CME Group plans to launch 24/7 trading for its regulated cryptocurrency futures and options beginning May 29, pending regulatory approval.

The expanded schedule will go live at 4:00 p.m. Central Time on the CME Globex platform, giving institutional clients continuous access to Bitcoin and other digital asset derivatives.

The move is designed to align regulated futures markets more closely with the nonstop structure of spot cryptocurrency trading and meet rising demand for around-the-clock risk management tools.

According to Tim McCourt, CME Group’s global head of equities, foreign exchange, and alternative products, client demand for crypto risk management is at record levels, with $3 trillion in notional volume traded across its cryptocurrency futures and options in 2025. Year-to-date in 2026.

The exchange reported an average daily volume of 407,200 contracts, up 46% year-over-year, while open interest rose 7% to 335,400 contracts.

Futures trading has driven much of this growth, with average daily futures volume increasing 47% compared to the previous year.

CME emphasized that regulated derivatives are playing an increasingly central role in crypto market structure, particularly for professional investors seeking exposure within a U.S.-regulated framework.

Unlike many offshore platforms, CME’s contracts operate under established regulatory oversight, with standardized clearing and reporting through CME Clearing.

Under the new model, crypto products will trade continuously, with a minimum two-hour weekly maintenance window over the weekend.

Trades executed between Friday evening and Sunday evening will carry the following business day’s trade date, with clearing and reporting processed accordingly.

The shift reflects a broader evolution in traditional market infrastructure as it adapts to digital assets’ continuous trading dynamics.

While most asset classes retain fixed trading hours, cryptocurrency markets operate without interruption, creating demand for derivatives that mirror that availability—particularly during volatile periods.

If regulatory approval is granted, CME’s move will mark a significant milestone for U.S.-regulated crypto derivatives, reinforcing their integration into the global, round-the-clock rhythm of digital asset markets.