Institutional crypto trading grows as CME Group introduces Solana futures

CME Group, the world’s leading derivatives marketplace, plans to launch Solana futures on March 17, pending regulatory approval

The derivatives marketplace announced in a press release the upcoming contracts on Feb. 28, stating that they will provide investors with a regulated way to manage price risk in Solana’s ( SOL ) market, reflecting growing institutional demand for cryptocurrency derivatives.

The new contracts will be cash-settled and based on the CME Solana-Dollar Reference Rate, which calculates the daily U.S. dollar value of Solana. Traders will have the option to choose between a micro contract (25 SOL) and a standard contract (500 SOL).

Giovanni Vicioso, global head of cryptocurrency products at CME Group, stated in the press release that the launch of SOL futures is a response to the rising demand for regulated cryptocurrency trading options. He emphasized that as Solana grows in adoption, the new futures contracts will offer an efficient way for investors to manage risk and develop their strategies.

This announcement confirms the timeline for SOL futures, following a leak from CME Group’s beta website in January.

Solana futures add to growing institutional interest

The introduction of Solana futures marks another step in the institutionalization of digital assets. CME Group already offers Bitcoin ( BTC ) and Ethereum ( ETH ) futures, and its crypto derivatives market is seeing increased activity.

According to CME Group, average daily volume in its crypto futures market has risen 73% year over year, with 202,000 contracts traded daily. Open interest has also grown 55%, signaling increasing demand for regulated crypto investment products.

Teddy Fusaro, president of Bitwise Asset Management, noted that CME Group’s introduction of SOL futures demonstrates its commitment to providing advanced trading and risk management tools for institutional investors and active traders.

Kyle Samani, co-founder of Multicoin Capital, praised CME Group for advancing crypto derivatives. In the press release, he stated that SOL futures align with the growing demand for better trading tools. He noted that as digital assets mature, investors require more efficient mechanisms to gain exposure and manage volatility. These futures contracts, he added, address that need by offering flexibility with reduced upfront costs.

The launch of Solana futures is still subject to regulatory approval and would be listed under CME Group’s existing trading framework, offering a structured, regulated alternative to direct Solana investments.

CME Group’s expansion into Solana futures reflects growing confidence in digital asset markets. If demand follows the trajectory of Bitcoin and Ethereum futures, Solana’s presence in institutional finance could see further growth.