CME Group to Launch Cardano, Chainlink, Stellar Futures

CME Group is expanding its crypto derivatives suite with the launch of futures tied to Cardano (ADA), Chainlink (LINK), and Stellar (Lumens). The contracts are set to debut on February 9, pending regulatory approval, and will include both standard and micro‑sized versions.

The new lineup offers ADA futures at 100,000 ADA and micro contracts at 10,000 ADA. LINK futures will trade in 5,000 LINK blocks, with micro contracts at 250 LINK. Stellar futures will be available in 250,000 Lumens contracts, alongside micro contracts sized at 12,500 Lumens.

Giovanni Vicioso, CME Group’s Global Head of Cryptocurrency Products, said the expansion reflects client demand for regulated tools to manage price risk and gain exposure to crypto markets. “With these new micro‑ and larger‑size contracts, market participants will now have greater choice with enhanced flexibility and more capital‑efficiencies,” he noted.

Industry Reaction and Market Context

Executives across the trading industry welcomed the move. Bob Fitzsimmons of Wedbush Securities called it a sign of the maturing crypto futures market. Martin Franchi, CEO of NinjaTrader, described the launch as a “watershed moment” for retail investors seeking accessible on‑ramps. Justin Young of Volatility Shares added that CME continues to set the standard for regulated crypto products.

Cardano, Chainlink, and Stellar futures will join CME’s existing suite, which already includes Bitcoin, Ether, XRP, and Solana. In 2025, CME reported record average daily volume of 278,300 contracts, representing $12 billion notional, and record open interest of 313,900 contracts worth $26.4 billion.

The expansion underscores CME’s role as the leading derivatives marketplace, offering benchmark products across asset classes while positioning crypto alongside traditional markets.