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CME Group to Launch Around-the-Clock Trading for Cryptocurrency Futures and Options

In a groundbreaking move, CME Group, the foremost derivatives marketplace in the world, has announced that it will offer continuous trading of cryptocurrency futures and options for its clients. Starting in early 2026, these digital asset instruments will be available for trading 24 hours a day, every day of the week, pending regulatory approval. This shift responds to the rising demand from market participants eager to manage their risk without interruption, reflecting a significant evolution in the crypto trading landscape.

Tim McCourt, the Global Head of Equities, FX, and Alternative Products at CME Group, emphasized the necessity of adapting to client needs. He 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." This statement underlines the importance of ensuring that clients have at their disposal a reliable mechanism to trade confidently at any time they wish.

The launch will enable continuous trading on the CME Globex platform with only a few exceptions. There will be at least a two-hour maintenance window every week on weekends. Furthermore, trading that takes place during holidays or weekends will be recorded with a trade date corresponding to the following business day. This will ensure that clearing, settlement, and regulatory reporting are managed in an orderly fashion on the next business day.

Record Growth in Cryptocurrency Trading

As we look towards the implementation of 24/7 trading, it's noteworthy to mention the explosive growth that crypto futures and options have experienced within CME Group in 2025. Some remarkable highlights include:

• - Record notional open interest of $39 billion on September 18, marking a significant milestone for the platform.
• - August average daily open interest soared to 335,200 contracts, increasing by 95% year-on-year, representing an impressive $31.6 billion in notional value.
• - August average daily volume (ADV) achieved a record of 411,000 contracts, a staggering increase of 230% compared to the previous year, equating to a notional value of $14.9 billion.
• - Additionally, there were more than 1,010 large open interest holders across CME's cryptocurrency products during the week of September 25.

Enhancing Market Opportunities

CME Group has always positioned itself as a leader in enabling clients to optimize their portfolios and manage risk effectively. By providing around-the-clock trading for cryptocurrencies, CME Group aims to foster an environment where market participants feel empowered to seize opportunities whenever they arise. This continuous availability sets it apart from traditional stock markets that often do not cater to the 24/7 nature of cryptocurrency trading.

The CME Globex platform, known for its reliability and efficiency, will serve as the backbone for this new trading capability, facilitating a seamless trading experience. The extension of trading hours is a strategic response to the changing dynamics of the cryptocurrency market, indicating that CME Group is committed to staying at the forefront of this ever-evolving landscape.

In summary, CME Group's initiative to offer 24/7 trading for cryptocurrency futures and options marks a significant development in the financial marketplace, catering to the nuanced needs of modern traders. By embracing continuous trading, CME Group not only enhances its service offerings but also positions itself as a responsive leader in the cryptocurrency derivatives space. As the market continues to evolve, initiatives like this could set new benchmarks for trading practices and regulatory engagement within the broader financial ecosystem.