CME Group plans to launch Bitcoin Cash (BCH) and Uniswap (UNI) futures on October 19, subject to regulatory review. The new contracts will add two more altcoins to the exchange regulated cryptocurrency derivatives lineup, giving market participants additional instruments for managing price exposure.
CME Group Adds BCH and UNI to Its Crypto Futures Suite
CME Group will offer standard and Micro contracts for both assets. Bitcoin Cash futures will represent 250 BCH, while Micro Bitcoin Cash futures will represent 25 BCH; Uniswap contracts will cover 10,000 UNI and 1,000 UNI respectively. The products are designed to provide regulated tools for managing digital-asset price risk.
The launch is pending regulatory review, so October 19 is a planned rather than confirmed trading date. Giovanni Vicioso, CME Group’s Global Head of Cryptocurrency Products, said the contracts are intended to provide greater versatility and capital efficiency within the company’s 24/7 regulated marketplace.
This structure could also allow market participants to hedge existing spot exposure without directly buying or selling the underlying tokens.
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CME Group Crypto Volumes Reach $8.3B Daily in H1 2026
The expansion comes as CME Group’s cryptocurrency derivatives business has recorded substantial activity in 2026.
The exchange reported average daily volume of 279,800 cryptocurrency futures and options contracts during the first half of the year, representing about $8.3 billion in notional value. Average open interest reached 264,600 contracts, equivalent to approximately $15.4 billion in notional value.
CME Group also said futures launched for Cardano, Chainlink, Stellar, Avalanche and Sui during 2026 had generated more than $1 billion in combined notional value year-to-date.
That provides context for the BCH and UNI additions, which continue the exchange’s expansion beyond Bitcoin and Ether. CME’s current cryptocurrency suite includes futures linked to several major altcoins.
BCH Gains 48.2% as CME Group Adds Futures Plans
Bitcoin Cash has also recorded significant recent market activity ahead of the planned listing. CoinGecko data showed BCH at about $327.29 on September 22, up 24.1% over 24 hours and 48.2% over seven days. Its 24-hour trading volume was approximately $995.2 million, with a market capitalization of about $6.5 billion.
The timing gives the exchanges announcement additional market context, although the price movement cannot by itself establish that the futures announcement caused the increase.
CoinGecko also shows BCH trading near the upper end of its recent 24-hour range, while its seven-day performance has outpaced the broader cryptocurrency market. The data indicates heightened trading activity around BCH as the derivatives announcement emerges.
UNI Trading Volume Surges as CME Group Expands Access
Uniswap is also entering the planned futures launch with elevated market activity. CoinGecko data showed UNI around $9.18 on September 22, with a 3.7% 24-hour gain and a 41.2% increase over seven days. Its market capitalization was approximately $5.68billion, while 24-hour trading volume stood near $1.49 billion.
The exchange’s planned contracts would therefore arrive as both underlying assets are experiencing increased spot-market activity.
The standard and Micro structures could provide different position sizes for participants seeking exposure or hedging tools. It’s existing regulated infrastructure also uses standardized cryptocurrency reference rates for its futures products, supporting transparent settlement and price discovery.
Also Read: CME Group, Nasdaq Launch Bold Crypto Index Futures in 2026
This article contains market analysis and price predictions. These are not guarantees. Crypto markets are volatile. Always DYOR. Not financial advice.
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