CME Group, the world's largest derivatives marketplace, announced it will begin offering nearly continuous, 24/7 trading for its regulated cryptocurrency futures and options starting May 29, 2026, pending regulatory review. The move will shift contracts on CME Globex to an "always-on" schedule with only a minimal two-hour maintenance break over weekends.
The decision is a direct response to surging institutional demand for risk management tools in the digital asset space. Tim McCourt, Global Head of Equities, FX and Alternative Products at CME Group, stated, "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." He added that providing continuous access ensures clients can manage exposure "at any time."
The exchange reported record activity, with average daily volume for crypto derivatives reaching 407,200 contracts so far in 2026, a 46% increase year-over-year. Futures alone accounted for 403,900 contracts daily, up 47%. Open interest also rose 7% to 335,400 contracts.
Under the new structure, trades executed from Friday evening through Sunday evening will carry the next business day's trade date, with clearing and settlement processed accordingly. This change aims to close the timing gap between the continuously trading crypto spot markets and traditional derivatives venues, giving institutions greater flexibility to hedge outside standard hours.
The announcement formalizes CME's earlier plans and comes amid intensifying competition for institutional crypto derivatives flow. Rivals like Coinbase and Kraken are also expanding their derivatives infrastructure. CME, which first launched bitcoin futures in 2017, has broadened its crypto product suite to include ether, Cardano (ADA), Chainlink (LINK), and Stellar (XLM) derivatives.
