CME launches crypto index futures for 8 tokens

CME Group has launched Nasdaq CME Crypto Index futures, giving investors a regulated way to trade and hedge exposure to a diversified basket of leading digital assets.

The cash-settled contracts, which began trading on June 9, settle against the Nasdaq CME Crypto Settlement Price Index, a benchmark tracking eight major cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Ether, Solana, XRP, Cardano, Chainlink, Stellar and Bitcoin Cash.

“In today’s volatile markets, investors are increasingly seeking diversified exposure to the cryptocurrency ecosystem while retaining the capital efficiencies and transparency of a regulated futures marketplace,”

Said CME Group Global Head of Cryptocurrency Products, Giovanni Vicioso.

The new futures product allows traders to gain broad crypto market exposure without directly holding the underlying digital assets and expands CME’s existing lineup beyond single-asset Bitcoin and Ether futures.

Nasdaq Head of Index Product Management Sean Wasserman said demand is growing for crypto benchmarks built with the same governance standards and transparency commonly found in traditional financial markets.

Hashdex US CEO and Head of Global Distribution Mick McLaughlin said the launch highlights the increasing integration of digital assets with traditional financial infrastructure and could help investors manage crypto portfolios through regulated index-based products.

The launch reflects growing institutional demand for diversified crypto investment tools as investors seek broader market exposure while remaining within regulated trading venues, further strengthening CME’s role as a bridge between traditional finance and digital asset markets.

At the time of reporting, Bitcoin price was $61,466.35.