CME Connects Conventional and Digital Finance Through Introduction of New Cryptocurrency Options

CME Group, recognized as the top global derivatives exchange, has revealed its intention to widen its crypto derivatives range by introducing options on

(SOL) and futures beginning October 13, 2025, contingent upon regulatory approval. These forthcoming offerings will enable clients to access options tied to both SOL and XRP futures—including their smaller "Micro" contracts—with expirations possible on a daily, weekly, monthly, or quarterly basis. This initiative aims to give institutional and advanced individual traders enhanced ways to manage exposure to two major cryptocurrencies beyond and Ethereum.

This step comes after notable increases in trading volumes for Solana and XRP futures on the

platform. Since their respective debuts in March and May 2025, these contracts have attracted strong liquidity. Over 540,000 Solana futures contracts have changed hands, representing a notional sum of $22.3 billion. In August alone, average daily open interest (ADOI) for Solana futures reached 12,500 contracts, totaling $895 million. XRP futures, meanwhile, have seen over 370,000 contracts traded and accumulated a notional value of $16.2 billion since their launch. August recorded an ADOI peak of 9,300 contracts, amounting to $942 million in notional value.

Giovanni Vicioso,

Global Head of Cryptocurrency Products, highlighted that launching these options is a response to rising demand for crypto derivatives and a broader array of risk management solutions. He explained that offering options in two contract sizes will meet the needs of both institutional and active retail traders. Roman Makarov, from Options Trading at DRW, also pointed out that appetite for derivatives linked to Solana and XRP is expanding beyond just Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Collaborations with top liquidity providers such as Cumberland and FalconX are set to optimize the new options markets. FalconX, a global digital asset trading platform, noted that this launch highlights a growing necessity for institutional hedging solutions for Solana and XRP, especially as

treasuries and related vehicles gain traction. These partnerships are designed to strengthen liquidity and market depth in CME’s crypto derivatives as the scope of tradable digital assets widens.

The introduction of these options also aligns with a period of heightened activity for both Solana and XRP. In the days preceding the announcement, open interest for both assets on CME increased significantly. XRP futures open interest jumped over 2% to $1.28 billion, while Solana’s open interest surged by more than 6% to $1.91 billion within just 24 hours. This indicates robust trading momentum and suggests that the new options will naturally fit evolving market demands.

By rolling out these options, CME Group is further cementing its position as a leader in derivatives, especially within the digital asset segment. Serving as a central counterparty and operator of the CME Globex platform, CME has established itself as a pivotal provider of global benchmarks across commodities, equities, and fixed income. With this latest addition to its crypto portfolio, CME continues to bridge traditional markets with the fast-growing world of digital assets.