CBOE Global Markets said on Monday it would begin trading its bitcoin futures contracts, known as XBT futures, next Monday, and will offer free trading for the rest of the month to help draw in traders and create a market. Both the CBOE and its crosstown rival, CME Group, received permission last week from the CFTC to launch bitcoin derivatives as they go head-to-head in a battle to determine which exchange will come to dominate the market for bitcoin-linked derivatives, the Financial Times reported. CME Group, the world’s largest derivatives exchange, won’t launch its set of bitcoin derivatives until the following Monday.
Both exchanges are hoping that rising interest in the controversial cryptocurrency from Wall Street traders will in turn help drive demand for its new derivative products. A flood of interest has gripped the digital currency community as Bitcoin’s value has ballooned this year, at one point climbing 1,100%: Early on Monday, the digital currency rose to an all-time high just shy of $12,000 a coin – nearly six times its level from early April.
Many institutional investors have been eager to trade bitcoin, but are waiting for a more widely recognized, regulated market. Shares in both CME and CBOE have risen 9% since the end of October as they have firmed up their plans.
Ed Tilly, chief executive of CBOE, said there is “unprecedented” interest in bitcoin.
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