CME Group Expands Into 24/7 Crypto Trading in Major Shift

CME Group will launch 24/7 cryptocurrency futures and options trading beginning May 29, marking a structural shift in how regulated crypto derivatives operate in the United States. The move will allow clients to trade Bitcoin and Ether futures contracts continuously, aligning regulated markets more closely with crypto’s always-on nature.

The change applies to CME’s crypto futures and options suite and reflects growing institutional demand for uninterrupted risk management tools in digital asset markets.

Crypto spot markets operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Until now, regulated futures markets have followed traditional trading hours, creating gaps between spot and derivatives price action.

Regulated Crypto Derivatives With 24/7 Spot Markets

CME Group confirmed that nearly around-the-clock trading will begin May 29, covering Bitcoin and Ether futures and options products.

Moreover, the company stated the change is intended to provide greater flexibility and access for global participants who manage crypto exposure across time zones.

CME’s crypto contracts have become a key benchmark for institutional price discovery. Particularly for U.S.-based asset managers, hedge funds, and ETF issuers.

Therefore, extending trading hours to 24/7 will bridge the structural contrast between continuous crypto spot trading and regulated derivatives markets.

Additionally, demand for CME’s cryptocurrency derivatives continues to grow, with rising participation from institutional clients seeking hedging and portfolio management tools.

The expansion reinforces CME’s positioning as a central venue for institutional crypto derivatives.

Tim McCourt, Global Head of Equities, FX and Alternative Products at CME Group stated:

While not all markets lend themselves to operating 24/7, providing always-on access to our regulated, transparent Cryptocurrency products ensures clients can manage their exposure and trade with confidence at any time.

24/7 Futures Trading and Crypto Market Structure

24/7 trading in regulated derivatives may reduce volatility caused by reopening gaps. Especially during weekend price moves when futures markets were previously closed.

Indeed, with CME contracts now active at all times, price discovery between institutional and retail markets becomes more synchronized.

The shift could also influence liquidity distribution. Futures open interest and hedging flows may respond more dynamically to overnight and weekend developments.

This could potentially tighten spreads between spot and derivatives markets.

Also, asset managers can adjust positions in real time instead of having to wait for traditional reopening windows. This aligns regulated infrastructure more closely with crypto trading conditions.

CME’s move represents another step toward deeper institutional integration of digital asset markets within traditional financial frameworks.

As a result, the initiative helps to narrow the structural divide between legacy finance and blockchain-based trading environments.

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