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Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME Group) and London-based Crypto Facilities has launched Ethereum-dollar reference rate and real-time index on the websites of the respective companies. The quotes, referred by the name CME CF Ether-Dollar Reference Rate (Ether Reference Rate) and CME CF Ether-Dollar Real Time Index (Ether Real Time Index), will also be provided on the CME Group Market Data platform on June 4.
The Ether Reference Rate, providing a benchmark rate for Ether, will be updated daily at 4 pm London time. As the name indicates, the Ether Real-Time Index provides real-time Ether price. Both prices are calculated in US dollars and updated by Crypto Facilities.
The benchmark price and real-time Ether price are calculated based on the order book and transaction data from Kraken and Bitstamp exchanges.
Commenting on the launch of cryptocurrency related products, Tim McCourt, Managing Director and Global Head of Equity Products and Alternative Investments at CME Group, explained
“The Ether Reference Rate and Real Time Index are designed to meet the evolving needs of this marketplace. Providing price transparency and a credible price reference source is a key development for users of Ethereum.”
Likewise, Dr. Timo Schlaefer, CEO of Crypto Facilities stated
“Ether, the second largest cryptocurrency, experienced incredible adoption and growth in 2017, evolving into the leading blockchain for smart contracts. We are excited to be contributing to the strong community that has developed around the Ethereum network by providing a reliable reference rate and real-time Ether-Dollar price.”
The quoted rates will be overseen by the Bitcoin Oversight Committee, which is comprised of cryptocurrency experts, Crypto Facilities, and the CME Group. The method adopted to calculate the rates will be regularly reviewed by the Committee and changes will be implemented, if necessary, to ensure accuracy.
Ethereum is the second largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization ($69.19 billion). At the time of writing this article, Ethereum was trading at $692.
