- CME’s new crypto index futures track eight major digital assets, including Bitcoin, Ether, Solana, XRP, and Cardano.
- Contracts are cash-settled against the Nasdaq CME Crypto Settlement Price Index, avoiding physical crypto delivery.
- The product provides investors with a regulated tool for diversified crypto exposure, hedging, and risk management.
CME Group has launched Nasdaq CME Crypto Index Futures, adding a new crypto derivatives product tied to a broad digital asset benchmark. Trading is now underway, with contracts settling against the Nasdaq CME Crypto Settlement Price Index. According to CME Group, the index tracked eight cryptocurrencies by market capitalization and trading activity as of June 9, 2026, giving market participants exposure through a single futures contract.
Index Tracks Eight Major Cryptocurrencies
The new futures contracts settle financially to the Nasdaq CME Crypto Settlement Price Index rather than through physical delivery. According to CME Group, the benchmark measures the performance of the largest and most actively traded cryptocurrencies.
As of June 9, 2026, the index included Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ether, Solana, XRP, Cardano, Chainlink, and Stellar Lumens. Consequently, the benchmark covers multiple segments of the digital asset market within one index.
The launch expands CME Group’s cryptocurrency derivatives lineup. Moreover, it introduces a product linked to a broader basket of crypto assets instead of a single token.
CME And Nasdaq Outline Product Structure
As trading began, CME Group executives detailed the purpose of the new contracts. Giovanni Vicioso, Global Head of Cryptocurrency Products at CME Group, said the futures provide access to diversified cryptocurrency exposure through a regulated marketplace.
He also stated that investors continue seeking tools to manage risk during volatile market conditions. Additionally, he said the contracts offer a way to hedge risk or pursue broader crypto market exposure.
Meanwhile, Sean Wasserman, Head of Index Product Management at Nasdaq, addressed the benchmark behind the contracts. According to Wasserman, investor participation in digital assets has increased alongside demand for transparent and governed benchmarks.
Hashdex Highlights Index-Based Approach
The launch also drew comments from asset management firm Hashdex. Mick McLaughlin, U.S. Chief Executive Officer and Head of Global Distribution at Hashdex Asset Management, described the futures debut as another development connecting digital assets with traditional market infrastructure.
McLaughlin noted that Hashdex has focused on providing institutional-quality access to digital assets since 2018. He added that the new futures contracts support portfolio management and hedging through a regulated, index-based framework.
The Nasdaq CME Crypto Settlement Price Index remains the reference benchmark for the contracts as trading continues on CME Group’s marketplace.
