Nasdaq and CME Introduce Next-Generation Crypto Index for Regulated Global Markets

The crypto market now has a more credible benchmark. Nasdaq and CME Group have relaunched the Nasdaq CME Crypto Index, creating a regulated, multi-asset foundation for investors seeking transparent exposure to digital assets. Built on three decades of market infrastructure expertise, this index marks a significant shift in how professional investors approach crypto holdings. The framework addresses long-standing challenges in crypto market structure while enabling sophisticated portfolio strategies that were previously difficult to execute.

Three Decades of Index Expertise Enter the Crypto Space

Nasdaq and CME Group’s partnership in crypto indexing draws from extensive experience in traditional markets. The two firms collaborated on the Nasdaq-100 Index futures and E-mini Nasdaq-100 futures, developing deep expertise in creating liquid, regulated benchmarks that institutional investors trust. This 30-year foundation now extends into the digital asset space, bringing established market standards to an emerging asset class.

The Nasdaq CME Crypto Index leverages structured governance and transparent methodologies developed from traditional finance. CF Benchmarks operates the calculation process, working with vetted exchanges and approved custodians to ensure data integrity. A joint governance committee oversees asset eligibility, liquidity thresholds, weighting mechanisms, and quarterly index reconstitution. This institutional-grade framework converts crypto from a speculative asset into a fundable, derivative-tradeable benchmark suitable for long-term portfolio construction.

Governance and Transparency Shape Institutional Confidence

A core differentiator of the Nasdaq CME Crypto Index is its governance structure. The index publishes clear rules on liquidity thresholds, weighting formulas, and selection criteria—standards long established in traditional asset markets but rare in crypto infrastructure. This transparency removes ambiguity that has historically limited institutional participation in digital assets.

The governance framework also supports regulatory alignment across major markets. The index serves as a consistent reference point for ETF creation, structured product development, and derivative design in the U.S., Europe, and Latin America. By establishing uniform crypto market standards, Nasdaq and CME reduce operational risks and accelerate product development timelines. This regulatory consistency removes barriers that previously forced institutions to navigate fragmented, region-specific benchmarking solutions.

Licensed products using this index already demonstrate market acceptance. Hashdex-managed crypto ETFs built on this benchmark exceed $1 billion in assets under management, signaling strong institutional demand for regulated exposure.

Multi-Asset Framework Reduces Crypto Market Fragmentation

The index’s multi-asset approach represents a structural improvement over single-cryptocurrency benchmarks. Rather than isolating Bitcoin or Ethereum, the framework provides diversified exposure across multiple digital assets, enabling broader market representation and reduced concentration risk. This aligns crypto indexing with how traditional finance handles asset diversification.

The multi-asset structure also addresses market fragmentation that has historically hampered institutional adoption. Fragmented benchmarks across exchanges created uncertainty in price discovery and risk management. The Nasdaq CME Crypto Index consolidates these reference points into a single, regulated standard. Institutional portfolio managers can now deploy capital using consistent definitions, eliminating the operational complexity that previously discouraged large-scale crypto allocation.

Global Adoption and Professional Portfolio Integration

The Nasdaq CME Crypto Index strengthens digital asset infrastructure worldwide. By combining Nasdaq’s index calculation expertise with CME’s regulated derivatives platform, the benchmark connects traditional finance rigor to crypto innovation. Institutional investors in multiple regions gain access to the same trusted reference point, fostering consistency in pricing and risk assessment.

The initiative signals infrastructure maturation in crypto markets. Derivative liquidity improves through transparent price discovery mechanisms backed by regulated benchmarks. Professional investors can now execute sophisticated strategies—long/short positioning, hedging, portfolio rebalancing—using crypto indices comparable to traditional asset benchmarks.

Looking ahead, the Nasdaq CME Crypto Index positions itself as the standard for professional digital asset strategies. It removes friction from institutional portfolio construction while maintaining the regulatory rigor that institutional investors demand. As crypto adoption accelerates, this framework will likely become the reference point for how traditional finance integrates digital assets into multi-asset portfolios.