TLDR
- CME Group will introduce continuous trading for crypto futures and options starting early 2026
- The service requires CFTC regulatory approval, currently delayed by a government shutdown
- Bitcoin futures open interest on CME stands at $16.8 billion, ether futures at $9.8 billion
- Trading will pause only for brief weekly maintenance windows
- The move addresses institutional demand for round-the-clock risk management
CME Group has announced plans to launch 24/7 trading for its cryptocurrency derivatives products beginning in early 2026. The expansion would eliminate current trading pauses that occur on weekends, holidays, and outside standard business hours.
The Chicago-based derivatives exchange made the announcement Thursday. Implementation depends on regulatory approval from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.
Tim McCourt, CME Group’s global head of equities, FX, and alternative products, said client demand for continuous cryptocurrency trading has grown. Market participants need the ability to manage risk every day of the week, he explained.
The new trading model will allow access to bitcoin and ether futures and options through CME Globex at all times. Only a short weekly maintenance window will interrupt service.
Trades executed on holidays and weekends will settle on the next business day. This approach maintains consistency in the exchange’s reporting and clearing processes.
Regulatory Approval Faces Delays
The CFTC approval process faces potential delays due to a government shutdown. The agency is currently operating with reduced capacity after Congress failed to pass a budget bill to fund operations.
This situation makes it unlikely the regulator will review the 24/7 trading proposal until the shutdown ends. No agreement to resolve the funding impasse was in place at the time of CME’s announcement.
CME Group CEO Terrence Duffy spoke about continuous trading at a joint SEC and CFTC roundtable this week. He said the market will demand 24/7 trading soon and cryptocurrency represents the best path forward.
CME’s Market Position
CME Group dominates the institutional cryptocurrency derivatives market. CoinGlass data shows it leads all exchanges for bitcoin and ether futures by open interest.
The platform currently holds $16.8 billion in bitcoin futures contracts. Ether futures contracts total $9.8 billion in notional value.
As of September 18, CME Group reported approximately $39 billion in notional open interest volume. This compares to global crypto derivatives open interest of around $3.2 billion according to CoinMarketCap.
Competition with Offshore Platforms
The exchange serves as the primary marketplace for US institutional investors in crypto derivatives. Its regulated status provides oversight and stability that distinguishes it from many competitors.
Many offshore platforms already offer 24/7 cryptocurrency trading. However, these venues typically operate with less regulatory supervision than CME Group.
The proposed continuous trading would align CME’s services with the nonstop nature of cryptocurrency markets. Institutions would gain regulated market access without traditional hour restrictions.
This change could give CME Group a competitive advantage. Traders would receive regulatory protections while maintaining the flexibility of around-the-clock trading.
The expansion reflects growing institutional involvement in cryptocurrency markets. Demand for professional risk management tools continues to increase across the sector.
CME Group plans to begin the new trading schedule in early 2026, subject to CFTC approval and the resolution of the current government shutdown.
