CME Exchange to Launch XRP Futures as Crypto Derivatives Demand Surges

CME Group, the world’s leading derivatives marketplace, will launch cash-settled XRP futures contracts on May 19, pending regulatory approval. This move follows the successful introduction of Solana futures in April, highlighting growing institutional demand for crypto-linked derivatives.

The Chicago-based exchange reported record crypto derivatives volumes in Q1 2025, averaging 198,000 contracts daily with $11.3 billion in notional value. market analysts credit this growth to increasing institutional participation and improved regulatory clarity under the current administration.

XRP will become the third cryptocurrency, after Bitcoin and Ethereum, to receive CME’s futures offering. This development signals mainstream acceptance of altcoins and is expected to enhance liquidity and price discovery for XRP through regulated derivatives.