CME Group Inc will extend trading hours for its cryptocurrency derivatives to operate around the clock beginning May 29, the Chicago-based derivatives venue announced. The move will open continuous trading for cryptocurrency futures and options on its Globex electronic trading platform, subject to regulatory review.
The transition to an always-on schedule includes a minimum two-hour maintenance window each weekend. Trades executed from Friday evening through Sunday evening will be assigned a trade date of the next business day. CME said that clearing, settlement and regulatory reporting tied to those trades will likewise be processed on the following business day.
"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," said Tim McCourt, Global Head of Equities, FX and Alternative Products at CME Group.
McCourt added that although not every market is suited to continuous operation, extending 24/7 access to regulated cryptocurrency products helps clients manage exposure outside traditional trading hours. In his words: "While not all markets lend themselves to operating 24/7, providing always-on access to our regulated, transparent Cryptocurrency products ensures clients can manage their exposure and trade with confidence at any time."
The announcement accompanies strong performance metrics for CME's cryptocurrency derivatives so far this year. Year-to-date average daily volume reached 407,200 contracts, an increase of 46% compared with the same period last year. Average daily open interest expanded to 335,400 contracts, up 7% year-over-year. Futures average daily volume specifically rose 47% year-over-year to 403,900 contracts.
The decision to move to continuous trading marks a notable adjustment for CME Group, which operates a wide-ranging derivatives marketplace across asset classes such as interest rates, equity indexes, foreign exchange, cryptocurrencies, energy, agricultural products and metals. By aligning its crypto derivatives hours more closely with the around-the-clock nature of underlying digital-asset markets, CME is positioning its regulated products for access at all hours while maintaining the post-trade processing cadence described above.
Implementation remains contingent on regulatory review. Market participants will need to accommodate the operational change that assigns weekend trades to the next business day for trade dating and for clearing, settlement and reporting processes. CME also plans for a scheduled maintenance window each week to support the continuous trading model.
The extension to 24/7 trading is presented by CME as a response to client demand and rising volumes in its crypto derivatives business, while leaving intact the exchange's regulated post-trade procedures and an operational maintenance period.