The structure of regulated crypto derivatives trading is shifting as CME Group prepares to introduce continuous access to its cryptocurrency futures and options markets.

The derivatives exchange plans to begin round-the-clock trading on May 29, 2026, subject to regulatory approval.

This move reflects growing institutional participation in digital assets and the need for regulated markets to match the always-active nature of crypto trading.

As volumes increase and participation expands globally, CME is adapting its infrastructure and schedule to meet demand for uninterrupted risk management and improved liquidity.

It also enables faster responses to price changes across time zones and trading sessions worldwide.

CME Group said its cryptocurrency futures and options will trade 24 hours a day, seven days a week on the CME Globex platform, with only a brief weekly maintenance window.

The exchange also clarified weekend settlement procedures.

Trades executed between Friday evening and Sunday evening will carry the next business day’s trade date for clearing, settlement, and reporting.

This ensures consistency with derivatives processing standards even as trading becomes continuous.

The change brings regulated crypto derivatives closer to spot crypto markets, which operate continuously across global exchanges and drive price discovery without interruption, including during weekends and holidays.

CME, the world’s largest derivatives exchange, introduced bitcoin futures in 2017 and subsequently added ether futures and options

The decision follows strong growth in CME’s crypto derivatives activity.

In 2025, cryptocurrency futures and options on the exchange recorded $3 trillion in notional trading volume, reflecting rising institutional adoption.

Participation has remained strong in 2026, with average daily volume and open interest increasing sharply compared with the previous year.

This highlights the growing use of regulated futures and options by professional traders, hedge funds, and asset managers seeking exposure and risk-management tools.

Continuous trading allows market participants to react to price movements, geopolitical developments, and macroeconomic shifts at any time.

This removes the need to wait for traditional market hours or delayed execution windows.

CME has also expanded its crypto derivatives offerings beyond Bitcoin and Ether.

In early February 2026, the exchange launched futures contracts linked to Cardano, Chainlink, and Stellar.

These contracts are available in both standard and micro sizes, allowing broader participation from institutional and smaller market participants.

The additions provide regulated exposure to a wider range of digital assets and reflect CME’s ongoing push to strengthen its position in crypto derivatives markets.

This expansion has helped attract more traders seeking regulated access to altcoins and diversified crypto exposure through recognised exchange infrastructure.

CME’s digital asset expansion has also faced operational challenges.

In November 2025, a cooling system failure at a CyrusOne data centre caused a major outage that disrupted futures trading across crypto, commodities, equities, and foreign exchange.

Ensuring operational stability remains essential as CME prepares to introduce continuous crypto derivatives trading and support rising institutional participation.

Round-the-clock access is expected to improve flexibility for institutional traders.

The post CME Group to launch 24/7 crypto futures trading on Globex appeared first on Invezz

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