CME 24/7 crypto trading will enable clients to trade cryptocurrency futures and options continuously beginning in early 2026, pending CFTC regulatory review during a US government shutdown. The expansion removes scheduled weekend and holiday pauses to improve liquidity and allow round‑the‑clock risk management.
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CME to offer 24/7 cryptocurrency futures and options starting early 2026 (pending regulatory approval)
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Regulatory review by the CFTC is required and is delayed by a US government shutdown, which may postpone implementation.
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Market context: global crypto derivatives open interest ~ $3.2 billion (CoinMarketCap); CME notional open interest ~ $39 billion (as of Sept. 18).
Meta description: CME 24/7 crypto trading: Pending CFTC review, CME plans 24/7 crypto futures and options in early 2026. Learn how continuous trading will affect liquidity, risk, and market access.
What is CME 24/7 crypto trading?
CME 24/7 crypto trading is the planned expansion that will let clients trade cryptocurrency futures and options 24 hours a day, seven days a week beginning in early 2026, subject to Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) regulatory approval. The change removes scheduled pauses and aims to support continuous liquidity and risk management.
How will the change affect market access and risk management?
The expansion gives market participants the ability to adjust exposures at any hour, reducing the need to hold positions through paused sessions. Continuous trading can narrow spreads and improve price discovery for crypto futures and options.
Institutional demand is a driving factor: CME Group executives say clients increasingly require around‑the‑clock access to manage risk every day. The shift aligns regulated crypto derivatives with the continuous nature of underlying spot markets.
Why is regulatory review delaying the launch?
Regulatory review refers to authority held by the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), which oversees derivatives markets. The CFTC is operating with reduced capacity during a US government shutdown, making timely review unlikely until funding and operations resume.
At a joint SEC and CFTC roundtable, CME Group CEO Terrence Duffy noted market demand for 24/7 trading, calling crypto “the best way to get there.” The final launch timetable will depend on the regulator’s capacity to complete its review.
What are the market-size figures that matter?
Industry data highlights current derivatives scale: CoinMarketCap reports global crypto derivatives open interest around $3.2 billion at the time of reporting. CME Group reported a notional open interest of approximately $39 billion as of Sept. 18, underscoring the venue’s role in derivatives liquidity.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will CME’s 24/7 crypto trading start?
Pending CFTC approval, CME plans to begin 24/7 trading for cryptocurrency futures and options in early 2026. The exact start date depends on regulatory review and the resolution of a US government funding situation.
Will continuous trading increase volatility?
Continuous trading may reduce abrupt gaps at session boundaries by enabling continuous price discovery, but volatility drivers will remain market fundamentals, news flow, and liquidity conditions across time zones.
How can firms prepare for 24/7 crypto trading?
Firms should evaluate technology, risk controls, and staffing for extended hours. Systems must handle continuous order flow, real-time margining, and automated risk checks outside traditional business hours.
Key Takeaways
- Launch plan: CME aims to offer 24/7 cryptocurrency futures and options in early 2026, pending CFTC approval.
- Regulatory constraint: A US government shutdown has reduced CFTC operations and may delay the review process.
- Market impact: Continuous trading should improve liquidity and risk management but requires firms to upgrade systems and controls.
Conclusion
COINOTAG reporting: CME Group’s planned shift to 24/7 cryptocurrency trading represents a significant step toward aligning regulated derivatives with continuous global crypto markets. Final timing hinges on CFTC review and the resolution of a US government funding impasse. Market participants should begin technical and operational preparations now.
Published by COINOTAG — published: 2025-10-02 — updated: 2025-10-02
