The financial infrastructure landscape for digital assets is evolving rapidly, and CME Group, in collaboration with CF Benchmarks, has taken a pivotal step forward. On June 2, they launched four new cryptocurrency reference rates and real-time indices for Arbitrum, Ondo, NEAR, and Sui—expanding their benchmark suite to cover 28 major cryptocurrencies and over 96% of the investible crypto market capitalization.
These new benchmarks deliver transparent, reliable U.S. dollar pricing data crucial for institutional adoption. Reference rates are published daily at 4 p.m. London time, with real-time indices updated every second—providing continuous, accurate price discovery. For Ondo and Sui, additional reference rates are also published at 4 p.m. New York time, accommodating global trading schedules.
Why These Benchmarks Matter
Unlike tradable futures or investment products, these reference rates and indices serve as pricing benchmarks—critical tools for portfolio valuation, risk management, and structured product creation in the crypto space. By applying the same rigorous methodologies used for Bitcoin’s CME CF Bitcoin Reference Rate (BRR), which underpins over $100 billion in regulated crypto financial products, CME ensures consistency and trust across its entire benchmark suite.
👉 Discover how real-time crypto benchmarks are shaping institutional investing
This expansion strengthens CME Group's position as a bridge between traditional finance and the digital asset ecosystem. With growing demand from asset managers, hedge funds, and regulated financial institutions for standardized pricing mechanisms, trusted benchmarks are no longer optional—they’re foundational.
Key Features of the New Indices
- Real-time updates: Indices refresh every second, enabling high-frequency trading strategies and accurate intraday valuations.
- Daily reference rates: Official closing prices at 4 p.m. London time (and New York time for Ondo and Sui) support end-of-day accounting and derivatives settlement.
- Multi-exchange data sourcing: Pricing data is drawn from at least two of eight regulated constituent exchanges: Bitstamp, Bullish, Coinbase, Crypto.com, Gemini, itBit, Kraken, and LMAX Digital.
- Transparent methodology: All indices use publicly available formulas and governance frameworks compliant with EU Benchmarks Regulation (BMR).
Institutional Demand Driving Innovation
As the crypto ecosystem matures, institutional investors require more than just access—they need reliable infrastructure. The addition of Arbitrum (a leading Layer 2 Ethereum scaling solution), NEAR (a high-performance smart contract platform), Sui (an object-centric blockchain optimized for speed), and Ondo (a decentralized finance protocol focused on real-world asset tokenization) reflects shifting market dynamics.
These assets represent key innovation frontiers in decentralized finance (DeFi), scalable blockchains, and asset tokenization—all areas attracting significant capital inflows. By benchmarking them, CME Group signals that these emerging technologies are now part of the mainstream financial conversation.
Sui Chung, CEO of CF Benchmarks, emphasized this shift:
"As the range of investible crypto assets continues to evolve, institutions need benchmarks they can trust—ones that meet the same standards of accuracy, transparency, and governance expected in traditional finance."
Giovanni Vicioso, CME Group’s Global Head of Cryptocurrency Products, added:
"Our new benchmarks are designed to provide clear and transparent pricing data to a broad range of market participants, allowing them to more accurately value portfolios or create structured products."
Supporting the Next Wave of Regulated Crypto Products
CF Benchmarks’ indices already underpin six of the eleven spot Bitcoin ETFs in the U.S., including IBIT, ARKB, EZBC, BITB, BRRR, and BTCW. They also support a significant portion of regulated crypto derivatives traded on CME itself.
This latest expansion ensures that future financial products—such as futures contracts, ETFs, or structured notes—can be built on equally robust foundations for newer digital assets. While no immediate futures products have been announced for Arbitrum, Ondo, NEAR, or Sui, the presence of official benchmarks makes such offerings far more viable.
👉 See how leading institutions use crypto benchmarks to manage risk
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Are these new crypto indices tradable?
A: No. The reference rates and real-time indices are not tradable instruments. They serve as pricing benchmarks for valuation and potential future derivative development.
Q: What is the difference between a reference rate and a real-time index?
A: A reference rate is a daily benchmark price (like a closing price), published once per day. A real-time index updates every second and provides continuous pricing for trading and risk modeling.
Q: Which cryptocurrencies are now covered by CME CF benchmarks?
A: The suite includes 28 digital assets, covering over 96% of the investible crypto market cap. Notable names include Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, XRP, Dogecoin, Arbitrum, NEAR, Sui, and Ondo.
Q: How is pricing data collected and verified?
A: Data comes from at least two regulated exchanges within the CME CF network. Algorithms filter outliers and ensure only genuine transaction data is used.
Q: Can these benchmarks be used outside the U.S.?
A: Yes. These indices comply with international regulatory standards like the EU’s BMR and are used globally by asset managers, custodians, and fintech platforms.
Q: Will CME eventually launch futures based on these new assets?
A: While not confirmed, establishing benchmarks is typically the first step toward launching regulated futures contracts—a common path seen with Bitcoin and Ethereum.
Building Trust Through Transparency
One of the biggest hurdles to broader crypto adoption has been inconsistent or opaque pricing. By leveraging a transparent methodology governed under regulatory oversight (CF Benchmarks is registered with the UK’s FCA), CME Group addresses this head-on.
The use of multiple reputable exchanges reduces manipulation risks and enhances data integrity. This level of rigor aligns with the expectations of pension funds, insurance companies, and other conservative investors who demand auditability and compliance.
👉 Learn how transparent pricing drives institutional crypto adoption
Final Thoughts
CME Group’s expansion into 28 cryptocurrency benchmarks isn’t just about adding more coins—it’s about building a trustworthy financial infrastructure that mirrors traditional markets. As digital assets become increasingly integrated into mainstream finance, reliable benchmarks will be essential for everything from tax reporting to portfolio auditing.
By covering over 96% of the investible crypto market with real-time data and daily reference rates, CME Group and CF Benchmarks are setting a new standard—one that accelerates the institutionalization of digital assets while promoting transparency, fairness, and long-term sustainability in the global crypto economy.