Ripple’s CEO, Brad Garlinghouse, has expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming launch of XRP futures on CME Group’s trading platform, calling it a significant and long-awaited step for the cryptocurrency’s future. In a recent statement, Garlinghouse highlighted that while the token has existed since 2012 and has seen increased trading volumes, the delay in launching futures products on leading derivative platforms like CME Group has been noticeable.
The Ripple CEO views the introduction of XRP futures as a vital move that could bring more professional investors into the market. He believes XRP futures contracts will provide a regulated way for investors to access XRP, paving the way for future developments, including a possible XRP spot ETF.
While overdue in a bunch of ways, this is an incredibly important and exciting step in the continued growth of the XRP market! https://t.co/mnwJXKH5hi
— Brad Garlinghouse (@bgarlinghouse) April 24, 2025
CME Group officially confirmed that it will introduce XRP futures on its platform on May 19, pending approval from the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). This new offering enables investors to bet on XRP’s price fluctuations without owning the cryptocurrency or requiring a blockchain wallet.
The XRP futures product will come in two contract sizes. The standard XRP futures contract will offer exposure to 50,000 tokens, targeting institutional investors. Meanwhile, the Micro XRP futures contract, with a smaller contract size of 2,500 XRP, is designed for retail investors. Both products will be cash-settled, meaning investors will receive a cash payment rather than physical XRP once the contract expires.
CME Joins Other U.S. Platforms in Offering XRP Futures
The announcement of CME Group’s XRP futures launch follows similar moves by other U.S.-based derivatives exchanges. Bitnomial began offering XRP futures on March 20, and Coinbase launched its own XRP futures product on April 21. CME’s move is especially significant given its status as the world’s largest derivatives exchange.
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For context, CME Group is already home to futures products tied to Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana. In the first quarter of 2025, CME saw an average of 198,000 contracts traded across these products. The introduction of XRP futures on CME Group’s platform is expected to boost the asset’s credibility, potentially expanding its institutional investor base.
XRP Futures May Pave the Way for an XRP ETF
The launch of XRP futures by CME Group could play a crucial role in the approval of an XRP exchange-traded fund (ETF) in the United States. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) typically considers the availability of a futures product as a key factor in approving a crypto asset for a spot ETF. A similar path was taken for Bitcoin and Ethereum, where the SEC approved spot ETFs following the introduction of their futures products.
Garlinghouse’s statement reflects optimism about the positive impact of XRP futures on the asset’s growth trajectory. With increasing institutional exposure to the asset, the long-awaited futures product could mark a key milestone in the token’s evolution as a mainstream asset.
Disclaimer: This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are urged to do in-depth research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses.
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