The CME Group, in partnership with CF Benchmarks, is set to launch a new range of cryptocurrency reference rates and real-time indices starting June 9, 2025. These additions are aimed at increasing transparency, accuracy, and consistency in crypto pricing data, and are particularly relevant for traders operating across global markets.

Among the new offerings are real-time indices and reference rates for tokens such as Arbitrum (ARB), NEAR, Ondo (ONDO), Polkadot (DOT), and Sui (SUI), with coverage across multiple time zones including London, New York, and Hong Kong/Singapore. This multi-variant model allows for better alignment with regional trading hours and settlement cycles.

For proprietary trading firms and funded crypto traders, the implications are notable:

• Improved Pricing Infrastructure: With reference rates calculated daily and real-time indices updated every second, traders can rely on consistent pricing benchmarks to assess portfolio performance, develop algorithms, or conduct backtesting.
• Better Risk Management: As altcoins become more integrated into funded challenges and live accounts, having dependable pricing from trusted sources reduces slippage and mispricing risk.
• Global Trading Alignment: Variants for different time zones mean that prop firms can better cater to international traders and regional settlement processes, especially in Asia and North America.

While these indices won’t be used to settle CME contracts, they are expected to serve as valuable reference points across both institutional and retail trading environments.

How This Shapes the Future of Crypto-Funded Trading

As prop firms expand their crypto offerings, access to accurate and real-time pricing data becomes critical. With CME Group and CF Benchmarks enhancing their crypto index suite, funded traders gain more confidence in the data driving their positions and strategies. This move also signals the continued institutionalization of crypto trading.

Stay tuned to PropInsider as we continue to track the latest market infrastructure developments that impact the funded trading ecosystem.

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