CME Group expands its crypto offerings with Bitcoin Friday options, featuring daily expiries and smaller contract sizes to improve capital efficiency for traders.
CME Group, the global leader in derivatives trading, has announced a significant addition to its cryptocurrency offerings. Subject to regulatory approval, the company will launch options on Bitcoin Friday futures starting February 24. This marks another milestone in CME Group’s growing involvement in the digital asset space.
The new contracts will be financially settled, providing traders with more precise risk management tools. Expiry dates will be available every weekday, Monday through Friday, making them the first CME cryptocurrency options with such flexibility. Market participants now have more control over their short-term Bitcoin exposure.
Giovanni Vicioso, Global Head of Cryptocurrency Products at CME Group, emphasized the initiative’s strategic benefits. He highlighted the advantages of smaller contract sizes and daily expires in optimizing capital efficiency, reinforcing the firm’s commitment to innovation in cryptocurrency markets.
“We are pleased to offer these new options that provide traders with even greater precision to manage short-term bitcoin price risk. Building on the success of our Bitcoin Friday futures, the smaller size of these contracts, along with daily expiries, offer market participants a capital-efficient toolset to effectively adjust their bitcoin exposure,” said Giovanni Vicioso.
More Strategic Choices for Investors
Bitcoin Friday options will complement CME Group’s existing suite of cryptocurrency products. These include physically-settled Bitcoin and Ether options, as well as Micro Bitcoin and Micro Ether futures. The latest addition is expected to provide more strategic choices for institutional investors looking to manage risk in an increasingly volatile market.
“Given the increasing density of tradable catalysts in crypto, CME Group’s new option suite on Bitcoin Friday futures provides the granularity that market participants need for hedging and expressing nuanced views on Bitcoin,” said Joshua Lim, Global Co-head of Markets at FalconX.
This expansion is not just about giving traders more tools, but also about meeting the growing demand for sophisticated cryptocurrency derivatives. The introduction of daily expiries will allow investors to fine-tune their exposure and respond quickly to market movements.
Over 775,000 Contracts Exchanged Since Launch
Bitcoin Friday futures have gained strong momentum since CME Group introduced them on September 29. Traders have exchanged over 775,000 contracts, reflecting robust demand. Daily volume has averaged 9,700 contracts, reinforcing the product’s significance in cryptocurrency derivatives.
A notable 44% of contracts have been executed outside US trading hours, signaling strong international participation. Global engagement strengthens CME Group’s influence in cryptocurrency markets. The firm’s ability to attract liquidity across time zones underscores rising institutional adoption of digital asset derivatives.
Jason Urban, Global Head of Trading at Galaxy, views the new options as a strategic market addition. As a key liquidity provider in digital asset derivatives, he considers CME Group’s move well-timed and essential. He emphasized that the contracts offer traders a cost-efficient tool for managing risk and responding to Bitcoin’s price fluctuations.
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