MV Capital | CME Group to Launch Bitcoin Cash and Uniswap Futures on October 19

The exchange will add standard and micro contracts for BCH and UNI, expanding its regulated crypto derivatives suite as both tokens rise on the news

CME Group announced plans on Tuesday to introduce futures contracts for Bitcoin Cash and Uniswap, with trading scheduled to begin on October 19 subject to regulatory review. The move extends the exchange’s growing list of single-asset cryptocurrency products and arrives as institutional demand for regulated risk-management tools continues to build.

Traders will be able to choose between standard and micro-sized contracts. Bitcoin Cash futures will cover 250 BCH, with micro contracts sized at 25 BCH. Uniswap futures will represent 10,000 UNI, while the micro versions will cover 1,000 UNI.

Contract Details and Market Context

The new products join an existing suite that already includes futures on Bitcoin, Ether, XRP, Solana, Cardano, Chainlink, Stellar, Avalanche and Sui. Once live, Bitcoin Cash and Uniswap will become the tenth and eleventh single-asset crypto futures offered by the exchange.

In the first half of 2026, CME’s crypto futures and options averaged 279,800 contracts in daily volume, equal to $8.3 billion in notional value. Average open interest stood at 264,600 contracts, or $15.4 billion. The contracts added earlier this year for Cardano, Chainlink, Stellar, Avalanche and Sui have generated more than $1 billion in total notional value year-to-date.

As crypto markets continue to mature, participants require broader, regulated tools to navigate evolving digital asset related price risk. Designed for greater versatility and capital efficiency, these new BCH and UNI contracts allow clients to manage price risk and gain exposure to key crypto networks within our 24/7, regulated markets.Giovanni Vicioso, Global Head of Cryptocurrency Products, CME Group

Price Reaction

Bitcoin Cash advanced sharply after the announcement. Reports put the gain between roughly 20 percent and 30 percent, lifting the token from near $269 to levels between $321 and $345. The move pushed its market capitalization toward $6 billion to $6.95 billion and marked a break above $300 for the first time in nearly three months. Weekly gains reached approximately 57 percent, though the asset remains well below its early-2026 levels.

Uniswap’s token also rose. UNI climbed about 5 percent to 11 percent in the immediate aftermath, reaching as high as $9.70 before partially retracing. It traded near $9.18 to $9.28 later in the day, with a market capitalization around $5.75 billion.

Bitcoin Cash originated as a 2017 fork of Bitcoin designed for larger blocks and lower transaction costs. Uniswap operates the largest decentralized exchange in the cryptocurrency market; its UNI token functions as a governance token that allows holders to vote on protocol upgrades.

Industry Response

Executives from firms active in the crypto markets described the expansion as a logical next step for institutional participants.

It gives market participants more ways to access these assets within a regulated futures framework, while providing additional tools to manage risk and express market views.Justin Young, CEO and Co-Founder, Volatility Shares

Institutions managing cryptocurrency exposure need around-the-clock access to regulated derivatives, underpinned by the clearing and financing infrastructure to match. With the addition of Bitcoin Cash and Uniswap futures to the existing set of XRP, Bitcoin and other products, CME Group’s cryptocurrency complex continues to lead the way in delivering capital-efficient risk management tools.Noel Kimmel, President, Ripple Prime

The contracts are intended to give institutions that face restrictions on offshore platforms a regulated venue for gaining exposure or hedging price risk. Both standard and micro sizes are designed to accommodate different levels of capital commitment. Final launch remains contingent on completion of the regulatory review process.