CME Group to Launch 24/7 Trading for Crypto Derivatives Starting May 29
By Luke Juricic | Investing.com | February 19, 2026
CME Group Inc (NASDAQ: CME), the Chicago-based global derivatives marketplace, announced that it will begin offering around-the-clock trading for its cryptocurrency futures and options contracts starting May 29, 2026. This move marks a significant expansion in trading hours, aligning CME’s crypto derivative products more closely with the always-on nature of the broader cryptocurrency market.
Continuous Trading on Globex Platform
The 24/7 trading will be available on CME’s electronic Globex platform, pending final regulatory approval. This new schedule will reduce downtime, with trading available every day of the week except for a scheduled two-hour maintenance window each weekend.
Tim McCourt, Global Head of Equities, FX and Alternative Products at CME Group, commented on the expansion:
"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. 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."
Operational and Settlement Details
Under the new trading schedule, any transactions conducted from Friday evening through Sunday evening will be recorded with a trade date corresponding to the following business day. Clearing, settlement, and regulatory reporting processes will continue to be handled on the next business day, ensuring compliance with standard operational protocols.
This adjustment aims to give traders greater flexibility in managing crypto derivative exposure during weekends and outside traditional market hours when digital assets themselves are traded globally without interruption.
Strong Growth in CME’s Crypto Derivatives Market
CME Group has reported robust performance in its crypto derivatives products in 2026. The year-to-date average daily volume (ADV) has reached 407,200 contracts, representing a 46% increase compared to the same period last year. Additionally, average daily open interest (OI) has grown by 7% year-over-year, reaching 335,400 contracts. Specifically, futures contracts have shown a 47% year-over-year increase in ADV, up to 403,900 contracts.
These figures underline growing institutional interest and adoption of CME’s regulated crypto derivatives as tools for risk management and investment in digital assets.
Expanding the World’s Leading Derivatives Marketplace
CME Group operates one of the world’s largest and most diverse derivatives marketplaces, offering futures, options, cash, and over-the-counter products across major asset classes including interest rates, equity indexes, foreign exchange, commodities, and cryptocurrencies.
The shift to 24/7 trading for crypto derivatives positions CME to better serve clients in an evolving digital asset ecosystem characterized by nonstop market activity, enhancing its commitment to transparency, regulatory compliance, and market efficiency in cryptocurrency trading.
Market Snapshot:
- CME Group’s crypto derivatives have driven $3 trillion in notional volume in 2025.
- Average daily futures volume rose by 47% year-over-year.
- The 24/7 trading initiative will launch May 29, 2026, subject to regulatory clearance.
For investors and traders looking to engage with crypto derivatives beyond traditional hours, CME Group’s round-the-clock trading will provide unprecedented access and operational continuity in a regulated environment.
Stay tuned to Investing.com for further updates on the launch and its impact on cryptocurrency markets worldwide.