Eurex is the first European exchange to launch Bitcoin index futures

Eurex is the first exchange in Europe to offer Bitcoin index futures. Start of trading is scheduled for 17 April 2023. The leading European derivatives exchange has developed the new contract in partnership with FTSE Russell, a leading global index provider, and Digital Asset Research (DAR), its provider of institutional-grade digital asset data.

The launch of FTSE Bitcoin Index Futures is a major milestone in Eurex’s ambition to offer safe and trusted access to cryptocurrencies in a regulated market environment. By partnering with FTSE Russell and DAR, Deutsche Börse Group’s derivatives exchange corresponds to the increasing demand for a cash settled index-based contract. Institutional investors have been waiting for a contract based on a robust underlying index from an established index partner, which is supported by an AA-rated clearing house in Europe. The new contract complements Eurex’s already listed BTCetc ETN Futures with physical delivery. 

The underlying FTSE Bitcoin Index reflects the settlement price of Bitcoin as determined by the FTSE DAR Reference Price. The new futures contracts are traded in EUR and USD. Liquidity will be supported by orderbook and over-the-counter liquidity providers. This represents a step forward in meeting investor needs for accurate price discovery, transparency, and consistency in the digital asset market.

Michael Peters, CEO of Eurex: "Investors need robust trading and clearing safeguards when engaging in the crypto market. We are looking forward to cooperating with FTSE Russell and Digital Asset Research to jointly deliver superior transparency, consistency, and safeguards to this emerging asset class.”

Arne Staal, CEO of FTSE Russell, a London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) business: “We are excited for this next step in the expansion of the digital asset ecosystem to meet institutional investor client risk management needs. Our digital asset indices apply the same rigorous index policy and governance framework used with our equity and fixed income products. Perhaps most importantly in this market, in collaboration with DAR, we have created a vetting methodology to set a standard for digital asset and exchange index inclusion, that offers consistent prices reflective of the real investable market to the investor community.”

About Eurex

Eurex is the leading European derivatives exchange and – with Eurex Clearing – one of the leading central counterparties globally. As architects of trusted markets characterized by market liquidity, efficiency, and integrity, we provide our customers with innovative solutions to seamlessly manage risk. For more information, visit www.eurex.com

About FTSE Russell

FTSE Russell is a global index leader that provides innovative benchmarking, analytics and data solutions for investors worldwide. FTSE Russell calculates thousands of indexes that measure and benchmark markets and asset classes in more than 70 countries, covering 98% of the investable market globally. FTSE Russell is wholly owned by London Stock Exchange Group. For more information, visit www.ftserussell.com

About Digital Asset Research

Digital Asset Research (DAR) is a specialized provider of ‘clean’ digital asset data, insights, and research for institutional clients. Since 2017, DAR leads by rigorously vetting exchanges and assets to eliminate the noise for flagship clients such as Bloomberg, Chainlink, FTSE Russell, and Wilshire.

DAR conducts quarterly reviews of over 450+ crypto exchanges to identify venues that meet institutional standards, with the latest round of evaluation qualifying 18 Vetted Exchanges and 10 Watchlist Exchanges. Exchanges serve as the foundation of the 10,000+ institutional-quality digital asset prices that DAR calculates.

With expertise in traditional finance and the digital asset space, DAR’s success is driven by a commitment to deliver ‘clean’ data emphasizing accuracy, quality, and transparency.