Nasdaq merges with the crypto index! Collaborates with CME to launch the Nasdaq-CME Crypto Index

Nasdaq and CME officially merge their crypto indices, incorporating 7 major mainstream assets and establishing a joint governance mechanism, aiming to become the core market benchmark for ETFs and institutional investment allocations.

Nasdaq (Nasdaq) and CME Group announced that they will reorganize and rename the original “Nasdaq Crypto Index, NCI” as the “Nasdaq-CME Crypto Index.”

Nasdaq and CME jointly merge crypto indices

Currently, Nasdaq and CME Group have officially integrated their crypto index structures, and the original NCI has been merged and renamed as the “Nasdaq-CME Crypto Index.” According to a Nasdaq spokesperson, the crypto assets included in this index are:

• Bitcoin ($BTC)
• Ethereum ($ETH)
• Ripple ($XRP)
• Solana ($SOL)
• Chainlink ($LINK)
• Cardano ($ADA)
• Avalanche ($AVAX)

Sean Wasserman, Head of Index Product Management at Nasdaq, stated in an official announcement that investors are shifting from a “Bitcoin-only” mindset to using indices to represent the entire crypto market, similar to traditional asset classes like stocks and bonds, which use indices as market thermometers.

Launched in 2021, product scale exceeds one billion USD

NCI was first launched in 2021 and subsequently licensed to crypto asset management firm Hashdex to issue related products in the US, Europe, and Latin America. The total assets under management have now exceeded $1 billion, including the US’s first multi-crypto asset index ETF, “Hashdex Nasdaq Crypto Index US ETF” (ticker NCIQ).

Both parties stated that as investor demand for regulated crypto investment products continues to grow, financial products based on the Nasdaq-CME Crypto Index are expected to further expand.

Wasserman also mentioned that the index’s goal is not just to monitor market trends but to serve as the foundation for ETFs, structured products, active funds, and other financial instruments. In the future, investors can use this index to manage risk, allocate capital, and diversify investments, similar to managing a stock portfolio.

Joint governance by two institutions to mainstream crypto system design

For institutional investors, governance mechanisms are a key factor in evaluating crypto investments. The new Nasdaq-CME Crypto Index is governed by a joint committee established by Nasdaq and CME Group, responsible for overseeing index operations, including only approved exchanges and custodians, and making adjustments based on market and regulatory changes. Index calculation is handled by CF Benchmarks, a long-term partner and provider of crypto asset benchmark indices.

Wasserman stated that the crypto market is still in growth stages and requires governance by two experienced, risk-averse international institutions to build trust. Nasdaq has also publicly shared the index methodology, including eligibility criteria, liquidity thresholds, weighting, and quarterly adjustment mechanisms, emphasizing transparency as a core principle.

Giovanni Vicioso, Director of Equities and Alternative Products at CME Group, pointed out that this design aims to make investors feel that the standards for crypto assets are gradually approaching those of traditional financial markets.

(Note: CF Benchmarks is a UK-based company that provides crypto asset price indices and benchmark standards.)

• This article is reprinted with permission from: 《Chain News》
• Original title: 《Nasdaq and CME merge crypto indices, Nasdaq-CME Crypto Index officially launched》
• Original author: Louis Lin