Understanding the Bitcoin Real-Time Index (BRTI)
The Bitcoin Real-Time Index (BRTI) is a groundbreaking pricing mechanism introduced in 2016 through a collaboration between:
- Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME)
- Crypto Facilities Ltd.
This index adheres to the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) financial benchmark standards, providing continuous Bitcoin-to-USD price transparency across global markets.
Key Features of BRTI
- 24/7 Price Updates: Publishes new data every second, 365 days per year
Unique Calculation Method: Unlike traditional indices that rely on historical trade data:
- BRTI computes prices based on live order books from selected exchanges
- Reflects both current and future price expectations
Professional Oversight: Independently monitored to ensure reliability for:
- Institutional trading
- Digital asset risk management
- Market analysis
👉 Discover how BRTI compares to other crypto indices
How BRTI Differs from BRR
| Feature | BRTI | BRR (Bitcoin Reference Rate) |
|---|---|---|
| Data Source | Live order books | Historical trade data |
| Price Reflection | Current + Future expectations | Past trading activity |
| Update Frequency | Every second | Daily settlement |
| Primary Use Case | Real-time trading | Institutional valuation |
Why BRTI Matters for Crypto Investors
- Market Transparency: Eliminates price discrepancies between exchanges
Professional Adoption: Used by:
- Hedge funds
- Crypto-native institutions
- Traditional finance entering digital assets
Risk Management: Provides reliable benchmarks for:
- Derivatives pricing
- Portfolio valuation
- Arbitrage strategies
👉 Learn institutional crypto trading strategies
Frequently Asked Questions
What exchanges contribute to BRTI calculations?
The index aggregates data from multiple major cryptocurrency exchanges, though the exact selection criteria aren't publicly disclosed to prevent manipulation.
How often is BRTI recalculated?
The index updates every second, making it one of the most responsive crypto pricing mechanisms available.
Can retail traders use BRTI?
Absolutely! While designed for institutional use, individual investors can:
- Track real-time market sentiment
- Identify arbitrage opportunities
- Benchmark their portfolio performance
Is BRTI subject to market manipulation?
The independent oversight and multi-exchange sourcing make significant manipulation extremely difficult compared to single-exchange prices.
The Future of Crypto Indices
As digital assets mature, professional-grade indices like BRTI will play crucial roles in:
- Mainstream adoption by traditional finance
- Regulatory compliance for institutional investors
- Market stability through transparent pricing
With its unique forward-looking methodology, BRTI represents a significant evolution in how we value and trade cryptocurrencies.