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

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)
$0.12395
$0.12395$0.12395
-4.04%
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 [email protected] 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

Fed forecasts only one rate cut in 2026, a more conservative outlook than expected

Fed forecasts only one rate cut in 2026, a more conservative outlook than expected

The post Fed forecasts only one rate cut in 2026, a more conservative outlook than expected appeared on BitcoinEthereumNews.com. Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell talks to reporters following the regular Federal Open Market Committee meetings at the Fed on July 30, 2025 in Washington, DC. Chip Somodevilla | Getty Images The Federal Reserve is projecting only one rate cut in 2026, fewer than expected, according to its median projection. The central bank’s so-called dot plot, which shows 19 individual members’ expectations anonymously, indicated a median estimate of 3.4% for the federal funds rate at the end of 2026. That compares to a median estimate of 3.6% for the end of this year following two expected cuts on top of Wednesday’s reduction. A single quarter-point reduction next year is significantly more conservative than current market pricing. Traders are currently pricing in at two to three more rate cuts next year, according to the CME Group’s FedWatch tool, updated shortly after the decision. The gauge uses prices on 30-day fed funds futures contracts to determine market-implied odds for rate moves. Here are the Fed’s latest targets from 19 FOMC members, both voters and nonvoters: Zoom In IconArrows pointing outwards The forecasts, however, showed a large difference of opinion with two voting members seeing as many as four cuts. Three officials penciled in three rate reductions next year. “Next year’s dot plot is a mosaic of different perspectives and is an accurate reflection of a confusing economic outlook, muddied by labor supply shifts, data measurement concerns, and government policy upheaval and uncertainty,” said Seema Shah, chief global strategist at Principal Asset Management. The central bank has two policy meetings left for the year, one in October and one in December. Economic projections from the Fed saw slightly faster economic growth in 2026 than was projected in June, while the outlook for inflation was updated modestly higher for next year. There’s a lot of uncertainty…
Share
BitcoinEthereumNews2025/09/18 02:59
Pump.fun CEO to Call Low-Cap Gem to Test New ‘Callouts’ Feature — Is a 100x Incoming?

Pump.fun CEO to Call Low-Cap Gem to Test New ‘Callouts’ Feature — Is a 100x Incoming?

Pump.fun has rolled out a new social feature that is already stirring debate across Solana’s meme coin scene, after founder Alon Cohen said he would personally
Share
CryptoNews2026/01/16 06:26
Iran’s Crypto Use Reaches $7.8 Billion Amid Protests

Iran’s Crypto Use Reaches $7.8 Billion Amid Protests

Iran's crypto usage hit $7.8 billion in 2025, fueled by protests and economic instability, says Chainalysis.
Share
bitcoininfonews2026/01/16 05:51