CME Group, the world’s leading derivatives marketplace, announced a major change for cryptocurrency traders on Thursday, February 19. Starting May 29, pending regulatory review, its regulated cryptocurrency futures and options will be available for trading 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The move reflects growing demand from clients who need constant access to risk management tools. Trading will run on CME Globex, the company’s electronic platform. CME Group will maintain a two-hour weekly maintenance window over the weekend.
Trades conducted from Friday evening through Sunday evening will carry the following business day as the official trade date. Clearing, settlement, and regulatory reporting will also follow the next business day.
This expansion represents a shift toward continuous market access. Unlike traditional markets that close overnight or on weekends, the cryptocurrency market operates globally around the clock.
CME Group aims to provide a regulated and transparent venue, allowing clients to manage exposure and execute trades confidently at any hour.
Also Read: CME Group & FanDuel Launch Prediction Markets App Featuring Crypto & Sports
CME Group Sets New Records for Crypto Contracts
The popularity of CME Group’s cryptocurrency products is breaking new records. At the start of 2026, the overall average daily figure for all cryptocurrency contracts came in at 407,200, which is a 46% increase over the previous year.
Meanwhile, the average daily figure for futures came in at 403,900, a 47% increase over the previous year. Open interest averaged 335,400 contracts, a 7% increase.
The figures reflect the high level of client engagement. Investors and institutions are increasingly looking to futures and options to hedge their positions and navigate market volatility.
The continuous trading announcement meets these changing needs head-on. Market participants can now respond to price movements and events in real time, unhindered by traditional trading hours.
CME Group is a global leader in derivatives. It offers a wide range of products, including a variety of interest rate, equity index, foreign exchange, cryptocurrency, energy, agricultural, and metal contracts.
In addition, the firm operates a significant central counterparty clearinghouse called CME Clearing, which supports the risk management needs of its large client base.
CME Group Drives 24/7 Crypto Trading Revolution
This move to 24/7 trading is a sign of a larger trend that is governing the current financial environment. The markets for digital assets are becoming increasingly institutionalized and are shrouded in rules and regulations.
This move by the CME Group may also prompt others to consider around-the-clock trading for their digital asset markets.
Clients have access to a range of hedging instruments and investment opportunities. This system allows traders to react immediately to worldwide events.
Experts predict that continuous trading will increase liquidity, reduce volatility, and enhance price discovery. Once again, CME Group reinforces its mission of empowering market participants worldwide, providing a trusted, regulated, and transparent marketplace.
Also Read: CME Group Adds Cardano, Chainlink, and Stellar Futures to Its Crypto Lineup
