- CME Group announced that its cryptocurrency futures and options will trade 24×7 starting in early 2026, pending regulatory approval.
- CME’s crypto derivatives markets hit record volume, with average daily volumes surging ~230% year-over-year.
- The move is expected to boost liquidity, reduce pricing gaps, and attract more institutional flow, catering to crypto markets.
CME Group, the world’s leading derivatives marketplace, announced plans to offer round-the-clock trading for its cryptocurrency futures and options products. The move is expected to come through by early 2026, pending regulatory approval. The company announced this on Thursday via a press release.
Expanding access to digital asset markets
This move aims to align CME Group’s offerings with the 24/7 nature of cryptocurrency markets. It will provide institutional investors with continuous access, enabling them to manage their digital asset exposures, anywhere, at any time. Trading will occur on the CME Globex platform, with a scheduled two-hour weekly maintenance period over the weekend. Trades executed from Friday evening through Sunday evening will carry the next business day’s trade date, with clearing, settlement, and regulatory reporting processed accordingly.
Impact on market liquidity and volatility
The introduction of 24/7 trading is expected to enhance market liquidity and reduce price dislocations that can occur during off-hours. This actually provides a more efficient mechanism for hedging and risk management. By offering continuous trading, CME Group aims to meet the growing demand from clients seeking to manage their cryptocurrency exposure at any time.
CME Group operates the largest futures and options exchange globally, offering a wide range of products. They facilitate trading across various asset classes, including interest rates, equity indexes, foreign exchange, energy, agricultural products, metals, and cryptocurrencies. The company’s platforms, such as CME Globex and CME Clearing, are known for their transparent and efficient trading and clearing services.
Pending regulatory approval, the expansion to 24/7 trading in early 2026 will be a significant step in integrating cryptocurrency derivatives into the broader financial markets. It will offer institutional investors enhanced flexibility and access to digital asset markets, making them more mainstream.
