CME Group’s March Surprise As Euro Micro Bitcoin & Ether Futures Launch

CHICAGO, IL February 27, 2024 – CME Group, the world’s leading derivatives marketplace, announced plans to expand its cryptocurrency offerings with the launch of Micro Bitcoin Euro and Micro Ether Euro futures on March 18, pending regulatory approval, a press release said.¹

The new contracts, designed to meet the growing demand for risk management tools in the crypto market, will be denominated in euros and represent one-tenth of the underlying Bitcoin and Ether, respectively.

This launch caters to the significant European interest in crypto derivatives, with 24% of Bitcoin and Ether futures volume at CME Group already originating from the EMEA region.

“Global investors have sought more precise tools to manage their risk as interest for bitcoin and ether grows,” said Giovanni Vicioso, Global Head of Cryptocurrency Products at CME Group, in the media release.

“The launch of these new products will provide clients with additional options to hedge their exposure and participate in the crypto market.”

CME Group highlights the consistent liquidity and growing volume across its existing cryptocurrency products, with January marking a record month for average daily volume. The new euro-denominated microfutures are expected to further enhance accessibility and utility for European investors, building upon the existing suite of crypto derivatives offered by CME Group.

This expansion underscores the growing institutional adoption of cryptocurrency and the increasing demand for sophisticated financial instruments to manage exposure and participate in this evolving asset class.

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