CME Group Prepares for 24/7 Crypto Futures and Options Trading

The world’s largest derivatives exchange, CME Group, has recently announced that it is preparing to launch 24/7 crypto futures and options trading. The plan is set to start in early 2026, after getting approval from regulators. This move shows that big investors are more interested in digital assets and want tools that work outside normal market hours.

CME Sets to Meet the Demand for Around-the-Clock Trading

Unlike stocks or bonds, cryptocurrencies trade every second of every day, and that constant movement has created demand for products that can keep up. 

Tim McCourt, CME Group’s Global Head of Equities, explained that clients increasingly want the flexibility to adjust positions without waiting for the exchange to reopen.

CME plans to deliver this by running its crypto futures and options continuously on CME Globex, the firm’s electronic trading platform. To maintain order and compliance, the exchange said that trades placed during weekends or holidays will carry the next business day as their trade date. 

While clearing, settlement, and reporting will still be processed on the same day to maintain consistency.

CME Expands Crypto Lineup with New Futures and Options Launch

CME has not been standing still when it comes to crypto. Over the past few years, it has broadened its offerings beyond its flagship Bitcoin and Ethereum futures. In 2024, it introduced Solana (SOL) and XRP futures. In July, the trading volume for Solana CME futures shot up dramatically, reaching $8.1 billion

At the same time, CME’s current Bitcoin and Ethereum futures are seeing support from big investors, raking in billions of dollars. The company said it is making plans to launch options contracts for these new products starting October 13. 

These products would let investors manage price swings or invest without directly owning the assets. The move to launch a nonstop trading service is likely to make CME even more important for professional traders.

CME’s 24/7 Trading Could End Bitcoin Price Gaps

One problem with CME’s limited hours has been the “CME gap.” This happens when Bitcoin’s price changes over the weekend while the exchange is closed, leaving a gap that often gets filled once trading resumes.

With 24/7 trading, CME could reduce these gaps and change how both big and small traders approach crypto futures. It may also bring in more institutions, since they will have nonstop access to the market.

CME is not alone in this race. Its rival Cboe has announced it will launch round-the-clock Bitcoin and Ethereum futures on November 10. Together, these moves show how major financial firms are adapting to the growing demand for crypto trading tools.

This follows Coinbase’s May announcement that it plans to launch 24/7 futures trading for Bitcoin and Ethereum in the U.S.

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