BitMEX’s New Quarterly Futures Could Broaden XRP Derivatives and Hedging Options

• Fixed expiry contracts for XRP with settlement to spot price on set dates

• Designed for hedging, arbitrage and defined-term exposure without holding XRP

• Example contracts: XRPU25 (expires Sept. 26) and XRPZ25 (expires Dec. 26); settlement based on spot price

BitMEX XRP quarterly futures provide fixed-expiry exposure to XRP price movements; learn contract expiries and uses for hedging and arbitrage. Read more for contract details and trading steps.

What are BitMEX XRP quarterly futures?

BitMEX XRP quarterly futures are standardized derivative contracts that let traders speculate on or hedge against XRP price changes without holding the underlying token. They have predetermined expiry dates and settle to the XRP spot price, enabling time-bound positions for arbitrage, hedging, or directional trading.

How do XRP quarterly futures differ from perpetual futures?

Quarterly futures have fixed expiries and settle to the spot price on a specific date. Perpetual futures have no expiry and use a funding mechanism to anchor price to spot. Quarterly contracts reduce basis risk around a known settlement date and are often used in calendar spreads.

How are XRPU25 and XRPZ25 scheduled and settled?

XRPU25 launched June 10 and settles on Sept. 26 based on the XRP spot price. XRPZ25 launched Sept. 9 and settles on Dec. 26. Settlement prices reflect the prevailing XRP spot market on each contract’s settlement date.

What XRP products does BitMEX offer?

BitMEX offers multiple XRP products: perpetual futures (launched in 2020), spot trading (enabled March 2024), quarterly futures (recent launches), multi-asset margining (introduced in January 2025), and expanded options offerings later in the year. These products support varied trading strategies and collateral use cases.

Why do traders use quarterly futures on BitMEX?

Traders use quarterly futures to lock exposure to a defined timeframe, hedge spot holdings, execute calendar spreads, and capitalize on basis differentials. Multi-asset margining allows XRP to be used as collateral, increasing capital efficiency for derivatives trading.

How to trade BitMEX XRP quarterly futures?

1. Open and fund a BitMEX account following platform requirements.
2. Select the desired quarterly XRP futures contract (e.g., XRPU25 or XRPZ25).
3. Choose position size and leverage consistent with risk management rules.
4. Monitor funding and settlement dates; close or roll positions before expiry if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What risks should traders consider when using quarterly XRP futures?

Traders should consider basis risk, leverage-related liquidation risk, margin requirements, and the possibility of sharp spot price moves around settlement. Use position sizing and stop-losses to manage risk.

How does settlement reference price get determined?

Settlement is based on the XRP spot price as defined by the exchange’s settlement methodology. Consult BitMEX contract specifications and settlement notices for the precise reference and calculation method (source: BitMEX announcements).

Key Takeaways

• Defined expiries: Quarterly futures settle on fixed dates, giving traders predictable settlement events.
• Flexible uses: Contracts support hedging, arbitrage, and directional strategies without owning XRP.
• Collateral efficiency: Multi-asset margining allows XRP to be used as collateral across derivatives positions.

Conclusion

This update confirms BitMEX’s expansion of XRP derivatives with new quarterly futures, complementing existing perpetuals, spot trading, and multi-asset margining. Traders should review contract specs, monitor settlement dates, and apply disciplined risk management when trading these products. For full specifications, consult BitMEX announcements and contract documentation.