CME Group announced it will launch Avalanche (AVAX) and Sui (SUI) futures contracts on May 4, subject to regulatory review. The Chicago-based derivatives exchange moves to broaden its regulated crypto derivatives suite amid rising institutional demand.
Contract Specifications
Each asset will offer two contract sizes. Avalanche futures include 5,000 AVAX standard contracts and 500 AVAX micro contracts. Sui futures offer 50,000 SUI standard contracts and 5,000 SUI micro contracts. This structure grants traders flexibility regardless of capital size.
Institutional Demand Drives Expansion
Giovanni Vicioso, Global Head of Cryptocurrency Products at CME Group, said the contracts aim to improve capital efficiency and broaden trading choices. He noted that trading volumes across CME's crypto derivatives suite continue to climb. March average daily volume rose 19% year-over-year, with nearly $8 billion in average daily notional value. The figures reflect growing participation from both institutional and retail players.
Justin Young, CEO of Volatility Shares, commented that broader access to regulated products supports institutional hedgers and individual investors alike. Isaac Cahana, CEO of Plus500US, pointed to increasing demand for derivatives tied to high-growth crypto assets.
Extended Trading Hours
Starting May 29, CME's cryptocurrency futures and options will trade 24 hours a day. The shift aligns the exchange with crypto-native platforms that already run continuously. The new schedules cover AVAX, SUI, and existing contracts such as Cardano, Chainlink, and Stellar futures.
CME Group stated its derivatives suite now covers over 75% of total crypto market capitalization. In 2025, average daily open interest across crypto products reached nearly $25 billion. The addition of AVAX and SUI futures reinforces CME's position in regulated crypto derivatives.