CME Group Expands Crypto Offering with Micro Bitcoin Futures Launch

CME Group, a leading derivatives marketplace, plans to launch Micro Bitcoin futures contracts on May 3, pending regulatory approval. These contracts will be one-tenth the size of the existing Bitcoin futures, providing traders with greater flexibility and precision in managing their Bitcoin exposure. The move comes amid growing demand for smaller-sized contracts and the increasing popularity of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.

CME Group Expands Cryptocurrency Offerings with Launch of Micro Bitcoin Futures Contract

Chicago, Illinois - CME Group, a global derivatives marketplace, has announced its intention to launch a new Micro Bitcoin futures contract on May 3, pending regulatory approval. This addition to CME's cryptocurrency offerings will provide market participants with a smaller-sized contract that is one-tenth the size of the existing Bitcoin futures contract, which represents five Bitcoin.

The launch of the Micro Bitcoin futures contract responds to growing demand from a diverse range of clients for a more accessible and precise instrument for managing their Bitcoin exposure. Tim McCourt, CME Group's Global Head of Equity Index and Alternative Investment Products, emphasized the significance of the product: "Since the launch of our Bitcoin futures contract in 2017, we have witnessed a sustained increase in liquidity and market participation in our crypto derivatives, particularly among institutional traders. The introduction of Micro Bitcoin futures is a direct response to client requests for smaller-sized contracts and will provide even greater flexibility and precision for participants to trade regulated Bitcoin futures in a transparent and efficient manner at CME Group."

The introduction of CME's Bitcoin futures product in December 2017 coincided with the zenith of a speculative bull market in Bitcoin, which subsequently witnessed a decline in the cryptocurrency's price from approximately $20,000 to under $4,000. Despite this historical correlation, CME remains confident in the long-term potential of digital assets, as evidenced by its recent launch of Ethereum futures. The world's second-largest cryptocurrency is currently nearing a new all-time high above $2,000.

In the year-to-date, CME Bitcoin futures have experienced a daily average trading volume of 13.8K contracts (equivalent to approximately 69,000 Bitcoin). Additionally, CME Ether futures have averaged 767 contracts traded per day (equivalent to 38,800 ETH) since their launch on February 8.

The launch of the Micro Bitcoin futures contract aligns with CME Group's commitment to providing market participants with a comprehensive suite of products and services that meet their evolving needs in the rapidly growing digital asset ecosystem. For the latest news, analysis, and insights on cryptocurrency markets, visit CME Group's dedicated resource page for institutional investors.