CME Group Launches Cardano Chainlink And Stellar Futures Contracts

TLDR

• Cardano futures are available in 100,000 ADA and 10,000 ADA contract sizes.
• Chainlink futures include 5,000 LINK and 250 LINK size options.
• Stellar contracts offer 250,000 and 12,500 Lumen versions for traders.
• CME’s 2025 crypto derivatives daily volume averaged 278,300 contracts.

CME Group has launched new futures contracts for Cardano (ADA), Chainlink (LINK), and Stellar (XLM), expanding its range of crypto derivatives. These products aim to meet increasing demand for regulated digital asset instruments from both institutional and retail traders.

Expansion of CME’s Crypto Derivatives Offering

CME Group has introduced futures contracts for three additional digital assets: Cardano (ADA), Chainlink (LINK), and Stellar (XLM). The products are now available for trading, offering both standard and micro-sized options for market participants.

The Chicago-based exchange had earlier announced plans to roll out these new futures in January 2026. The launch follows regulatory approval and expands CME’s crypto offerings beyond Bitcoin, Ether, XRP, and Solana.

According to CME Group, the move supports growing interest from institutions and individual traders who seek regulated exposure to more digital assets. The launch also provides a wider set of tools for hedging and price discovery in the crypto market.

Contract Specifications and Flexibility for Traders

Each of the newly introduced futures contracts is available in two sizes. For Cardano, the standard contract is sized at 100,000 ADA, and the micro version at 10,000 ADA. Chainlink contracts are offered in 5,000 LINK and 250 LINK sizes.

For Stellar, the large contract represents 250,000 Lumens, while the smaller micro version stands at 12,500 Lumens. These size options aim to provide flexible access for both institutional investors and retail traders.

Giovanni Vicioso, CME Group’s Global Head of Cryptocurrency Products, stated, “With these new micro- and larger-size Cardano, Chainlink and Stellar futures contracts, market participants will now have greater choice with enhanced flexibility and more capital-efficiencies.”

Trading Growth and Market Demand

CME’s decision to launch these products comes after a strong performance in its crypto derivatives segment. In 2025, CME Group recorded an average daily volume of 278,300 crypto contracts. This activity accounted for approximately $12 billion in notional trading value per day.

Open interest during the same period averaged 313,900 contracts, which is equal to about $26.4 billion in value. These figures reflect rising demand for futures products that are centrally cleared and regulated.

The addition of Cardano, Chainlink, and Stellar is seen as a response to the market’s request for more diverse exposure. The contracts also help traders manage risk and execute strategies within a regulated environment.

A Milestone Since Initial Crypto Futures in 2017

CME Group entered the digital asset space with Bitcoin futures in 2017. Since then, it has gradually added Ether, XRP, and Solana futures. The inclusion of ADA, LINK, and XLM futures represents a continuation of this growth.

With its reputation as a regulated platform, CME provides participants with tools designed for transparency and capital efficiency. The inclusion of both micro and standard contract sizes is part of its strategy to serve a wider range of participants in the crypto sector.

The exchange has positioned itself as a leading venue for institutional digital asset trading. This new rollout is expected to increase product diversity and trading volume on the platform.

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