The CME Group, the world's leading derivatives market, confirmed this Thursday (24) the launch of XRP futures starting May 19, subject to regulatory approval. The news comes at a time of accelerated expansion in the cryptocurrency segment on the exchange. In just the first quarter of 2025, the average daily volume of Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana futures reached 198,000 contracts ($11.3 billion), up 141% from 2024.

Recipe for success

Starting May 19, CME Group clients in the United States will have the option to trade futures contracts based on the price of XRP. The announcement comes weeks after the market included the option for Solana futures. The exchange already offered futures options for Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Only considering these three futures options, the CME Group highlights that during the first quarter of 2025, it traded about 198,000 contracts per day. The amount equates to $11.3 billion in daily notional value, an increase of 141% compared to the same period in 2024.

Currently, the CME Group has over 251,000 open contracts for the three cryptocurrencies, an increase of 83% compared to the first quarter of last year. All together, they amount to a value of $21.8 billion in net.

Additionally, the derivatives exchange also highlighted the success of the newly launched Solana futures. In just over a month available for trading (they entered the platform on March 17), the number of Solana futures contracts reached 43,000, exceeding $700 million.

Heart of derivatives

Known for being the heart of derivatives in the world, the CME Group handles billions of dollars every day in the futures market. Although it may seem complex, the futures market is very simple. For those who are not familiar with the topic, it is like betting that an asset will be worth X or Y at a certain moment in the future.

In the case of XRP, according to the announcement, CME Group investors will be able to trade two types of futures contracts: with 2,500 XRP and with 50,000 XRP. Thus, investors who wish to take a long position (betting on an increase) or a short position (betting on a decrease) can only do so on a set of 2,500 or 50,000 tokens.

Considering that the price of XRP is currently in the range of $2.2, we are talking about contract options in the range of $5,500 to $110,000. It is important to mention that contracts can be traded in more than one unit. For example, 10 futures contracts of 2,500 XRP, depending on the investor's strategy.

Celebration and expectation with XRP futures

Various industry leaders celebrate the announcement from CME Group. Among them is JB Mackenzie, Vice President and General Manager of Futures and International at Robinhood.

According to him, the offering of XRP futures by the CME Group on the platform is a 'natural step' in the company's mission to expand access to cryptocurrency futures trading for retail investors.

It is worth noting, however, that despite the announcement, there was no significant impact on the price of XRP. A similar situation occurred with the announcement of Solana futures. Furthermore, the confirmation of XRP futures trading depends on regulatory approval. Indications suggest that with the new positioning of the SEC, the trend is for futures options to be authorized.