CME Group to Launch 24/7 Crypto Futures and Options Trading by 2026

CME Group, one of the world’s largest regulated derivatives exchanges, has announced plans to introduce around-the-clock trading for its cryptocurrency futures and options markets. Pending regulatory approval, the service is expected to launch in early 2026, marking a major shift that will align CME’s offerings more closely with the nonstop nature of global crypto markets.

Currently, CME’s crypto products, including bitcoin (BTC) and ether (ETH) futures and options, pause trading on weekends and outside of traditional business hours. Under the new model, traders will gain uninterrupted access through CME Globex, with the only exception being a brief weekly maintenance window. While holiday and weekend trades will still settle on the next business day, the move represents a step toward seamless, institutional-grade access to crypto derivatives.

Tim McCourt, CME’s global head of equities, FX, and alternative products, highlighted that client demand has been growing for 24/7 cryptocurrency trading as institutions seek to manage risk throughout the week. By expanding availability, CME aims to provide a more competitive and reliable alternative to offshore exchanges that already operate continuously but often lack the regulatory safeguards institutional investors require.

The development is especially significant given CME Group’s role as a leading venue for institutional crypto trading. According to CoinGlass data, CME is the top exchange for open interest in BTC and ETH futures, with $16.8 billion and $9.8 billion in contracts, respectively. Around-the-clock trading could further solidify its position by offering investors regulated, always-on access to key crypto derivatives markets.

For institutions looking to balance the security of regulation with the speed of crypto markets, CME’s 24/7 expansion could provide the ideal solution—bridging the gap between traditional finance and the digital asset economy.