CME Group targets growing crypto options segment in APAC

Giovanni Vicioso, global head of crypto products at CME Group, said that greater adoption of crypto products, particularly options, in APAC is a key driver of growth for the region.

Vicioso noted that around 11% of CME Group's global crypto trading originates from APAC while 23% of its crypto options trading comes from APAC.

"We're seeing increasing options usage and more sophisticated hedging behaviour," said Vicioso.

With CME Group's move to 24/7 trading of its crypto products on May 29, Vicioso said that the development is driven by client demand for always-on risk management not just 23/5 but whenever they need to.

Having a range of large- and micro-sized contracts and working with local market makers to drive liquidity will also be key as adoption continues to expand across APAC, noted Vicioso.

Since introducing the first regulated bitcoin futures in 2017, CME Group has rapidly expanded its regulated product suite to include ether futures and options, as well as Solana (SOL) and XRP futures and options, and Cardano, Chainlink and Stellar (Lumen) futures.

CME Group also plans to introduce futures contracts linked to Avalanche and Sui on May 4.

"The interest and comfort level of both institutional and individual investors are growing for crypto across all regions," said Vicioso.

For instance, interest in Ether, Solana and XRP contracts have grown substantially, with Ether contracts' notional value reaching 70% of that of Bitcoin.

"Clients are looking for more diversified exposure for indices," said Vicioso.

This has prompted CME Group to partner with Nasdaq to launch the Nasdaq CME Crypto Index in January.

By making its products more accessible and easier to use, such as trading 1/100 of a bitcoin through its spot quoted Bitcoin futures, Vicioso said that the aim is to meet the demand of both institutional and professional retail traders to trade, particularly during times of higher volatility.

CME Group saw a record-breaking year for its crypto products in 2025, reaching average daily volume (ADV) of 278,300 contracts and notional value of $12 billion (£9bn) a day.

For the first quarter of 2026, the ADV of crypto products increased 57% to 310,000 contracts, including micro ether futures ADV of 98,000 contracts, an increase of 29%.

The Chicago-based exchange reported record derivatives activity in February, with average daily volume rising 14% year on year to 37.6 million contracts.