CME Group reported record-breaking crypto-trading volumes in the fourth quarter of 2024, which reflects an increase in an increase in institutional and retail interest in regulated digital activities.
The derivative exchange saw an average daily trade volume of approximately $ 10 billion in crypto -futures and options during the last quarter of the year, more than 300% higher than the same period in 2023.
The Momentum was implemented in 2025, where January has established a new monthly record for crypto contract volumes, according to the fourth quarter of the company profit call.
Crypto-derivatives were among the strongest performing segments for CME last year. The CFO of the fair, Lynn Marti, said during the call:
“We continue to see significant growth in digital activation contracts.”
CEO Terry Duffy recognized market demand for extra crypto-related products, but emphasized the importance of working with regulators, in particular the US Securities and Exchange Commission, to guarantee compliance before new assets are mentioned.
In response to the increased question, CME recently announced plans to introduce options on the futures of Micro Bitcoin (BTC), a product that is designed to offer smaller contract sizes and more flexibility for both retail and institutional traders.
Growing competition
Despite his leadership in regulated crypto derivatives, CME is confronted with increasing competition from other platforms that expand their digital assets offer.
Coinbase, which launched a derivative exchange in 2021, has been grip by offering a broader range of crypto -Futures contracts, including those associated with Memecoins. In contrast to CME, who mainly focuses on institutional customers, Coinbase focuses on both institutional and retail traders through its exchange and regulated Futures products.
Robinhood also entered the Crypto derivatives market in January and launched Bitcoin Futures with plans to introduce Ethereum (ETH) Futures later this year. The movement of the platform indicates a broader trend of regular trading agencies that want to conquer part of the growing market for digital assets derivatives.
The increase in Crypto derivatives trade is part of a broader market shift, with Bitcoin Futures open interest that, according to data from Coinglass, surpassed $ 60 billion from 12 February. This increase reflects the growing trust in the sector, because traders use futures and options for department, speculation and portfolio diversification.
Futures contracts, with which traders can lock a price to buy or sell an active at a later time, have long been a preferred instrument for institutional market participants who manage exposure to digital assets.
Option contracts that grant the right – but not the obligation – to buy or sell at a fixed price, have also received a grip as traders look for more advanced hedging and speculation strategies.
