cowardly.” You can read more about the ensuing uproar in this ABC news story from 2001, which includes a statement that Maher issued through his publicist: “In no way was I intending to say, nor have I ever thought, that the men and women who defend our nation in uniform are anything but courageous and valiant, and I offer my apologies to…
Share
BitcoinEthereumNews2025/09/18 11:02
The real-life inspiration for the protagonist of "The Big Short": Bitcoin crash may trigger a $1 billion gold and silver sell-off.

The real-life inspiration for the protagonist of "The Big Short": Bitcoin crash may trigger a $1 billion gold and silver sell-off.

PANews reported on February 4th that, according to CoinDesk, Michael Burry, the real-life inspiration for the character in "The Big Short" (and an investor who
Share
PANews2026/02/04 08:22