CME Group said it plans to introduce round-the-clock trading for its regulated cryptocurrency futures and options starting May 29, subject to regulatory approval, as demand for digital-asset risk management continues to grow.
The derivatives exchange said clients are increasingly seeking ways to manage crypto exposure outside traditional market hours, with notional trading volume in its crypto futures and options reaching a record $3 trillion in 2025. Company executives said the move to nearly 24/7 trading will give investors continuous access to regulated markets and greater flexibility to respond to price moves.
Under the new schedule, crypto futures and options will begin trading continuously on CME Globex from 4:00 p.m. CT on May 29, with only a short weekly maintenance break of at least two hours over the weekend. Trades executed between Friday evening and Sunday evening will be dated for the next business day, with clearing and settlement handled afterward.
CME Group’s crypto derivatives business has continued to expand in 2026. Average daily volume has climbed to about 407,200 contracts, up 46% from a year earlier, while futures trading alone averages roughly 403,900 contracts per day, also showing strong year-over-year growth.
The company said the extended trading hours are aimed at supporting global participants who want continuous access to regulated cryptocurrency markets as activity in the sector accelerates.
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