CME Group Inc. is set to launch futures contracts tied to the XRP cryptocurrency next month, aiming to tap into the growing interest in tokens beyond bitcoin and ether. The cash-settled futures are scheduled to launch on May 19, pending regulators’ approval. This move highlights a push to offer sophisticated trading tools for altcoins, which are increasingly becoming a vital component of investors’ portfolios. XRP has gained 5.3% in 2025, while bitcoin is marginally down and ether has lost about half its value. The development comes as CME continues to focus on strengthening its presence in the retail trading space. Ripple Labs CEO Brad Garlinghouse called the planned futures an “incredibly important and exciting step” in the XRP market’s growth.
