The crypto derivatives landscape is set for another major expansion. Leading derivatives marketplace CME Group revealed intentions to introduce futures contracts for XRP, targeting a launch date of May 19, 2025. This strategic move is currently pending final regulatory green lights.
These planned XRP futures aim to cater to a diverse range of investors. The offering will include micro contracts representing 2,500 XRP and larger contracts sized at 50,000 XRP, providing flexible exposure to the digital asset.
CME Group’s venture into XRP follows its recent rollouts of SOL futures and established markets for Bitcoin and Ethereum derivatives. This progression underscores the exchange’s growing commitment to the cryptocurrency sector, further bridging traditional finance with digital assets. Compare top crypto exchanges to see how CME fits in.
Industry experts note rising institutional and retail demand for regulated XRP products. Giovanni Vicioso, CME’s Global Head of Cryptocurrency Products, highlighted this growing interest, stating the new futures provide “a capital-efficient toolset to support clients’ investment and hedging strategies.” This comes amid ongoing discussions about XRP’s regulatory status and future potential [What’s next for XRP?].
Settlement for the XRP futures will be based on the CME CF XRP-Dollar Reference Rate, a daily calculated index settling at 4:00 p.m. London time. The contracts will be cash-settled, aligning with CME’s existing crypto derivative products.
Popular investment platform Robinhood is also preparing to list these new CME XRP futures. JB Mackenzie, VP and GM at Robinhood, emphasized the move aligns with their goal of broadening retail investor access to futures trading, complementing their spot crypto offerings.
Robinhood intends to significantly expand its futures market, aiming to support over 40 different products in the near future, indicating strong retail appetite for diverse trading instruments.