CME Group Clarifies: No Official Decision on XRP, Solana (SOL) Futures Contracts

The Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) Group has clarified that no official decision has been made regarding the launch of futures contracts for Solana (SOL) and XRP (XRP).

The clarification follows the accidental publication of related information on the beta version of its website.

CME’s Statement: No XRP and SOL Futures Yet

On January 22, a beta version of CME’s website briefly displayed details about potential futures contracts for XRP and Solana. The page, which was quickly removed, included specifications for the contracts and a tentative launch date of February 10, subject to regulatory approval.

However, a spokesperson confirmed that no official decision had been made about launching these crypto futures contracts, and the website information was sent in error.

Fox Business reporter Eleanor Terrett addressed the matter on X (formerly Twitter), citing the CME spokesperson who explained the situation.

“A CME spokesperson tells that the beta version of the website, which is often used for mock-up drafts, was made public in error. No official decisions have yet been made about launching futures contracts for either token,” the post read.

The news caused a slight pullback in the prices of both altcoins. At press time, Solana’s trading price stood at $249.61, reflecting a 1.79% decline over the past 24 hours. Meanwhile, XRP was priced at $3.16, down by 0.98%.

Meanwhile, after initial the post went viral, speculation grew due to the lack of official confirmation. 

“Honestly. If this is fake. Its a pretty good fakeout. I’m waiting for CME to officially confirm this via press-release or their actual website though,” Bloomberg analyst James Seyffart wrote on X.

He also questioned why the beta or test version of the website would be accessible to the public if the information was real, suggesting it reflected poor operational security.

Despite CME’s clarification, optimism regarding the potential launch of XRP and Solana futures remained high. 

“So CME confirms the beta version website floating around out here was real,” said Nate Geraci, President of the ETF Store.

Although the listing may have been a mistake, there has been a notable rise in cryptocurrency ETF applications following Donald Trump’s return for a second term as US president. 

Bloomberg’s senior ETF analyst, Eric Balchunas, observed that the number of cryptocurrency ETFs filed with the SEC has risen to 33, doubling since Gary Gensler’s departure.

“Won’t be surprised if it hits 50 within a week or two,” Balchunas added.

While the CME Group’s error has temporarily tempered excitement, the crypto community remains hopeful for future developments in this space.