Nasdaq and CME Group Collaborate on New Crypto Index

Key Points:* Nasdaq and CME Group deepen crypto index collaboration for institutional investors.

• Focus on BTC, ETH, and broad crypto market.
• Enhanced benchmarking aligns with institutional demands. Nasdaq and CME Group announced on January 8, 2026, the reintroduction of the Nasdaq CME Crypto Index (NCI™), enhancing institutional investment benchmarks for digital assets.

This move strengthens institutional crypto capabilities, directly impacting Bitcoin and Ether market benchmarks, as confirmed by primary Nasdaq communications and known industry practices.

Nasdaq CME Crypto Index: A New Era for Institutional Investors

Nasdaq and CME Group have rebranded the Nasdaq Crypto Index to the Nasdaq CME Crypto Index, aiming to provide a reliable benchmark tool for institutional investors. This collaboration emphasizes the importance of accurate and transparent benchmarking in the digital assets sector. The index is designed to measure a significant portion of the crypto market for institutional products like ETPs and derivatives.

Institutional access to benchmarking tools and data distribution is expected to improve, aligning with the growing investment demands in digital assets. Official confirmations highlight that the new index will include assets like Bitcoin and Ether, focusing on broad market representation.

“We’re pleased to announce that the Nasdaq Crypto Index will soon become the Nasdaq CME Crypto™ Index.” — Nasdaq, Inc.

Bitcoin and Market Trends: Insights and Future Outlook

Did you know? In similar collaborations, Nasdaq and CME Group have consistently leveraged each other’s strengths, ushering in robust financial products and benchmarks. Historically, such partnerships often lead to increased institutional adoption and market maturity.

According to CoinMarketCap, Bitcoin (BTC) is currently priced at $90,304.59 with a market cap of $1.80 trillion. Its 24-hour trading volume decreased by 11.42% to $38.09 billion. The circulating supply stands at 19,973,562 against a maximum of 21 million. BTC experienced minor price growth of 0.62% in 24 hours.

Bitcoin(BTC), daily chart, screenshot on CoinMarketCap at 12:41 UTC on January 9, 2026. Source: CoinMarketCap Coincu research suggests that the increased institutional adoption of benchmark-linked crypto products could enhance market stability and investment appeal. Current market dynamics showcase potential regulatory adjustments to meet institutional needs, aligning the crypto sector more closely with traditional finance.