Institutional investors are increasingly turning to CME Group’s regulated crypto derivatives markets, setting multiple records across futures and options tied to major cryptocurrencies like ether (ETH), solana (SOL), and XRP. According to CME, open interest across its crypto futures and options has surged 27% since October 10, as traders shift from offshore platforms following recent liquidations.
On Tuesday, open interest in CME’s ether futures reached a record 48,600 contracts, while solana and XRP futures hit all-time highs of 20,700 and 10,100 contracts, respectively. Meanwhile, crypto options open interest climbed to an unprecedented $9 billion, highlighting the growing appeal of CME’s regulated products for both hedging and speculation. CME’s Micro Ether futures also ranked second in trading volume, reflecting a broader market shift toward compliant trading environments.
A CME spokesperson emphasized that “the top 10 open interest days all occurred in October,” showcasing robust confidence and expanding participation from professional traders. This surge follows CME’s strong third-quarter performance, where combined crypto futures and options volume exceeded $900 billion and average daily open interest hit $31.3 billion. In September, notional open interest peaked at $39 billion, with over 1,000 large holders active—an indication of widening institutional engagement.
The expansion extends beyond bitcoin and ether. Since launching earlier this year, CME’s solana and XRP futures have gained remarkable traction. By September, solana futures recorded $2.1 billion in open interest, while XRP reached $1.4 billion.
This growing momentum underscores the increasing preference for transparent, regulated derivatives markets as institutional players deepen their exposure to the digital asset sector. With record participation and liquidity, CME Group continues to solidify its position as a leading hub for institutional crypto trading.
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