AInvest Newsletter
Daily stocks & crypto headlines, free to your inbox



CME Group, the world's largest derivatives marketplace, announced on October 2, 2025, plans to introduce 24/7 trading for its cryptocurrency futures and options markets, pending regulatory approval[1]. The move, set to begin in early 2026, aims to align with the nonstop nature of crypto markets and address growing client demand for continuous risk management[2]. The new model will include a two-hour weekly maintenance window and maintain holiday and weekend trades for settlement on the next business day[3]. This shift is expected to enhance institutional participation by providing a regulated alternative to offshore platforms that already offer 24/7 access[4].
The initiative follows a surge in demand for crypto derivatives, with
reporting record open interest in 2025. On September 18, notional open interest reached $39 billion, while August average daily open interest hit 335,200 contracts, a 95% year-on-year increase[1]. CME's and futures have become the most liquid in the U.S., with $16.8 billion and $9.8 billion in notional value, respectively[3]. Tim McCourt, CME's global head of equities, FX, and alternative products, emphasized that "ensuring our regulated cryptocurrency markets are always on will enable clients to trade with confidence at any time"[1].Regulatory hurdles remain a key challenge. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is operating with reduced capacity due to a government shutdown, delaying potential approvals[3]. CME CEO Terrence Duffy highlighted the inevitability of 24/7 trading in a recent roundtable, stating that crypto's nonstop nature makes it the "optimal path forward"[3]. Despite these challenges, CME's expansion is positioned to capitalize on seasonal trends, with October historically being a strong month for Bitcoin, which has averaged a 21.9% return in October over the past decade[8].
The proposed 24/7 model could solidify CME's dominance in the institutional crypto derivatives market. Its regulated status contrasts with less oversight at offshore venues, offering stability critical for risk-averse investors[2]. CoinGlass data shows CME's Bitcoin and Ethereum futures account for over 50% of global open interest in these assets[3]. Analysts note that while the CFTC's current constraints may delay implementation, the market's demand for continuous trading is unlikely to wane[3].
CME's move reflects broader institutional adoption of crypto assets. Spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs have seen $55 billion in cumulative inflows since their January 2024 launch[6]. BlackRock's IBIT and Fidelity's FBTC alone attracted $627 million in Bitcoin ETF inflows on September 30, 2025. This trend underscores growing confidence in crypto as a legitimate asset class, with Bitcoin trading above $119,000 and Ethereum near $4,480 as of early October.
The expansion of CME's services aligns with macroeconomic expectations, including potential Federal Reserve rate cuts and seasonal price strength in October. With Bitcoin ETFs defying traditional market cycles and Ethereum ETFs showing renewed inflows, the derivatives market is poised to mirror these dynamics. CME's 24/7 offering could further integrate crypto into traditional finance, enhancing liquidity and price discovery for institutional investors[2].
Quickly understand the history and background of various well-known coins

Dec.02 2025

Dec.02 2025

Dec.02 2025

Dec.02 2025

Dec.02 2025
Daily stocks & crypto headlines, free to your inbox
Comments
No comments yet