The world’s largest futures exchange just filed a request that could make certain stock futures easier and cheaper to trade.
Why CME wants this exemption
CME Group applied to the SEC for relief from part of Rule 6h-1(b). They want to settle certain cash-settled security futures using closing prices instead of opening prices.
It’s a small technical adjustment, but it reduces settlement risk and boosts liquidity.
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What cash-settled security futures actually are
In simple terms, these are futures contracts where you don’t deliver the actual stock at the end, you just settle in cash based on the price difference.
They’re popular with institutions because they’re efficient and don’t require owning the underlying shares.
The current rule forces settlement at the opening price, which can create unnecessary volatility and risk on expiration days. Switching to closing prices smooths that out.
How this change could help crypto markets
This is not a direct crypto rule, but it matters. The CME already runs the most liquid Bitcoin and Ether futures in the world.
Any improvement in how they handle cash-settled products makes it easier to expand or refine crypto-linked futures later.
Better settlement mechanics usually mean tighter spreads, lower costs, and more confidence from big players.
When traditional futures infrastructure works more smoothly, institutions feel more comfortable adding crypto exposure through regulated products.
That flows down to better products, more liquidity, and easier access for everyone.
Why this quiet move signals bigger things ahead
These behind-the-scenes tweaks are the real foundation. When the ’plumbing’ of traditional futures markets improves, the entire system moves closer to being truly crypto-ready.
This CME exemption request is exactly the kind of low-profile but important step that rarely makes flashy headlines, yet quietly changes how sophisticated assets, including digital ones, get handled in regulated markets.
It shows that even the biggest traditional market infrastructure players are fine-tuning their rules to accommodate more complex products.
And that preparation tends to matter long after the initial filing is forgotten.
Crypto market researcher and external contributor at Kriptoworld
Wheel. Steam engine. Bitcoin.
📅 Published: February 15, 2026 • 🕓 Last updated: February 15, 2026
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