cryptodnes.bg
CME Group, one of the world’s largest regulated derivatives exchanges, announced plans to introduce around-the-clock trading for its cryptocurrency futures and options markets.
The change, expected to begin in early 2026 pending regulatory approval, would bring CME’s offerings in line with the nonstop nature of global crypto markets.
Meeting Growing Demand
“Client demand for around-the-clock cryptocurrency trading has grown as market participants need to manage their risk every day of the week,” said Tim McCourt, CME’s global head of equities, FX, and alternative products. He added that ensuring CME’s regulated crypto markets remain continuously open will allow institutions to trade “with confidence at any time.”
Currently, CME’s crypto derivatives, including Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) futures and options, are only available during standard business hours and pause trading on weekends. The upcoming model would eliminate those gaps, allowing access via CME Globex every day of the week, with only a brief weekly maintenance window.
— Watcher.Guru (@WatcherGuru) October 2, 2025
Institutional Shift Toward Crypto
CME’s announcement underscores the growing institutional embrace of digital assets. As one of the most trusted venues for regulated futures trading, CME plays a critical role in giving hedge funds, asset managers, and corporates exposure to crypto without directly holding tokens.
By enabling 24/7 access, CME is aligning itself more closely with the always-on nature of crypto markets, which never close and often experience their highest volatility during weekends. Analysts note this step could help institutional traders hedge positions more efficiently, reduce arbitrage gaps, and attract further liquidity from traditional finance.
Settlement Remains Consistent
While trading access will expand, CME clarified that settlement procedures will remain unchanged. Transactions executed on weekends or holidays will still clear on the next business day, maintaining consistency in reporting and risk management across its clearing operations. This approach balances the flexibility of continuous trading with the reliability of standardized settlement practices.
Broader Market Implications
The move may mark a turning point for traditional derivatives markets. By adopting an always-open model, CME could set a precedent for other exchanges that still operate on fixed schedules. More importantly, it signals that institutional infrastructure for crypto is maturing, reducing the gap between decentralized markets and traditional finance.
If approved, CME’s expansion is likely to further cement Bitcoin and Ethereum futures as core products for institutional portfolios, reinforcing their role as both risk management tools and long-term exposure vehicles.