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CME Group to Launch 24/7 Crypto Futures and Options Trading on May 29
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CME Group to Launch 24/7 Crypto Futures and Options Trading on May 29

CME Group will introduce 24/7 trading for cryptocurrency futures and options beginning May 29, pending regulatory approval. The move expands continuous access to regulated derivatives tied to digital assets such as Bitcoin and Ether, aligning traditional market infrastructure with the always on nature of crypto spot trading.

Tristan R.
By Tristan R.

Senior Author · February 19, 2026

2 min
Key takeaways
CME Group will introduce 24/7 trading for cryptocurrency futures and options beginning May 29, pending regulatory approval.
The move expands continuous access to regulated derivatives tied to digital assets such as Bitcoin and Ether, aligning traditional market infrastructure with the always on nature of crypto spot trading.
Digital assets trade around the clock on global exchanges , but regulated derivatives markets have historically followed fixed trading hours.

CME Group will introduce 24/7 trading for cryptocurrency futures and options beginning May 29, pending regulatory approval. The move expands continuous access to regulated derivatives tied to digital assets such as Bitcoin and Ether, aligning traditional market infrastructure with the always on nature of crypto spot trading.

Digital assets trade around the clock on global exchanges, but regulated derivatives markets have historically followed fixed trading hours. By shifting to uninterrupted trading, CME aims to eliminate timing gaps that can complicate hedging and risk management for institutional participants.

CME first launched Bitcoin futures in 2017 and later added Ether linked contracts, gradually expanding its crypto product suite to include additional digital asset derivatives.

Record Growth in Crypto Derivatives Volume

The exchange reported a record $3 trillion in notional crypto derivatives volume in 2025. So far in 2026, average daily crypto contract volume has reached 407,200, marking a 46% year-over-year increase. Futures volume alone is averaging nearly 404,000 contracts per day, while open interest has risen 7% to 335,400 contracts.

In a X post Walter confired that;

As institutional appetite for regulated crypto exposure accelerates, CME’s round the clock model underscores intensifying competition among exchanges seeking to capture growing demand for digital asset risk management tools.

Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.

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Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.

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About the author

Tristan R.
Tristan R.

8+ years covering crypto markets, macro, and geopolitics. Previously at Decrypt and CoinDesk. Focused on the intersection of digital assets and traditional finance.