CME Group explores launching its own coin as exchange deepens tokenization push
CME Group is exploring the possibility of issuing its own digital token as part of a broader review of tokenized collateral, CEO Terry Duffy revealed during the company’s latest earnings call.
Duffy said CME is exploring the launch of its own coin that could run on a decentralized network and be used by other industry participants, signaling a potential expansion beyond tokenized cash.
The comments came in response to a question from Morgan Stanley analyst Michael Cyprys about CME’s approach to tokenized collateral and whether assets such as stablecoins, tokenized deposits, or tokenized money market funds could be accepted for margin.
Duffy said the exchange is reviewing multiple forms of margin but stressed that acceptance would depend on the issuer and the risk profile of the asset, noting that tokens from systemically important institutions would be viewed more favorably.
He added that CME plans to roll out a tokenized cash initiative with Google later this year, with a depository bank facilitating transactions, positioning the product as a regulated settlement and collateral tool rather than a speculative crypto asset.
The effort comes as CME Group continues to expand its crypto footprint. The exchange is preparing to introduce near 24-hour trading for crypto futures, aligning its products more closely with around-the-clock digital asset markets.
It has also announced plans to add futures contracts tied to Cardano, Chainlink, and Stellar. The expansion builds on a crypto derivatives business that averaged about $12 billion in daily volume last year, led by micro bitcoin and micro ether futures.
