TLDR
- CME to begin 24/7 crypto futures and options trading on May 29
- 2025 crypto derivatives volume reached $3 trillion
- 2026 average daily volume rose 46% year over year
- Weekend trades will clear on the next business day
CME Group plans to launch 24/7 crypto futures trading starting May 29, pending regulatory review. The move will allow continuous trading of regulated cryptocurrency futures and options on its Globex platform.
The Chicago-based exchange said the new schedule reflects rising demand for risk management tools tied to digital assets. Trading will begin at 4:00 p.m. Central Time on May 29 and will continue without daily closing hours.
Continuous Trading Model for Crypto Futures
CME Group announced that its cryptocurrency futures and options will trade around the clock. The contracts will be available on the CME Globex electronic platform. A weekly maintenance break of at least two hours will remain in place over the weekend.
The exchange said trades executed from Friday evening through Sunday evening will carry the next business day’s trade date. Clearing, settlement, and regulatory reporting will also occur on the next business day. This structure keeps existing clearing processes in place while expanding trading access.
The crypto market doesn't sleep. Now, your risk management doesn't have to either. 🕐
24/7 trading for Cryptocurrency futures and options is coming May 29*, so you can manage your risk when you need to.
See what's changing. ➡️ https://t.co/DQt7os6uFX
*Pending regulatory review pic.twitter.com/i6xjkJVffm
— CME Group (@CMEGroup) February 19, 2026
The launch remains subject to regulatory review. CME stated that the change aligns its derivatives trading hours more closely with the nonstop structure of spot cryptocurrency markets.
Record Growth in Crypto Derivatives Volume
CME reported record activity across its cryptocurrency products in 2025. The exchange recorded $3 trillion in notional volume for crypto futures and options during the year.
Tim McCourt, Global Head of Equity, FX, and Alternative Products at CME Group, addressed the demand. He said, “Client demand for risk management in the digital asset market is at an all-time high, driving a record $3 trillion in notional volume across our Cryptocurrency futures and options in 2025.”
The exchange also shared year-to-date figures for 2026. Average daily volume reached 407,200 contracts, which marked a 46% increase from the same period last year. Average daily open interest stood at 335,400 contracts, up 7% year over year.
Futures contracts accounted for most of the growth. CME said average daily futures volume reached 403,900 contracts, reflecting a 47% rise compared to last year.
Aligning With Nonstop Crypto Markets
Cryptocurrency markets operate without closing hours, and trading occurs every day of the week. CME stated that not all markets are suited for continuous trading. However, it said digital asset derivatives benefit from constant access.
The exchange said the change ensures that clients can manage exposure at any time. This is especially relevant during periods of price movement outside traditional market hours.
CME’s crypto contracts operate within the United States regulatory framework. The exchange offers centralized clearing and standardized reporting. CME Clearing acts as the central counterparty for trades, which helps manage counterparty risk.
CME Group operates exchanges across asset classes including interest rates, equity indexes, foreign exchange, energy, agriculture, and metals. Its platforms include CME Globex for futures and options, BrokerTec for fixed income, and EBS for foreign exchange trading.
The planned 24/7 crypto futures trading schedule marks an operational change for U.S.-regulated crypto derivatives markets. If approved, the expanded hours will begin on May 29 and will provide continuous access to bitcoin and other digital asset futures and options.
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