- CME Group has indicated plans to launch XRP and Solana futures on February 10, 2025, pending regulatory approval
- Asset management firms, including ProShares, have recently filed to introduce XRP-focused exchange-traded funds (ETFs)
- The SEC’s anticipated leadership change is expected to create a more favorable environment for the approval of cryptocurrency products, including potential XRP ETFs
CME Group has signaled its intention to introduce futures contracts for XRP and SOL, with a tentative launch date of February 10, 2025, subject to regulatory approval. This development aligns with a surge in institutional interest in cryptocurrencies, particularly in assets like XRP. The potential for XRP and SOL futures comes days after asset management firm ProShares submitted applications to the SEC for the approval of XRP-focused ETFs, reflecting a broader trend toward integrating digital assets into traditional financial products.
Staging Website Gives Hints
A recent leak from CME Group’s staging website revealed its plans to offer futures contracts for XRP and SOL, slated for launch on February 10, 2025. The proposed offerings include both standard and micro-sized contracts, designed to provide traders with enhanced flexibility in managing their positions.
While the staging page was subsequently removed, industry analysts view this as a significant step toward broadening the range of cryptocurrency derivatives available to institutional investors:
Assuming “beta.cmegroup” is actually a beta/test version of the actual CMEGroup website — looks like CME is expecting to launch SOL & XRP futures on Feb 10. But this isn’t available on the actual website yet.
Honestly makes sense and largely to be expected if true IMO https://t.co/lfMGd8X9KE
— James Seyffart (@JSeyff) January 22, 2025
XRP ETFs in the Works?
In tandem with CME Group’s initiatives, ProShares has filed for XRP-focused ETFs, including leveraged, inverse, and futures options, three months after BitWise did the same. The filings are currently under review by the SEC, and their approval would mark a significant milestone in the maturation of cryptocurrency investment products away from Bitcoin and Ethereum.
However, the likelihood of an XRP ETF being awarded while the awarding body is locked in a seismic battle to determine whether or not XRP itself is a security suggests that approval will not be coming anytime soon. However, with the potential for the regulatory landscape for cryptocurrencies in the United States poised for transformation thanks to the Trump administration’s more positive outlook, there may be surprises ahead.