The bitcoin price surged to a record level today. The breach of the $6,400 level followed CME’s announcement that we could see bitcoin futures as soon as the end of 2017. According to Terry Duffy, CME Group chairman and CEO, the world’s largest futures exchange has been working diligently with the regulatory to have the application process finished as soon as possible.

Bitcoin futures could translate into greater liquidity for the cryptocurrency markets, hence an increase in interest and price as well. A regulated bitcoin derivative could also pave the way for a bitcoin ETF.

Nine years after the birth of the world’s most important cryptocurrency, it seems it has matured enough to become relevant in the financial ecosystem.

Bitcoin price year-to-date