CME Group

CME Group received a score of 100 on the 2025 Corporate Equality Index (CEI) from the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), a political stakeholder group. The company recruits employees based on sexual identity issues. The company discriminates against vendors that do not promote divisive sex and gender policies, indicating it prioritizes sexual issues over merit (1)(2). However, the company has not publicly canceled customers, suppliers, or vendors based on political views or religious beliefs (3).

CME Group’s HRC 2025 CEI rating indicates the company will not donate to non-religious charities unless they embrace controversial sexual identity policies (1)(2). The company’s grant guidelines require that organizations abide by its nondiscrimination policy, including on the basis of sexual orientation, thereby excluding some religious charities (3). CME Group will not match employee donations to “religious organizations” (4).

CME Group’s HRC 2025 CEI rating indicates the company forces employees to attend multiple, controversial trainings on gender identity, sexual orientation, transgender issues, and divisive racial ideology. The company provides gender transition guidelines for its employees and a specific benefits guide with a comprehensive explanation of transgender services funded by the company (1)(2). The company requires its employees to take DEI training (3). CME Group appears to prioritize diversity over merit in its leadership composition. From its 2023 ESG Report: “Welcoming diverse perspectives on our Board: We believe diversity on our Board is critical to the success of CME Group and our ability to create long-term value for our shareholders. In 2023, we continued our multi-year approach to board refreshment and succession planning. This process aims to optimize the Board’s ability to effectively oversee and govern the company based on all business needs” (4). The company operates a supplier diversity program. “Supporting diverse suppliers: Increased diverse supplier
participation in our request for proposal process. Continued to raise awareness of our Supplier Diversity Program throughout the organization and with prospective supplier partners. Worked to align our Supplier Diversity Program with our corporate D&I Council strategy” (5). CME Group does not provide viewpoint protections for its employees (6).

CME Group’s HRC 2025 CEI rating indicates the company agrees to allow a controversial stakeholder group focused on sexual identity issues to dictate marketing or advertising strategy. By doing so, the company risks dividing employees, alienating customers and harming shareholders (1)(2). The company’s CEO, Terrence A. Duffy, signed the CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion pledge, which includes a commitment to promote DEI through bias education training in the workplace, strategize on DEI programs/initiatives with other signatories, and engage boards of directors when developing and evaluating DEI strategies (3)(4). CME Group signed an open letter endorsing the Equality Act, a contentious proposal to amend the 1964 Civil Rights Act by adding sexual orientation and so-called gender identity as protected categories. The legislation would, among other implications, grant biological men access to women-only spaces such as sports teams and public restrooms, and compel healthcare providers to deliver sex-denying healthcare (5). The company supports DEI within its business practices, employing a DEI Council (6). CME Group supports DEI within its business practices. From its 2023 ESG Report: “Fostering a culture rooted in diversity, inclusion, well-being and ongoing development for all employees across the globe” (7). The company supports ESG within its business practices. From its 2023 ESG Report: “Our ESG Working Group comprises senior leaders representing key functions across our global organization and directs the design, development and execution of our ESG strategy and initiatives” (8). CME Group signed a petition for marriage equality in Northern Ireland (9).

CME Group donated $5,000 to Planned Parenthood in 2022 (1). The company’s HRC 2025 CEI rating indicates the company covers transgender related costs for its employees and their children, including paid short-term leave, puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, chest surgeries, genital surgeries, medical visits and lab monitoring, travel and lodging. Additionally, the company has pledged philanthropic support of at least one organization or event that promotes sex and gender ideology. By allowing a political stakeholder group to dictate operations, the company increases health care costs and risks dividing employees, alienating customers and harming shareholders (2)(3). CME Group’s PRIDE ERG hosted a LGBTQ pride event, which likely used corporate funds (4)(5)(6). Otherwise, there are no publicly known cases of the company using corporate funds to advance ideological causes, organizations, or policies (7).

CME Group’s HRC 2025 CEI rating indicates the company publicly advocated for controversial sex and gender ideology through local, state or federal legislation or initiatives. By allowing a political stakeholder group to dictate operations, the company risks dividing employees, alienating customers and harming shareholders (1)(2). From 2019-2024, the company donated to the Equality Act but has not used its lobbying for ideological purposes (3)(4)(5).