NEW YORK — February 10, 2026
Executive Summary
Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (NYSE: ICE) has announced the launch of a suite of cryptocurrency futures contracts based on multiple CoinDesk Indices, marking an expansion of its regulated digital asset derivatives offering. The newly introduced contracts include futures tied to the CoinDesk 20 Index, CoinDesk 5 Index, and single-asset benchmarks covering Bitcoin, Ether, Solana, XRP, and BNB. According to the company, the contracts are U.S. dollar-denominated and cash-settled. More than $40 billion in assets under management are currently linked to CoinDesk Indices tracking cryptocurrency prices. ICE stated that the launch extends its collaboration with CoinDesk and is intended to provide market participants with transparent, benchmark-based access to digital asset exposure within regulated futures markets.
Announcement Overview
Intercontinental Exchange announced the introduction of cryptocurrency futures contracts based on seven CoinDesk Indices. The launch includes index-based and single-asset futures contracts, structured to provide exposure to digital assets through regulated futures markets rather than direct token ownership.
The contracts introduced include ICE CoinDesk 20 Index Futures and ICE CoinDesk 5 Index Futures, as well as single-asset contracts covering Bitcoin, Ether, Solana, XRP, and BNB. All contracts are denominated in U.S. dollars and are cash-settled, eliminating the need for physical delivery of digital assets.
According to ICE, the CoinDesk 20 Index tracks a broad basket of digital assets using a capped market capitalization-weighted methodology designed to provide diversified exposure across leading cryptocurrencies. The CoinDesk 5 Index, by contrast, tracks the five largest constituents of the CoinDesk 20 on a market capitalization-weighted basis.
The launch reflects ICE’s ongoing development of digital asset market infrastructure within its regulated exchange framework. The company stated that the new contracts expand its existing relationship with CoinDesk and introduce additional benchmark-linked instruments for institutional and professional market participants.
Key Announcement Details
- Announcement classification: Regulated exchange-traded cryptocurrency futures product launch
- Announcing entity: Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (NYSE: ICE)
- Exchange framework: ICE Futures U.S. (regulated U.S. derivatives exchange)
- Benchmark provider: CoinDesk Data and Indices
- Underlying index family: CoinDesk Indices
- Contracts launched:
- ICE CoinDesk 20 Index Futures
- ICE CoinDesk 5 Index Futures
- ICE CoinDesk Bitcoin Futures
- ICE CoinDesk Ether Futures
- ICE CoinDesk Solana Futures
- ICE CoinDesk XRP Futures
- ICE CoinDesk BNB Futures
- Contract type: Financial futures contracts
- Denomination currency: U.S. dollar (USD)
- Settlement method: Cash-settled (no physical delivery of digital assets)
- Asset custody requirement: None (cash-settled structure)
- Target participants: Institutional and professional market participants
- CoinDesk 20 Index methodology: Capped market capitalization-weighted
- Market coverage (CoinDesk 20): Captures over 90 percent of digital asset market capitalization
- Linked product volume (CoinDesk 20): Over $16 billion
- Assets under management linked to CoinDesk Indices: Over $40 billion
- CoinDesk 5 Index methodology: Market capitalization-weighted
- CoinDesk 5 composition: Five largest constituents of CoinDesk 20
- Single-asset benchmark coverage: Bitcoin, Ether, Solana, XRP, BNB
- Planned future product: One Month CoinDesk Overnight Rates (CDOR) USDC futures
- CDOR benchmark basis: CoinDesk Overnight Rate
- CDOR structural comparison: Similar in structure to traditional overnight rates such as SOFR and €STR
- CDOR launch status: Subject to regulatory review
- Announcement date: February 10, 2026
- Category classification: Exchanges
Product Structure and Benchmark Methodology
According to ICE, the CoinDesk 20 Index is designed to provide diversified exposure to leading digital assets. The index tracks the performance of major cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, BNB, Ethereum, and Solana, among others, and applies a capped market capitalization-weighted methodology to prevent excessive concentration in any single asset.
ICE stated that more than 90 percent of the digital asset market is represented within the CoinDesk 20 Index. The total volume of products linked to the CoinDesk 20 is reported to exceed $16 billion, reflecting the index’s role as a widely referenced benchmark.
The CoinDesk 5 Index tracks the five largest constituents of the CoinDesk 20 and uses a market capitalization-weighted approach. This index provides more concentrated exposure to the largest digital assets within the broader index universe.
The single-asset futures contracts introduced by ICE are tied directly to benchmark indices representing Bitcoin, Ether, Solana, XRP, and BNB. All contracts are cash-settled in U.S. dollars, allowing participants to gain or hedge exposure without direct custody or transfer of underlying tokens.
Market Context and Digital Asset Infrastructure
According to ICE, the digital asset market continues to evolve, with increased institutional participation and demand for regulated trading venues. The introduction of benchmark-linked futures contracts provides market participants with a framework for price discovery, risk management, and exposure to cryptocurrency markets through established exchange infrastructure.
ICE’s announcement references more than $40 billion in assets under management currently tied to CoinDesk Indices. These indices serve as benchmarks for various financial products, including exchange-traded products and other index-linked instruments.
The company indicated that the launch of these futures contracts expands the availability of transparent and benchmark-based derivatives tied to digital assets. By using established index methodologies and regulated exchange infrastructure, ICE stated that it aims to support orderly market functioning and transparent price formation.
Executive Commentary
“The digital asset space is evolving rapidly, and we are excited to collaborate with CoinDesk to launch these new futures contracts,” said Jennifer Ilkiw, President of ICE Futures U.S. “The launch expands ICE’s existing relationship with CoinDesk and will bring further transparency to the digital asset market.”
“CoinDesk Indices were built to serve as trusted benchmarks for the digital asset sector, and this launch with ICE advances that mission into regulated futures markets,” said David LaValle, President of CoinDesk Data and Indices. “The partnership expands the reach of our benchmarks while offering market participants familiar, transparent, and reliable ways to engage with digital assets.”
Planned CDOR USDC Futures
In addition to the cryptocurrency futures contracts announced, ICE stated that it plans to introduce One Month CoinDesk Overnight Rates (CDOR) USDC futures, subject to regulatory review.
According to the company, CDOR rates are daily benchmarks reflecting the annualized effective interest rate paid by borrowers in decentralized finance markets. ICE noted that these benchmarks are structurally similar to traditional overnight reference rates such as the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) or the Euro Short-Term Rate (€STR).
The planned CDOR futures would represent an extension of ICE’s digital asset derivatives offering into interest rate–linked crypto benchmarks. The company emphasized that the launch of these contracts remains subject to regulatory review.
Regulated Exchange Framework
Intercontinental Exchange operates regulated futures exchanges, equity exchanges, and clearing houses, including the New York Stock Exchange. The cryptocurrency futures contracts introduced are offered within this established exchange and clearing infrastructure.
ICE stated that its digital asset futures contracts are designed to align with regulatory standards applicable to its exchanges. The contracts are cash-settled and U.S. dollar-denominated, reducing operational complexity associated with digital asset custody.
The company’s broader derivatives ecosystem includes futures and options across energy, financial, equity, and environmental markets. The addition of CoinDesk cryptocurrency futures extends ICE’s product suite into benchmark-based digital asset derivatives.
Forward-Looking Statements and Regulatory Disclosure
ICE noted that statements regarding its business that are not historical facts may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed.
For a discussion of additional risks and uncertainties, ICE refers investors to its filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including risk factors contained in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, filed on February 5, 2026.
About Intercontinental Exchange, Inc.
Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (NYSE: ICE) is a Fortune 500 company that designs, builds, and operates digital networks connecting market participants across financial and commodity markets. Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, ICE has grown into a global operator of exchanges, clearing houses, data services, and financial technology platforms.
ICE owns and operates futures, equity, and options exchanges, including the New York Stock Exchange, one of the world’s largest equity marketplaces. The company also operates clearing houses that support risk management and capital formation across global markets.
ICE provides technology and data services across major asset classes, including fixed income, commodities, equities, derivatives, and environmental products. Its markets facilitate trading and clearing of energy contracts, agricultural products, interest rate derivatives, and financial instruments used for hedging and price discovery.
Through its fixed income and data services divisions, ICE delivers pricing, reference data, analytics, and workflow solutions to financial institutions. The company’s execution and connectivity services support institutional trading across global markets.
ICE Mortgage Technology operates within the U.S. housing finance ecosystem, providing digital platforms spanning consumer engagement, loan origination, closing, registration, and servicing. According to the company, this division supports participants across the mortgage lifecycle, contributing to automation and efficiency within housing finance markets.
As of recent public filings, ICE is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol ICE and is included in major equity indices. The company reports financial results and risk disclosures in filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K.
ICE continues to expand its technology infrastructure and product offerings across asset classes, including digital assets, energy markets, fixed income, and equity derivatives.
Media Contacts
ICE Media Contact
Jess Tatham
+44 7377 947136
ICE Investor Relations Contact
Steve Eagerton
+1 904 571 0530
Source Attribution
Source: Intercontinental Exchange
