CME Group, the world's largest financial derivatives exchange, plans to introduce round-the-clock trading for cryptocurrency futures and options on its CME Globex platform starting May 29, pending U.S. regulatory approval. The move responds to surging client demand in the digital asset market. Trading will include a brief weekly maintenance break but operate continuously otherwise.
CME Group announced in a press release on February 19, 2026, its intention to expand cryptocurrency trading hours to 24/7 on the CME Globex platform. This follows record volumes in the sector, with the exchange noting a $3 trillion notional volume across its cryptocurrency futures and options in 2025. Tim McCourt, global head of equities, FX, and alternative products at CME Group, stated that "client demand for risk management in the digital asset market is at an all-time high."
In 2026 so far, average daily volume for these products has hit 407,200 contracts, marking a 46% increase from the previous year. Average daily open interest stands at 335,400 contracts, up 7% year over year. Futures contracts dominate, with an average daily volume of 403,900 contracts, reflecting a 47% annual rise.
The platform will pause for at least a two-hour maintenance period weekly over the weekend. Trading during holidays or weekends from Friday evening to Sunday evening will carry the trade date of the next business day.
CME Group pioneered regulated, cash-settled Bitcoin futures in the U.S. in 2017. Today, it provides futures and options for major assets including BTC, ETH, SOL, and XRP. Separately, reports from earlier in the month indicate the exchange is exploring the launch of its own token on a decentralized blockchain.
