TL;DR
- CME expands regulated crypto futures with XRP and SOL contracts.
- New products integrate with existing equity index futures lineup.
- Contracts offer operational flexibility and longer-term spot exposure.
CME Group, the world’s largest derivatives marketplace, launches Spot-Quoted futures for XRP and SOL, extending its regulated crypto product suite. The exchange already offers the same contract format for Bitcoin and Ethereum, and now adds two additional digital assets under spot-based pricing with longer-dated expiries.
The new contracts integrate into a broader lineup that also covers the four main U.S. equity indices: S&P 500, Nasdaq-100, Russell 2000, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average. By using extended maturities, the structure removes the operational burden of frequent position rolls, allowing traders to hold exposure for longer periods under spot-referenced terms.
Giovanni Vicioso, Global Head of Cryptocurrency Products at CME Group, states that demand for existing Spot-Quoted crypto futures remains strong. Since the June launch, Spot-Quoted Bitcoin and ETH futures surpass 1.3 million contracts traded, supporting the decision to add XRP and SOL. Vicioso explains that the reduced contract size improves pricing accuracy and lowers barriers for market participants, while pricing in familiar spot terms simplifies execution.
“We’ve seen strong demand for our current Spot-Quoted Bitcoin and Eth futures, with more than 1.3 million contracts traded since launched in June, and we are pleased to add XRP and SOL to our offering,” said Giovanni Vicioso
Spot-Quoted futures offer operational flexibility
Traders can maintain exposure aligned with a longer-term market view or enter and exit positions more efficiently, without repeated adjustments tied to short-dated expiries. The format suits both active trading and position management within regulated markets.
Trading activity in Spot-Quoted Bitcoin and Ethereum futures continues to rise. Since launch, average daily volume reaches 11,300 contracts. During the fourth quarter, the figure increases to 18,400 contracts, and December records an average of 35,300 contracts per day.
Activity peaks on November 24, when 60,700 combined Spot-Quoted Bitcoin and Ethereum futures contracts trade in a single session. With the addition of XRP and SOL, CME Group strengthens its regulated crypto derivatives lineup, emphasizing price clarity, extended exposure, and operational efficiency for a broad range of market participants.
