TLDR
- CME Group will introduce options on Solana and XRP futures starting October 13.
- This expansion marks the first time CME offers options beyond Bitcoin and Ether futures.
- Over 540,000 Solana futures contracts have been traded, with a total notional value of $22.3 billion.
- XRP futures have also seen strong growth, with more than 370,000 contracts traded and a record open interest of $942 million.
- Giovanni Vicioso, CME’s global head of cryptocurrency products, highlights increasing liquidity and market demand for crypto derivatives.
The CME Group will expand its crypto offerings by introducing options on Solana and XRP futures starting October 13. This marks the first time the CME extends its options offering beyond Bitcoin and Ether futures. The new contracts will cover both standard and micro-sized futures, with varying expiry dates.
CME Group Adds Options on XRP Futures
The CME Group’s decision to add XRP futures options follows strong growth in the market. Since launching in May, XRP futures have gained significant traction. Over 370,000 XRP futures contracts, valued at $16.2 billion, have been traded.
XRP futures have reached a milestone with record open interest of $942 million in August. Giovanni Vicioso, CME’s global head of cryptocurrency products, highlighted the growing demand for regulated crypto derivatives.
“The increasing liquidity and interest in crypto futures demonstrate the market’s evolution,” Vicioso said.
The CME’s move to introduce options on XRP futures is a response to market dynamics. Traditional exchanges and fintech companies are meeting the rising demand for regulated crypto derivatives. Vicioso expects these new options to appeal to both institutions and individual traders alike.
CME to Launch Solana Options Amid Growth
Since launching in March, Solana (SOL) futures have seen remarkable activity. More than 540,000 SOL futures contracts, with a notional value of $22.3 billion, have been traded. August saw a record of 9,000 contracts traded per day, demonstrating the growing interest in Solana futures.
The CME Group’s introduction of options on Solana futures builds on this success. The demand for these contracts is driven by the increasing interest in Solana’s blockchain and its growing user base.
“The expansion into Solana options shows the continued growth of the crypto derivatives market,” Vicioso noted.
The CME’s move aligns with broader trends in the crypto space, where regulated derivative products are becoming more popular. The surge in interest for Solana futures and the planned launch of options will provide traders with more opportunities to hedge or speculate on Solana’s price movements.
