XRP futures are now available on CME

Traders exchanged a total of one point five million worth of XRP futures on the inaugural day. The introduction brings cash-settled contracts

CME futures on XRP began trading on Monday with volumes totaling $1.5 million on the inaugural day as the introduction of the cash-settled contracts provides traders with a way to wager on the cryptocurrency without having to hold it.

The introduction of the futures on the CME saw volumes totaling $1.5 million on Monday. Volumes in the standard lots saw transactions in four lots of the futures, which are based on 50,000 XRP, realizing a total volume of $480,000. Meanwhile, volumes in the micro lots saw transactions in 106 lots of the futures, which are based on 2,500 XRP, realizing a total volume of over $1 million.

"Regulated XRP futures on CME are a big step towards institutional adoption," said Brad Garlinghouse, CEO of Ripple.

"We're off to a great start with volumes and activity in the market at the open. Notably, Hidden Road executed the first block deal at the launch, which is a testament to the early engagement and liquidity in the futures at launch."

The two lots are based on the CME CF XRP-Dollar Refer Rate, which reflects the price of XRP at 4pm every day. The two lots began trading at 3am British time on Monday, rolling over every evening at 5pm.

The CME, one of the world's largest derivatives exchanges, launched the futures to provide traders with a way to gain more exposure to XRP.

"These products provide investors with flexible options to manage their risk in a manner that suits their preferred timing for participating in movements in the price of XRP," the exchange said.

XRP's Institutional Milestone

The launch of the CME futures falls in line with Ripple's focused efforts to expand within the institutional realm.

"We are excited to see CME listing futures on XRP. It is a natural progression in opening up the crypto market to new participants and use cases. We're seeing great enthusiasm for blockchain technology and digital assets, especially for use cases like cross-border payments where speed and efficiency matter," a spokesperson for Ripple told TokenPost.

XRP, a blockchain-based coin created by Ripple for cross-border transfers, is quickly gaining popularity among institutions. The token is used for facilitating seamless and cost-effective cross-border transactions, rendering it a viable alternative to existing networks like SWIFT.

Futures contracts provide hedge funds and banks with a way to manage risk while utilizing XRP in larger investment plans. The move also marks a significant step towards the potential launch of a spot XRP exchange-traded fund (ETF).

"Institutions are increasingly interested in gaining exposure to crypto, and futures are a key step on that path. We believe that ETFs could follow, which would open up even more avenues for retail and institutional investors to participate in the crypto market," said Konstantin Anissimov, an expert from FX Empire.

The first offering comes after Ripple settled a lawsuit with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in 2024. A court ruled that XRP is not a security when traded on exchanges, although it placed restrictions on sales of the token to businesses. After paying a $125 million fine to settle the case, making it easier for more people to enter the market, and with the clear regulation on the token, more people are now making moves in the market.

The SEC is now examining the possibility of a spot XRP ETF, which may be spurred on by the launch of the futures.

"The introduction of futures on major exchanges like CME is a positive step that could lead to the approval of ETFs. Futures provide a zero-risk arbitrage opportunity for ETFs to be covered and approved quickly. This would generate more demand for the asset from both retail and institutional sides." Anissimov added.

Wider Effects on Crypto Markets

The launch of the CME futures on Monday marks a new chapter in the cryptocurrency sector, highlighting the increasing maturity of the industry.

The interest in XRP is evident, with data from CCIV showing that Q1 of 2025 saw net inflows of $37.7 million into XRP-based assets. This figure is substantial and compares favorably with the inflows into funds specializing in Ethereum, indicating that investors maintain a strong interest in both cryptocurrencies.

As the industry continues to evolve, the launch of the CME futures on Monday signals the beginning of a new and exciting chapter in the cryptocurrency market.