CME Group to Launch Cardano, Chainlink, and Stellar Futures on February 9, 2026 – Here’s What You Need to Know
- Why Is CME Group Adding Cardano, Chainlink, and Stellar Futures?
- Contract Specifications: Sizes, Tickers, and More
- How Does This Fit Into CME’s Crypto Strategy?
- Silver Joins the Party: 100-Ounce Futures Launching Same Day
- What’s Next for Crypto Derivatives?
- FAQs: CME’s Crypto Futures Expansion
The CME Group, a global derivatives marketplace, is expanding its crypto offerings with futures contracts for Cardano (ADA), chainlink (LINK), and Stellar (XLM) starting February 9, 2026. These regulated products cater to growing institutional demand, alongside a new 100-ounce silver futures contract. With crypto derivatives hitting record volumes in 2025, CME solidifies its position as a leader in institutional-grade crypto trading. Dive into the details below.
Why Is CME Group Adding Cardano, Chainlink, and Stellar Futures?
The CME Group isn’t just dipping its toes into crypto—it’s diving headfirst. On February 9, 2026, the exchange will launch cash-settled futures for Cardano (ADA), Chainlink (LINK), and Stellar (XLM), responding to a 139% surge in crypto derivatives trading volume in 2025. These join CME’s existing suite of Bitcoin, Ether, XRP, and Solana products. Micro and standard contracts will be available, offering flexibility for hedgers and speculators alike. As Giovanni Vicioso, CME’s global head of crypto products, puts it: "Clients want trusted, regulated tools to manage risk in this volatile market."
Contract Specifications: Sizes, Tickers, and More
Here’s the nitty-gritty for traders:
- ADA Futures: 100,000 ADA (standard) / 10,000 ADA (micro)
- LINK Futures: 5,000 LINK (standard) / 250 LINK (micro)
- XLM Futures: 250,000 XLM (standard) / 12,500 XLM (micro)
How Does This Fit Into CME’s Crypto Strategy?
CME’s playbook is clear: capture institutional flows. Since launching Bitcoin futures in 2017, it’s methodically added assets preferred by funds—Ether (2021), then XRP and Solana. The 2025 numbers speak volumes:
- BTC futures open interest often surpassed Binance’s
- Micro products gained traction (301K daily gold contracts)
- Total crypto derivatives volume hit $86 trillion (per CoinGlass)
Silver Joins the Party: 100-Ounce Futures Launching Same Day
In a double play, CME will also debut 100-ounce silver futures on February 9. Settled against COMEX’s benchmark, these target investors diversifying amid geopolitical uncertainty. Jin Hennig, CME’s metals lead, cites "energy transition demand" as a driver. The timing’s savvy—2025 saw micro silver futures average 48,000 daily contracts, while 1-ounce gold futures traded 6 million times since their 2024 launch.
What’s Next for Crypto Derivatives?
CME’s moves signal institutionalization. With regulated venues like BTCC and CME now offering altcoin derivatives, the era of "wild west" crypto trading fades. Key 2025 trends to watch:
- Basel III-compliant banks using CME contracts for balance sheet hedging
- Arbitrage between CME and spot markets (e.g., ADA’s 5% price gap during Binance outages)
- Potential ETF issuers using futures for NAV calculations
FAQs: CME’s Crypto Futures Expansion
When do CME’s ADA, LINK, and XLM futures launch?
February 9, 2026, alongside new 100-ounce silver futures.
What’s the contract size for Micro LINK futures?
250 LINK tokens, versus 5,000 for standard contracts.
How did CME’s crypto derivatives perform in 2025?
Record volumes: 278,300 daily contracts (+139% YoY) worth $12 billion.
Why add silver futures now?
Retail demand surged in 2025 (48K micro silver contracts/day), partly due to energy transition bets.
