The CME Group, recognized as the largest derivatives marketplace globally, is preparing to introduce futures contracts for Cardano (ADA), Chainlink (LINK), and Stellar (XLM). This significant development is scheduled for February 9, 2026, contingent upon regulatory approval, and is expected to enhance the trading landscape for both retail and institutional investors.
The forthcoming futures will feature both standard and micro contracts, designed to accommodate traders at various levels of experience. Specifically, ADA futures will be available in standard sizes of 100,000 ADA and micro contracts of 10,000 ADA. Similarly, LINK futures will include standard contracts of 5,000 LINK and micro contracts of 250 LINK, while XLM futures will come in standard sizes of 250,000 Lumens and micro contracts of 12,500 Lumens.
Giovanni Vicioso, CME”s Global Head of Cryptocurrency Products, emphasized that these new offerings will provide “greater choice, enhanced flexibility, and more capital-efficient trading options.” The introduction of micro contracts is particularly beneficial for smaller traders, allowing them to enter the regulated crypto market without substantial capital commitment. In contrast, standard contracts are tailored for institutional traders and those seeking larger exposures.
The response from industry leaders has been overwhelmingly positive. Bob Fitzsimmons of Wedbush Securities described this expansion as indicative of a maturing crypto futures market. Martin Franchi, CEO of NinjaTrader, referred to it as a watershed moment that enables traders to access regulated digital assets. Justin Young, CEO of Volatility Shares, highlighted CME”s innovative approach in providing accessible, risk-managed financial products.
The addition of ADA, LINK, and XLM futures complements CME”s existing suite of cryptocurrency derivatives, which already includes Bitcoin, Ether, XRP, and Solana. In 2025, CME recorded an average daily volume of 278,300 contracts, representing a notional value of $12 billion, along with an average open interest of 313,900 contracts, amounting to $26.4 billion. These figures underscore the rapid growth within the crypto derivatives space.
By launching these futures contracts, CME Group is positioning itself as a leader in the evolution of crypto derivatives, offering a regulated avenue for investors to hedge risks, diversify portfolios, and gain exposure to burgeoning altcoin markets. The dual structure of standard and micro contracts reflects CME”s dedication to fostering broader participation while adhering to regulatory standards.
As the February launch date approaches, pending regulatory approval, CME Group stands at the forefront of innovation in the crypto derivatives market, equipping traders with more tools to navigate the expanding landscape of digital assets.
