Nasdaq and CME Relaunch Crypto Index Partnership

3 mins mins

Key Points:

Nasdaq and CME reintroduce Crypto Index as an institutional benchmark.
Partnership aims to attract institutional capital via ETFs and derivatives.
The index targets large-cap, liquid crypto assets.

Nasdaq Inc. and CME Group announced on January 8, 2026, the reintroduction of the Nasdaq CME Crypto Index (NCI™) as a benchmark for digital asset investments.

This collaboration aims to enhance transparency and reliability in institutional crypto investments, supporting the development of ETFs and other structured products in the burgeoning digital asset market.

Nasdaq CME Crypto Index Targets Institutional Investors

Nasdaq and CME Group have revived the Nasdaq CME Crypto Index as a key tool for institutional investors seeking exposure to a diversified basket of digital assets. Nasdaq CEO Adena Friedman emphasized the demand for transparent and trusted benchmarks. CME’s CEO Terry Duffy highlighted the collaboration’s potential to enhance crypto derivatives and investment products for clients.

Involving top executive decisions, the reintroduction represents a strategic move for both Nasdaq and CME. The index changes include a shift towards supporting the next generation of ETFs and derivatives, aimed at meeting regulatory expectations for transparency and governance. This new benchmark intends to attract institutional capital through products tracking or referencing the index, rather than direct funding.

“As institutional participation in digital assets continues to mature, there is a growing demand for transparent, trusted benchmarks that support the development of regulated products,” said Adena Friedman, Chair & CEO of Nasdaq. Source

The market reacted positively, recognizing the announcement as a step forward in institutional crypto adoption. Statements from key figures such as Giovanni Vicioso of CME noted the role of the index in enabling diversified portfolio construction.

Bitcoin Valuation Amid Nasdaq CME Index News

Did you know? The previously launched Nasdaq Crypto Index in 2021 helped lay the groundwork for institutional products, providing early support for ETFs and structured notes, a trend now continuing with the Nasdaq CME Crypto Index.

As of January 10, 2026, Bitcoin (BTC) is valued at $90,471.05 with a market cap of $1.81 trillion, representing 58.52% of market dominance. Trading volume reached $35.39 billion, albeit down by -14.11%. Recent 24-hour price data shows a slight dip of -0.55%, according to CoinMarketCap.

bitcoin-daily-chart-5538 — Bitcoin(BTC), daily chart, screenshot on CoinMarketCap at 06:11 UTC on January 10, 2026. *Source: CoinMarketCap*

Coincu research team highlights the potential growth in institutional investment as the index may increase market stability and attract regulated investment products. The focus on robust governance could align with ongoing regulatory requirements, such as those emphasized in their Latest Analysis.

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