CME Group plans to offer around the clock trading for
cryptocurrency futures and options markets beginning early 2026, pending
regulatory clearance.
This shift reflects growing demand from market
participants who require the ability to manage their risk every day of the
week, not just during traditional market hours.
Digital assets meet tradfi in London at the fmls25
According to the company, while not all markets suit
nonstop trading, the dynamic nature of the crypto market and client needs
justify this change.
Starting early 2026, trade crypto on your schedule. 🚀➡️ https://t.co/x1FLEwVAnl pic.twitter.com/RmCGMLWh4h
— CME Group (@CMEGroup) October 2, 2025
Around-the-Clock Trading to Meet Increasing Demand
“While not all markets lend themselves to
operating 24/7, client demand for around-the-clock cryptocurrency trading has
grown as market participants need to manage their risk every day of the
week,” said Tim McCourt, Global Head of Equities, FX and Alternative
Products at CME Group.
“Ensuring that our regulated cryptocurrency
markets are always on will enable clients to trade with confidence at any
time.”
By keeping its regulated crypto markets open at all
times, CME aims to provide traders with the confidence to transact whenever
they choose. Currently, CME’s crypto futures and options trading halts on
weekends and outside of certain hours.
The proposed new trading schedule will reportedly allow
access every day through the CME Globex platform, except for a brief weekly
maintenance period on weekends.
Keep reading: CME Brings Wall Street to Sports Bettors with New Event Contracts Partnership
Trades executed during holidays or weekends will carry
the trade date of the next business day, ensuring clearing, settlement, and
regulatory reporting remain aligned with standard market rules.
Institutional Interest Hits New Highs at CME
This move follows a period of strong growth in CME’s
crypto derivative markets throughout 2025. The trading activity reportedly includes
a $39 billion notional open interest in mid-September and a 230% year-on-year
increase in average daily trading volume in August.
Allowing 24/7 trading better aligns CME’s offering
with the nonstop pace of the cryptocurrency markets, which operate continuously
around the globe. This adjustment may entice institutional investors seeking
regulated infrastructure without limited trading hours, offering an alternative
to less-regulated offshore venues that already provide nonstop access.
Recently, CME Group partnered with sports betting operator FanDuel to launch event contracts aimed at millions of gaming customers. This marked a significant expansion of these binary options-style products, which have surged in popularity this year.
The joint venture allows FanDuel users to
place simple yes-or-no bets with stakes starting at $1 on financial market
events, including S&P 500 movements, oil prices, and economic data.
This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.
