TheBlock
CME Group will launch Bitcoin Cash (BCH) and Uniswap (UNI) futures on Oct. 19, pending regulatory review, adding two more single-name contracts to the deepest regulated crypto derivatives lineup in traditional finance. Both assets get standard and Micro contracts: 250 BCH and 25 BCH, and 10,000 UNI and 1,000 UNI.
The new contracts join an existing suite that already covers Bitcoin, Ether, XRP, Solana, Cardano, Chainlink, Stellar, Avalanche and Sui. "As crypto markets continue to mature, participants require broader, regulated tools to navigate evolving digital asset related price risk," said Giovanni Vicioso, CME Group's crypto product lead.
Why it matters
The scale behind the expansion is the real signal. CME's crypto futures and options averaged 279,800 contracts in daily volume in the first half of 2026, or $8.3 billion in notional value, and the exchange's push into altcoin futures this year has already generated more than $1 billion in notional value. In June, CME launched its 24/7 crypto futures and options market, which traded $50 million across more than 7,200 contracts in its opening weekend.
Every new altcoin contract on CME is another step toward mainstream institutions treating crypto like any other asset class, with regulated margin, clearing and 24/7 access. For BCH and UNI specifically, a CME listing is the kind of legitimacy marker that historically preceded deeper liquidity and broader custody integration.
Market impact
The expansion also sharpens CME's fight on two fronts. In June the exchange sued the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, arguing the agency's approval of Kalshi and Coinbase perpetual futures violates the Commodity Exchange Act and threatens its retail futures business. CEO Terry Duffy called off-exchange perps a "disaster waiting to happen," citing high-leverage retail trading models.
Watch BCH and UNI basis activity and open interest once the contracts go live in October. Sustained volume would give CME more ammunition in its regulatory clash and put more pressure on offshore venues that still dominate altcoin derivatives.
Frequently asked questions
-
When do CME's Bitcoin Cash and Uniswap futures launch?
CME Group plans to launch BCH and UNI futures on Oct. 19, pending regulatory review. Both assets will be available in standard and Micro contract sizes.
-
What are the contract sizes for CME's BCH and UNI futures?
Bitcoin Cash futures will cover 250 BCH for standard contracts and 25 BCH for Micro contracts. Uniswap futures will cover 10,000 UNI standard and 1,000 UNI Micro.
-
Which crypto assets already have CME futures?
CME's single-asset crypto suite already includes futures on Bitcoin, Ether, XRP, Solana, Cardano, Chainlink, Stellar, Avalanche and Sui, alongside a broader crypto index product set.
-
How much volume does CME's crypto derivatives business do?
CME crypto futures and options averaged 279,800 contracts in daily volume in the first half of 2026, representing $8.3 billion in notional value. Its 2026 altcoin futures expansion has generated over $1 billion in notional value.
-
Why is CME suing the CFTC?
CME sued the Commodity Futures Trading Commission in June, arguing the agency's approval of Kalshi and Coinbase perpetual futures violates the Commodity Exchange Act. CEO Terry Duffy called those retail-facing perps a "disaster waiting to happen" over high-leverage trading models.
Crypto News
CoinTelegraph
CoinDesk
CryptoSlate
Lookonchain
Crypto Rank News