The CME Group, Chicago-based derivatives powerhouse, plans to launch digital asset futures based on Cardano (ADA), Chainlink (LINK), and Stellar (XLM), pending regulatory approval. The products are set to list on February 9 and will be available in both standard and micro contract sizes via the CME Globex platform. Each ADA contract will consist of 100,000 ADA for a standard contract and 10,000 ADA for a micro contract. LINK futures will come in standard units of 5,000 LINK and micro units of 250 LINK, while XLM futures will be set at 250,000 XLM for standard contracts and 12,500 XLM for micro sizes.
CME Group’s Global Head of Digital Asset Products, Giovanni Vicioso, said demand for regulated derivatives is rising as crypto markets expand. He added that offering both micro and large contracts will allow market participants to manage price volatility more flexibly and with greater capital efficiency. Industry watchers welcomed the move; Wedbush Securities’ Bob Fitzsimmons noted the ongoing expansion of regulated digital asset futures.
NinjaTrader’s Martin Franchi called the development a meaningful step for futures traders seeking crypto exposure. The new products will join CME’s existing lineup of digital asset futures and options, which already includes bets on Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP and Solana. CME Group reported last year that the digital asset futures and options market posted record average daily volume and open interest.
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