FTSE Russell Insights

Advancing digital assets with new crypto derivatives

FTSE Russell

  • New futures access: FTSE Russell partners with Eurex and Cboe to launch nano and reduced-value crypto futures for Bitcoin and Ethereum.
  • Smaller contract sizes: These cost-effective contracts lower capital barriers and are fully cash-settled in USD for simplicity.
  • Institutional trust: Backed by robust FTSE indices and traded on regulated platforms, these products enhance confidence in volatile crypto markets.

As bitcoin and ethereum reshape global markets, FTSE Russell is enabling access to digital assets in strategic partnerships with Cboe and Eurex. Together with each of our partners, we’ve recently introduced innovative futures contracts that make crypto trading more affordable and secure. These include Cboe futures based on the FTSE Bitcoin Reduced Value Index (one-tenth of the standard index) and Eurex nano futures tracking the FTSE Bitcoin and FTSE Ethereum indices. Built for flexibility, these contracts empower investors to navigate the dynamic crypto landscape with greater confidence and control.

chart show he total market capitalization of all cryptocurrencies. The market capitalization of a cryptocurrency is calculated by multiplying the amount of circulating tokens with the price of one token.

Source: COINGECKO, May 26. 2025. Please see the end for important legal disclosures.

Scaled size unlocks capital efficiency and flexibility

The new derivatives stand out for their smaller, more affordable contract sizes. Eurex nano futures, representing just one-hundredth of a btcoin or one-tenth of an ether, let traders seize opportunities with less upfront capital than standard futures or ETFs. Cboe’s new futures track an index valued at one-tenth of the FTSE Bitcoin Index, offering comparable flexibility. These compact contracts unlock cost-effective trading and hedging strategies for investors of all types. Plus, futures contracts are cash-settled in US dollars, eliminating the need to hold or transfer the underlying cryptocurrency. 

Creating trust in a volatile market

Beyond capital efficiency, these derivatives address another critical need: trust. Crypto markets are dynamic but often volatile, with investors confronting concerns about price manipulation and data reliability. In response to these challenges, traditional financial institutions are stepping in to offer greater transparency and security. Eurex and Cboe provide regulated trading environments, reducing counterparty risk and enabling investors to trade crypto with greater confidence. 

Furthermore, the contracts are underpinned by institutional-grade indices designed for stability and integrity. The FTSE digital asset indices combine rigorous methodology, vetted pricing data and robust governance to enhance trust and ensure regulatory compliance.

“As a globally recognised index provider, we’re proud to support evolving markets to improve tradeability and broaden their appeal to global financial audiences,” said Shawn Creighton, director of index derivatives solutions at FTSE Russell. “Our indices are created with the durability and rigour demanded by real-world trading, and we’re excited to be a trusted partner to the derivatives exchanges launching these innovative products.”

Continued innovation in digital assets markets

At this pivotal moment in the development of digital asset markets, we remain focused on product innovation and expanding access for a broad range of participants. The launch of these new derivatives reflects the ongoing effort to build a more comprehensive and versatile crypto product suite—allowing traders to implement more precise trading and hedging strategies with improved capital efficiency. We look forward to continued work with our industry partners to support the maturation and long-term expansion of the digital asset ecosystem.

Contract specifications and product parameters

  Nano Futures on FTSE Bitcoin Index (USD) Nano Futures on FTSE Ethereum Index (USD) Cboe FTSE Bitcoin Index Futures
Contract size 0.01 USD per Bitcoin Index point 0.1 USD per Ethereum Index point 0.1 Bitcoin
Underlying FTSE Bitcoin Index (USD) FTSE Ethereum Index (USD) FTSE Bitcoin Reduced Value Index (USD)
Tick size and tick value 1 per index point equivalent to USD
0.01
0.1 per index point equivalent to USD
0.01
0.1 per index point increments (USD 0.10)

Spreads 0.05 per index points (USD 0.05 USD)

Individual spread 0.01 per index points (USD 0.01)
Settlement Cash Cash Cash

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