TLDR
- CME Group recorded an average daily crypto derivatives volume of $12 billion in 2025.
- Micro Ether futures led the growth with 144,000 contracts traded per day on average.
- Micro Bitcoin futures reached 75,000 contracts per day throughout the year.
- Standard Ether futures saw increased activity with 19,000 contracts traded daily.
- CME reported a 139% year-over-year increase in crypto derivatives volume.
CME Group set a new yearly record in 2025 as average daily crypto derivatives volume surged to $12 billion, with trading volumes soaring despite a downturn in cryptocurrency prices, and institutional participation continuing to expand through regulated futures products.
Micro Ether Futures Led Trading Surge in 2025
Micro Ether (ETH) futures led the crypto derivatives complex with an average daily volume of 144,000 contracts during 2025. This was the highest among all CME crypto contracts, driven by growing use from both institutional and retail traders.
CME stated this contract showed robust growth even as Ether’s spot price dropped 11% across the year. Despite price pressures, traders consistently used ETH derivatives for exposure, hedging, and risk control.
“Micro Ether futures offered precise exposure for institutional strategies,” CME Group said in a statement.
That helped boost the contract’s trading activity substantially.
During Q4, Micro Ether futures averaged even higher at 196,000 contracts per day, totaling roughly $6.9 billion notional value. In December, volumes remained elevated with 182,000 daily contracts traded.
The full-size Ether futures also saw rising interest, ending 2025 with an average daily volume of 19,000 contracts. This contract supported larger institutional positions, expanding the exchange’s reach.
Micro Bitcoin Futures Reached New Volume Highs
Micro Bitcoin (BTC) futures also contributed strongly, averaging 75,000 daily contracts in 2025, showing strong demand for smaller-sized products. This allowed cost-effective participation from traders with different capital sizes.
CME confirmed consistent volume across quarters, with a peak of 89,000 contracts per day in Q4. In December, 85,000 daily contracts highlighted year-end momentum.
Bitcoin’s spot price fell 6.3% over the year, but institutional interest in hedging and price speculation remained steady. The shift to regulated exchanges played a part in this activity.
Throughout 2025, CME surpassed Binance in open interest for Bitcoin futures, which marked a shift toward regulated U.S. markets. That increased visibility for CME’s offerings.
The average notional daily value of Bitcoin futures approached $3.1 billion, reinforcing its role in crypto derivatives trading. CME emphasized the demand from risk-managed entities using these products.
CME Crypto Derivatives Reach $86 Trillion
The broader crypto derivatives portfolio on CME Group reached new highs in Q4 2025 with strong institutional participation. Average daily volume across all crypto contracts rose to 379,000 in Q4.
This equated to $13.3 billion in notional value traded daily in the final quarter. December alone closed with 339,000 contracts per day.
Over the full year, total trading across CME’s cryptocurrency products reached nearly $86 trillion in notional value. This reflected deeper liquidity and broader access.
Micro contracts played a major role in the year’s volume, enabling flexible risk management. Both individual and institutional participants accessed these products at scale. The crypto derivatives segment grew 139% year-over-year, far outpacing the 6% rise across CME’s entire product suite.
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