CME Expands Crypto Futures With AVAX And SUI Contracts

• CME will launch AVAX and SUI futures, offering micro and standard contracts to improve trading flexibility.

• Rising demand drives expansion, with CME reporting higher volumes and increased institutional participation.

• Extended 24-hour trading aligns CME with crypto markets, enhancing access and liquidity for global traders.

CME Group plans to launch Avalanche and Sui futures on May 4, pending regulatory review. The move expands its regulated crypto derivatives suite with new contracts tied to AVAX and SUI. The Chicago-based derivatives exchange aims to meet rising institutional demand while offering both micro and standard contract sizes.

New Contracts Target Flexibility and Efficiency

Market participants will access two contract sizes for each asset, offering more trading flexibility. Avalanche futures will include 5,000 AVAX contracts and 500 AVAX micro contracts. Similarly, Sui futures will offer 50,000 SUI contracts and 5,000 SUI micro contracts.

Giovanni Vicioso, Global Head of Cryptocurrency Products at CME Group, outlined the structure in a statement. He said the contracts aim to improve capital efficiency and broaden trading choices. Notably, he added that trading volumes continue to rise across CME’s crypto derivatives suite.

Growing Demand Drives Product Expansion

According to CME Group, March average daily volume increased 19% year-over-year. The exchange also reported nearly $8 billion in average daily notional trading value. This rise reflects increased participation from institutional and retail market participants.

Justin Young, CEO and Co-founder of Volatility Shares, commented on the expansion. He said broader access to regulated products supports both institutional hedgers and individual investors. Meanwhile, Isaac Cahana, CEO of Plus500US, noted growing demand for derivatives tied to high-growth crypto assets.

Trading and Broader Market Push

Alongside the new contracts, CME Group will extend trading hours for crypto products. Beginning May 29, its cryptocurrency futures and options will trade 24 hours a day. This shift aligns CME with crypto-native platforms that already operate continuously.The new products will join existing offerings, including Cardano, Chainlink, and Stellar futures. CME Group stated it now covers over 75% of total crypto market capitalization through its derivatives suite. The firm also reported nearly $25 billion in average daily open interest across crypto products in 2025.