Q1 Crypto Derivatives Trading on CME Soars to $11.3B Daily Average, a New High

CME Group broke new ground in the first quarter of 2025, setting a fresh record for cryptocurrency derivatives volume thanks to a surge in micro contract trading.

The exchange saw an average daily volume (ADV) of 198,000 contracts in its crypto products, amounting to $11.3 billion in notional value. This milestone was largely powered by booming demand for micro-sized offerings, with micro ether futures alone hitting 76,000 contracts per day.

Micro bitcoin futures also posted remarkable growth, soaring 113% compared to the same period last year and averaging 77,000 contracts daily. Meanwhile, standard bitcoin and ether futures saw ADV of 18,000 and 13,000 contracts, respectively.

CME’s micro contracts—representing just 0.1 BTC or ETH—have become a popular choice for traders seeking more precise exposure and better control over portfolio risk. The smaller contract size is seen as a key factor in attracting both retail and institutional players.

This record-breaking crypto activity aligns with broader success across CME’s product lineup. The firm notched its highest-ever quarterly ADV at 29.8 million contracts, with standout performance also recorded in U.S. Treasury futures, energy options, and agricultural markets.

CME’s momentum underscores the maturing demand for regulated, efficient tools to engage with crypto assets.