CME Group Confirms Solana (SOL) Futures Contracts to Launch on March 17

The Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) group has confirmed plans to launch Solana (SOL) futures on March 17, pending regulatory review

The Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) group has confirmed plans to launch Solana (SOL) futures on March 17, pending regulatory review by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).

This development marks a significant step for Solana, positioning it among a select band of cryptocurrencies with futures contracts on the world’s largest derivatives exchange.

The CME Group has announced that market participants will have the option to trade two types of Solana (SOL) futures contracts, Micro-sized contracts representing 25 SOL each, and Larger sized contracts representing 500 SOL each. These contracts are designed to cater to both institutional traders and retail traders in their respective trading preferences.

These contracts will offer flexibility in managing cryptocurrency price risk.

Cash-Settled Futures Based on SOL-Dollar Reference Rate

The new SOL futures will be cash-settled and based on the CME CF Solana-Dollar Reference Rate, a once-daily rate calculated at 4:00 pm London time. This will ensure transparent and reliable pricing for traders.

Expansion on CME’s Crypto Product Suite

The addition of Solana future expands CME group’s cryptocurrency derivatives offerings, which already include Bitcoin and Ether futures. Year-to-date highlights for CME’s crypto products include:

• Its flagship Standard Futures Contracts have seen an impressive volume of over 100 million contracts.

• The introduction of smaller sized futures contracts, specifically Micro Bitcoin and Micro Ethereum, catering to smaller traders.

• Earlier this year, CME also expanded its crypto offerings with the launch of Bitcoin and Ether futures Mini contracts.

Industry Leaders Applauds The Move

Reacting to the launch, industry leaders shared their thoughts.

Teddy Fusaro, President of Bitwise Asset Management, called the launch a “significant milestone,” highlighting CME’s role in institutionalizing crypto markets.

Kyle Samani, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Multicoin Capital, added that these derivatives provide "better ways to manage volatility" for sophisticated investors.

Elad Even-Chen, Group CFO of Plus500, highlighted the benefits for retail traders. He noted that these contracts allow for greater diversification and portfolio management options.

Solana Price Outlook Ahead of Future Launch

At press time, the price of the SOL token stands at $144.86 with a surge of 6.3% in the last 24 hours as per CoinGecko.

Analysts at DigitalCoinPrice predict that the price of the SOL token could reach $158.22 in March 2025.

The launch of SOL futures is expected to increase liquidity and institutional interest in the cryptocurrency.