CME Group, the world’s largest CFTC-regulated crypto derivatives marketplace, has expanded access to crypto futures and options including Chainlink (LINK) futures with 24/7 trading. Over the weekend, more than 7,200 (~$50 million in notional) cryptocurrency futures and options contracts were traded, highlighting the growing retail and institutional demand for transparent digital commodity markets.
CME added LINK futures (5,000 LINK) and Micro LINK futures (250 LINK) to its expanding cryptocurrency product suite, which includes Bitcoin, Ether, XRP, and Solana futures and options on futures, earlier this year. LINK is the native token underpinning the Chainlink platform, which has securely enabled over $30 trillion in transaction value across 70+ blockchains.
LINK is used by organizations globally to pay for oracle services and by network service providers to enhance network security and earn rewards. The Chainlink Reserve, which currently holds over 3.9 million LINK, operates as an extension of Payment Abstraction, which allows institutions to pay for Chainlink services in various alternative assets that are automatically converted to LINK.
CME’s new 24/7 trading hours provide the uninterrupted access to regulated crypto derivatives that institutions managing digital asset exposures demand.
“By offering continuous liquidity over the weekend, we are meeting client demand and bridging the gap between traditional regulated venues and the 24/7 nature of crypto assets,” said Tim McCourt, Global Head of Equities, FX and Alternative Products at CME Group.
“Shifting to an always-on model represents the next natural evolution for the marketplace, ensuring CME Group continues to provide the continuous price discovery and trading confidence global investors require.”