CME Group announced plans to expand its cryptocurrency derivatives offering on August 29, pending regulatory approval, with the launch of Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ET) futures.
CME Group, Bitcoin and Ethereum Futures
The world’s leading derivatives market, CME Group, will launch Euro-paired Bitcoin and Ethereum futures on August 29. The contract size for Bitcoin futures will be 5 BTC, while the Ethereum contract will be 50 ETH.
Both contracts will be paid in cash based on the CME CF Bitcoin-Euro reference rate and the CME CF Ether-Euro reference rate. The launch of euro-denominated Bitcoin and Ethereum futures contracts could accelerate the continued institutionalization of the crypto market, as the euro, the common currency of 19 of the 27 member states of the European Union, is the second most sought-after currency in Europe.
Tim McCourt, Head of Global Equities and FX Products at CME Group, said:
“Our Bitcoin Euro and Ethereum Euro futures contracts will provide clients with more precise tools to trade and hedge exposure to the two largest cryptocurrencies by market cap.”
