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Launch of futures on FTSE Bitcoin Index in USD and EUR to provide access to cryptocurrencies in a regulated market with robust index methodology, the governance framework of FTSE Russell and digital asset exchange vetting process from Digital Asset Research.
22 March, 2023 - Deutsche Börse Group announced that Eurex is the first European exchange to launch Bitcoin index futures and the start of trading is scheduled for 17 April 2023. The derivatives exchange has developed the new contract in partnership with FTSE Russell, a global index provider, and Digital Asset Research (DAR), its provider of digital asset data.
The launch of FTSE Bitcoin Index Futures will offer access to cryptocurrencies in a regulated market environment. By partnering with FTSE Russell and DAR, Deutsche Börse Group’s derivatives exchange aims to access the increasing demand for a cash settled index-based contract. 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.”
