CME Group to Launch Solana and XRP Options on October 13: Major Crypto Derivatives Expansion

Wall Street's derivatives giant just opened two new crypto frontiers—and the timing couldn't be more strategic.

CME Group, the world's largest financial derivatives exchange, is rolling out options trading for Solana and XRP starting October 13. This marks the first time institutional investors can access regulated options contracts for these altcoins through traditional market infrastructure.

The move signals growing mainstream acceptance of alternative cryptocurrencies beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum. Solana's high-speed blockchain and XRP's cross-border payment focus now get the institutional seal of approval—complete with all the leverage and hedging strategies Wall Street loves.

Traders can now bet on—or against—these assets with the same sophisticated instruments they use for commodities and indices. Because nothing says 'mature asset class' like letting hedge funds amplify their gains and losses with options contracts.

Another step toward crypto's financialization—where even volatility gets packaged and sold to the highest bidder.

XRP and SOL options to tap both institutions and active traders

Crypto options are one of the indicators of market attitudes, with XRP and SOL receiving a new way to gauge sentiment. The contracts will be supported by the Cumberland team. 

‘As one of the biggest liquidity providers in the ecosystem, the Cumberland team is excited to support CME Group’s continued expansion of crypto offerings,’ said Roman Makarov, Head of Cumberland Options Trading at DRW.

‘The launch of options on Solana and XRP futures is the latest example of the move beyond the staples of Bitcoin and ether and demonstrates continued demand from the market to have exposure to a broader set of products.’

FalconX, another leading crypto prime brokerage, will also assist in market efficiency and liquidity. According to FalconX, the emergence of treasuries and ETFs has increased the need for hedging tools through options positions. XRP and SOL are among the most probable assets to add new ETFs in the coming months, and SOL has started growing its list of treasury companies. 

CME to offer trading at settlement (TAS) mechanism

The SOL and XRP futures markets will offer another regulated feature, offering more predictable orders. CME announced plans to launch trading at settlement (TAS) mechanisms, which will allow traders to place orders at the day’s settlement price. 

CME futures settle daily at 4 A.M. Eastern time, offering a predictable hour to fulfill orders. TAS mechanisms allow the purchase of assets at a more predictable price, avoiding time constraints and daily fluctuations. Crypto trading has stronger and weaker periods, but TAS orders will allow traders to track the underlying asset indexes, which take into account the settlement price.

KEY Difference Wire helps crypto brands break through and dominate headlines fast