CME adds ADA LINK XLM futures in micro and standard sizes
CME Group will add cryptocurrency futures tied to Cardano (ADA), Chainlink (LINK), and Stellar (Lumens) on Feb. 9, 2026, offering both micro and standard contracts, pending regulatory approval.
The move extends CME’s regulated crypto derivatives roster and gives market participants additional hedging and exposure tools. CME Cardano Chainlink Stellar futures are designed to broaden access while maintaining consistent benchmarks and risk management.
What’s launching and how the contracts are sized
CME plans two sizes for each token: ADA 100,000 (standard) / 10,000 (micro); LINK 5,000 / 250; Lumens 250,000 / 12,500. This mirrors CME’s approach with other crypto products, giving both institutional and smaller participants more flexibility around margin and position sizing.
Why it matters for institutions
The addition of regulated futures widens the set of risk-management instruments available to funds, market makers, and corporates with crypto exposure. CME’s crypto complex already includes Bitcoin, Ether, XRP and Solana futures and options; the new listings help standardize price discovery and hedge execution across more tokens.
Market backdrop and volumes
CME reported record 2025 activity in cryptocurrency derivatives: average daily volume (ADV) 278,300 contracts (~$12bn notional) and average open interest (OI) 313,900 contracts (~$26.4bn notional). The expanded lineup aims to capture continuing demand for regulated instruments.
Quotes from CME and partners
“Clients are looking for trusted, regulated products to manage price risk,” said Giovanni Vicioso, Global Head of Cryptocurrency Products at CME Group. Executives from Wedbush, NinjaTrader and Volatility Shares also welcomed the additional listings, highlighting the maturing market structure and access for both retail and institutional users.
Launch details for CME Cardano Chainlink Stellar futures
CME targets Feb. 9, 2026 for first trade date, subject to regulatory review. The exchange’s product pages also reference the upcoming listings, aligning with prior rollouts (e.g., XRP and Solana)
Contract sizes and access for CME Cardano Chainlink Stellar futures
Cardano (ADA)
100,000 (standard) / 10,000 (micro)
Chainlink (LINK)
5,000 (standard) / 250 (micro)
Stellar (Lumens)
250,000 (standard) / 12,500 (micro)
These sizes are intended to balance capital efficiency with tradability across client segments.
Context & Analysis
CME’s additions reflect sustained institutionalization of crypto markets: regulated futures centralize price discovery, enable margin offsets, and can support downstream products that rely on robust reference pricing. Prior patterns (e.g., bitcoin/ether and later launches like XRP/Solana) show that listed futures can precede broader adoption and product development.
Bottom Lines
If approved, the February 9 listings will provide investors with standardized tools to hedge their exposure to major altcoins such as ADA, LINK, and Stellar Lumens on the CME platform. These regulated products will allow traders to manage risk more effectively while gaining access to a secure and transparent derivatives market. The move reflects increasing institutional interest in altcoins and the demand for reliable trading instruments within a regulated environment.
By expanding the range of crypto derivatives, CME aims to strengthen market confidence and attract more participants. This development could improve overall market liquidity, encourage wider adoption, and support healthier price discovery across alternative cryptocurrencies. In the long term, it may help stabilize volatility and promote sustainable growth in the digital asset ecosystem.
FAQs
Q : When do the contracts launch?
A : Target date is Feb. 9, 2026, pending regulatory approval.
Q : What are the contract sizes?
A : ADA 100,000 / 10,000; LINK 5,000 / 250; Lumens 250,000 / 12,500.
Q : Which venue lists them?
A : CME Group, the world’s leading derivatives marketplace.
Q : Which crypto futures does CME already offer?
A : Bitcoin, Ether, XRP, and Solana futures, along with options on futures.
Q : Why list these tokens now?
A : CME cites client demand for regulated, capital-efficient risk-management tools.
Q : Will there be micro contracts?
A : Yes, micro and standard sizes will be available for all three tokens.
Q : Do the CME Cardano, Chainlink, and Stellar futures settle physically or in cash?
A : CME crypto futures are cash-settled to reference rates; full settlement details will be in the final specs at launch.
Facts
Event
CME to introduce ADA, LINK and Lumens futures (micro + standard), pending regulatory approvalDate/Time
2026-02-09T00:00:00+05:00 (target launch)Entities
CME Group; Cardano (ADA); Chainlink (LINK); Stellar (Lumens); Giovanni Vicioso (CME)Figures
ADV 278,300 contracts (2025); OI 313,900 contracts (2025) — notional ~$12bn / ~$26.4bnQuotes
“Clients are looking for trusted, regulated products to manage price risk…” — Giovanni Vicioso, CME GroupSources
CME press release; CME cryptocurrencies page.