CME Group to Introduce 24/7 Crypto Derivatives Trading by 2026
CME Group plans to launch continuous trading services for cryptocurrency derivatives in 2026, pending regulatory review amid a government shutdown.
The Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) Group announced plans to launch its 24/7 trading services for crypto derivatives by 2026. This move is intended to enhance trading opportunities for clients, allowing them to trade cryptocurrency futures and options at any time of day or night, pending regulatory approval.
In a recent statement, the CME indicated that the initiative is subject to regulatory review as the U.S. government faces a shutdown that complicates the timeline. Their global head of equities, FX, and alternative products, Tim McCourt, stated:
“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.”
The shift towards continuous trading represents a substantial evolution for the CME’s service offerings, which typically observe breaks during weekends and holidays.
Further context was provided by CEO Terrence Duffy, who highlighted that the market’s demand for 24/7 trading aligns with the evolving environment in the crypto sector.
With global crypto derivatives open interest reported at approximately $3.2 billion and the CME’s own notional open interest around $39 billion as of September 18, the company anticipates that regulatory clearance will be crucial before these changes can be implemented.
As the volatility of crypto markets continues to draw interest, many watch closely to see how regulatory frameworks will evolve to manage these new trading models.
