Bitcoin News Today: CME's 24/7 Crypto Plan Stalls on Regulatory Delays

CME Group, the world's leading derivatives marketplace, has announced plans to launch 24/7 trading for cryptocurrency futures and options in early 2026, pending regulatory approval from the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). The move aims to address growing client demand for continuous risk management in the nonstop crypto market. Tim McCourt, Global Head of Equities, FX, and Alternative Products at CME Group, stated that the expansion reflects the need for institutions to hedge positions at any time, emphasizing that "ensuring 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].

Under the proposed model, trading will occur continuously on CME Globex, with a two-hour weekly maintenance window over the weekend. Holiday and weekend trades will settle on the next business day, maintaining consistency in clearing and regulatory reporting. This structure aligns with the 24/7 nature of crypto markets while retaining operational safeguards. CME's existing crypto products, which include Bitcoin and Ethereum derivatives, have seen record activity in 2025. Notably, notional open interest reached $39 billion on September 18, with August average daily open interest surging 95% year-on-year to $31.6 billion CME Group to Offer Around-the-Clock Trading for Cryptocurrency Futures and Options^[1].

CME Group's crypto derivatives market has solidified its dominance in institutional trading. As of September 2025, its Bitcoin futures contracts held $16.8 billion in notional value, and Ethereum futures totaled $9.8 billion. The exchange accounts for over 1,010 large open interest holders across crypto products, reflecting heightened institutional engagement CME Group Plans 24/7 Crypto Derivatives Trading^[2]. This leadership position positions CME to capitalize on the shift toward continuous trading, offering a regulated alternative to offshore platforms that lack similar oversight.

Regulatory hurdles, however, remain a key uncertainty. The CFTC's review process is delayed due to a U.S. government shutdown, which has reduced the regulator's operational capacity. CME Group CEO Terrence Duffy highlighted the inevitability of 24/7 trading, stating that "the market is going to demand it soon," though the timeline hinges on regulatory clearance CME Group Plans 24/7 Crypto Derivatives Trading^[2]. The shutdown complicates the approval process, as the CFTC has no current budget to resume operations. Market analysts suggest the shutdown is unlikely to extend into 2026, but the delay underscores the challenges of aligning regulatory frameworks with market innovation.

The expansion could reshape the competitive landscape for crypto derivatives. By offering regulated 24/7 access, CME aims to bridge the gap between traditional finance and the decentralized nature of digital assets. This move aligns with broader trends, such as the rise of institutional Bitcoin ETFs and record inflows into crypto markets. For example, U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs have attracted $3 billion in inflows over 13 consecutive days in 2025, signaling strong institutional appetite for crypto exposure . CME's initiative may further accelerate adoption by providing a stable, transparent infrastructure for continuous trading.

Critically, the proposal reflects the maturing role of cryptocurrencies in global finance. While CME's move is primarily operational, it signals growing acceptance of digital assets as a core component of institutional portfolios. The expansion also highlights the tension between regulatory oversight and market demand, as offshore platforms continue to offer 24/7 trading without equivalent safeguards. If approved, CME's model could set a precedent for balancing innovation with risk management in the crypto derivatives sector.