CME Group Announces Round-The-Clock Crypto Derivatives Trading From May 29
CME Group, the world’s largest derivatives market, announced on Thursday that it will introduce around-the-clock trading of cryptocurrency derivatives, with the new system starting on May 29, pending regulatory approval.
The exchange announced that its crypto futures and options will transition to continuous trading on the CME Globex platform, providing broader access beyond the regular weekly schedule. While the platform will operate almost 24/7, it will still include a small two-hour maintenance break each weekend.
The ‘High-Time’ Need for Crypto Risk Tools
Less than- new frameworktrades made between Friday evening and Sunday evening will be assigned a trade date of the next business day. CME added that clearing, settlement, and regulatory reporting of those transactions will also be processed on the next business day.
According to the company’s press release, the decision reflects the growing need for cryptocurrency risk management tools amid falling cryptocurrency prices, including a 50% drop in Bitcoin’s price in just four months.
Notably, Tim McCourt, CME Group’s Global Head of Equities, FX, and Other Products, said clients’ appetite for exposure to digital assets has reached unprecedented levels.
Only in 2025, the exchange recorded three billion dollars the volume of the trade considered throughout its cryptocurrency future and options suite, a platform record.
“Customer demand for risk management in the digital assets market is very high,” McCourt said, noting that continued access to regulated crypto derivatives will allow traders to manage exposure whenever market conditions change.
While acknowledging that not all assets are suitable for non-stop trading, he stressed that regular access to transparent and regulated cryptocurrency products will allow customers to trade with greater flexibility and confidence.
Futures Earn 47% Jump in CME Group’s Digital Asset Activity
CME Group’s crypto complex continued to grow in 2026. Exchange reported average daily volume of 407,200 contracts so far this year, marking a 46% increase compared to the same period in 2025. Daily open interest reached 335,400 contracts, up 7% year-on-year (YoY).
Futures activity on the platform has been particularly strong, with average daily volume up 47% from last year.
Although CME Group has confirmed May 29 as its target launch date, the exchange noted that the extended trading schedule remains under regulatory review and final approval.
If cleared, the move would mark an important step toward synchronizing regulated crypto derivatives trading closer to the overnight nature of digital asset markets.
Featured image from OpenArt, chart from TradingView.com
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