CME Group to Launch Cardano, Chainlink, and Stellar Futures Contracts on February 9, 2026

• What’s New in CME’s Crypto Derivatives Lineup?
• Why Is CME Expanding Its Crypto Offerings Now?
• How Do These Launches Fit into CME’s Strategy?
• What About the 100-Oz Silver Futures Launch?
• Will These Products Shake Up the Market?
• FAQs: CME’s 2026 Crypto and Silver Futures

The CME Group, a global derivatives exchange powerhouse, is set to expand its crypto offerings with micro and standard futures contracts for Cardano (ADA), chainlink (LINK), and Stellar (XLM) on February 9, 2026. This move follows a record-breaking 139% surge in crypto derivatives trading volume in 2025, as institutional demand for regulated exposure intensifies. Alongside, CME will debut 100-oz silver futures, catering to retail investors hedging against geopolitical and energy market volatility. Here’s why these launches matter.

What’s New in CME’s Crypto Derivatives Lineup?

The CME Group is doubling down on crypto with ADA, LINK, and XLM futures, offering both micro and standard contracts to suit different risk appetites. For ADA, traders can choose between contracts covering 100,000 tokens (standard) or 10,000 tokens (micro). LINK futures will track 5,000 tokens (standard) or 250 tokens (micro), while XLM contracts will handle 250,000 Lumens (standard) or 12,500 Lumens (micro). All products are cash-settled and regulated by the U.S. CFTC, ensuring institutional-grade reliability.

Why Is CME Expanding Its Crypto Offerings Now?

2025 was a watershed year for CME’s crypto division. Daily trading volume for crypto futures and options hit 278,300 contracts (avg.), a 139% YoY jump, with open interest peaking at 313,900 contracts—equivalent to $26.4 billion notional value. Bitcoin futures dominated, but Ethereum, XRP, and Solana products also gained traction. According to CoinGlass, the global crypto derivatives market hit $86 trillion in 2025, with CME outpacing Binance in BTC futures open interest as institutions flocked to regulated platforms.

How Do These Launches Fit into CME’s Strategy?

Giovanni Vicioso, CME’s Global Head of Cryptocurrency Products, emphasized demand for “trusted, regulated tools” amid crypto’s volatility. The new contracts let traders hedge price risks or gain exposure without holding underlying assets—a win for compliance-conscious funds. Notably, CME’s 2025 micro gold and silver futures saw record volumes (301K and 48K contracts daily, respectively), signaling retail interest in fractionalized commodities.

What About the 100-Oz Silver Futures Launch?

Scheduled for the same day, CME’s 100-oz silver futures (cash-settled via COMEX) target retail investors diversifying amid geopolitical uncertainty. Jin Hennig, CME’s Metals Lead, noted silver’s appeal during energy transitions. The exchange’s 1-oz gold futures traded 6M+ contracts in 2025, proving small-scale metals products have legs.

Will These Products Shake Up the Market?

Likely. CME’s entry often legitimizes assets for traditional finance. ADA, LINK, and XLM now join bitcoin and Ether in the “institutional club,” potentially boosting liquidity. For context, after CME listed Bitcoin futures in 2017, BTC’s price rallied 1,900% in 12 months. History doesn’t repeat, but it rhymes—especially when a $26T derivatives giant leans in.

FAQs: CME’s 2026 Crypto and Silver Futures

When do CME’s ADA, LINK, and XLM futures launch?

All three crypto futures contracts go live on February 9, 2026.

What’s the contract size for Micro LINK futures?

Each Micro LINK futures contract covers 250 LINK tokens.

Are CME’s silver futures physically delivered?

No, the 100-oz silver futures are cash-settled based on COMEX’s benchmark price.