TLDR
- CME Group to launch 24/7 crypto futures and options trading by 2026.
- U.S. government shutdown may delay CME’s 24/7 crypto trading review.
- CME Group reports $39 billion in crypto derivatives open interest.
- Crypto market demand drives CME’s move to offer continuous trading.
The Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) Group has announced plans to expand its services by offering “always on” cryptocurrency trading starting in early 2026. The exchange, which currently offers crypto futures and options, aims to provide 24/7 trading in response to increasing demand from market participants.
This move would allow clients to trade cryptocurrencies around the clock, eliminating the need for pauses during weekends, holidays, or outside regular business hours.
24/7 Crypto Trading on the Horizon
Pending regulatory approval, CME Group will enable its clients to trade crypto futures and options 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The initiative marks a significant shift from the CME’s current schedule, which includes breaks on weekends and public holidays. This expanded service is designed to meet the growing need among traders who wish to manage their risk continuously, without being limited by time restrictions.
CME Group’s global head of equities, FX, and alternative products, Tim McCourt, highlighted that although not all markets can operate 24/7, the demand for uninterrupted cryptocurrency trading has intensified. The move is expected to offer traders more flexibility, ensuring they can make transactions and manage positions at any time, even during non-business hours.
Regulatory Review Amid US Government Shutdown
The launch of 24/7 cryptocurrency trading is contingent upon a regulatory review by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). The CFTC is the primary agency responsible for overseeing derivatives markets, including crypto futures. However, the agency’s operations are currently limited due to the ongoing U.S. government shutdown, caused by Congress’ failure to pass a funding bill. As a result, the review process may be delayed until the shutdown is resolved.
Despite this uncertainty, CME Group is moving forward with its plans to introduce around-the-clock crypto trading in 2026. While the shutdown poses temporary hurdles, many experts believe the situation will be resolved long before the planned rollout.
CME Group’s Growing Role in Crypto Derivatives
The CME Group’s decision to offer 24/7 trading comes at a time when the global crypto derivatives market is seeing significant growth. As of mid-September 2025, CME Group reported a notional open interest volume of approximately $39 billion in crypto futures. This figure contrasts with the overall global crypto derivatives open interest, which was around $3.2 billion at the same time.
CME Group’s expanded offering is poised to cater to an increasingly active and global cryptocurrency market. As more participants enter the crypto space, the need for continuous access to trading platforms has grown. By providing 24/7 services, CME Group aims to capitalize on this demand while maintaining the regulatory framework that governs its operations.
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