Institutions Get 24/7 Crypto Hedge as CME Goes Nonstop

CME Group, the world's leading derivatives marketplace, announced on October 2, 2025, that it will begin offering 24/7 trading for its cryptocurrency futures and options markets in early 2026, pending regulatory approval from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). The move aligns the exchange's operations with the nonstop nature of crypto markets, addressing growing client demand for continuous risk management tools. Tim McCourt, CME's global head of equities, FX, and alternative products, stated that the shift reflects evolving market needs: "Client demand for around-the-clock cryptocurrency trading has grown as market participants need to manage their risk every day of the week. Ensuring that our regulated cryptocurrency markets are always on will enable clients to trade with confidence at any time" CME Group to Offer Around-the-Clock Trading for Cryptocurrency Futures and Options^[1].

The new model will allow trading on CME Globex 365 days a year, with a two-hour weekly maintenance window over weekends. Holiday and weekend trades will settle on the following business day, maintaining consistency in clearing and reporting processes. This structure aims to eliminate "CME gaps"-price discrepancies caused by weekend closures in futures markets while spot crypto trading continues. The adjustment is expected to enhance price discovery and liquidity, particularly for institutional investors CME Group to Launch 24/7 Crypto Futures and Options Trading^[2].

CME's crypto derivatives market has seen explosive growth in 2025. By September 18, notional open interest reached $39 billion, with August's average daily open interest hitting $31.6 billion, up 95% year-on-year. Average daily volume in August surged 230% year-on-year to $14.9 billion, with over 1,010 large open interest holders recorded in late September CME Group Unveils 24/7 Crypto Futures and Options Trading^[3]. As the largest exchange for BTC and ETH futures by open interest, CME holds $16.8 billion and $9.8 billion in notional value for bitcoin and ether contracts, respectively, according to CoinGlass data CME Group Plans 24/7 Crypto Derivatives Trading Starting Early 2026^[4].

The CFTC's regulatory review faces delays due to a U.S. government shutdown, which has reduced the agency's operational capacity. CME CEO Terrence Duffy highlighted the need for 24/7 trading during a joint SEC-CFTC roundtable, emphasizing crypto's role in bridging traditional and digital finance CME Group to Provide 24/7 Trading for Cryptocurrency Futures and Options^[5]. The exchange's regulated status provides a competitive edge over offshore platforms that offer continuous trading but lack comparable oversight. Analysts note that CME's move could attract institutional capital by combining nonstop access with structured clearing and risk management infrastructure CME Group’s 24/7 Crypto Trading Initiative^[6].

Market participants anticipate the change will deepen liquidity and reduce volatility by enabling real-time responses to news and macroeconomic events. The elimination of weekend gaps is expected to curb arbitrage opportunities and improve price efficiency. However, the long-term success of the initiative will depend on post-launch trading volumes and the ability of institutions to adapt their hedging strategies to a 24/7 environment.

The regulatory approval process remains a key uncertainty. While the CFTC's current capacity constraints may delay the launch, CME's proposal underscores the broader trend of traditional financial institutions integrating crypto markets into their offerings. The move also reflects the maturation of digital assets as a legitimate asset class, with institutional demand for regulated derivatives growing alongside spot market adoption.