CME says it plans to launch bitcoin futures by the end of the year, pending regulatory review. Bitcoin surges to record in response to announcement from CME, the world's largest futures exchange. The growth of bitcoin derivatives is also another step towards the development of the digital currency as a more established asset class. CME announced Tuesday it plans to launch bitcoin futures in the fourth quarter of the year, pending regulatory review. Bitcoin rose to a record high above $6,400 Tuesday morning after the announcement by CME, according to CoinDesk. CME is the world's largest futures exchange. "Given ... (full story)