CME Group, the world’s largest derivatives marketplace, will make its cryptocurrency futures and options tradeable 24/7 starting in early 2026, pending regulatory approval. The move aims to meet rising client demand for round-the-clock risk management in a market that never closes.
Tim McCourt, CME’s global head of equities, FX, and alternative products, said aligning regulated trading hours with the nonstop nature of crypto will help investors manage risk more effectively. Trading will run continuously on the CME Globex platform, with only a two-hour weekly maintenance break.
Trades made on weekends or holidays will use the next business day as their official trade date, with clearing and settlement processed accordingly.
The change follows a record year for CME’s crypto derivatives business. In September 2025, notional open interest hit $39 billion, while August saw a 95% year-on-year increase in average daily open interest to 335,200 contracts, valued at $31.6 billion. Trading volume in the same month surged 230% to 411,000 contracts, worth $14.9 billion.
Institutional participation is also rising, with more than 1,010 large open interest holders recorded by late September. CME, already a key provider of benchmark products across asset classes including equities, FX, and commodities, says expanding crypto trading hours reflects the market’s growing maturity.
By offering continuous trading, CME aims to bridge traditional finance with crypto’s always-on economy, strengthening its position as a critical hub for institutional investors navigating the digital asset landscape.
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