CME Goes 24/7: Here’s When Crypto Futures and Options Trading Starts

TLDR:

• CME will offer 24/7 crypto futures and options starting May 29, pending approval.
• Year-to-date 2026 ADV hits 407,200 contracts, up 46% from last year.
• Futures ADV rises 47% YoY, signaling strong institutional interest in crypto derivatives.
• CME implements brief weekly maintenance; all holiday trades settle the next business day.

CME Group will begin round-the-clock trading for cryptocurrency futures and options starting May 29. The move awaits regulatory approval. Trading will run continuously on CME Globex, with a brief weekly maintenance window. 

The update comes amid record demand for digital asset risk management, according to Walter Bloomberg. In 2025, CME reported $3 trillion in crypto notional volume. Year-to-date 2026 volumes are up 46%, highlighting growing institutional participation.

The announcement was confirmed via a press release from CME Group. It emphasizes access to regulated, transparent crypto products at all times for market participants.

Continuous Trading and Market Access

Starting Friday, May 29 at 4:00 p.m. CT, CME cryptocurrency products will trade 24/7. A

 two-hour weekly maintenance period will occur over weekends. Trade dates for holiday or weekend activity will follow the next business day. Clearing, settlement, and regulatory reporting will also be processed on the next business day.

Tim McCourt, Global Head of Equities, FX, and Alternative Products at CME Group, said client demand for digital asset risk management is at an all-time high. Providing 24/7 access aims to let clients manage exposure anytime. Consequently, traders can react to market changes without delay.

This continuous trading structure includes both futures and options. CME Globex will host all transactions. As a result, the exchange meets rising institutional interest in high-frequency crypto risk management.

Record Volumes and Market Impact

Crypto trading at CME continues to reach record levels in 2026. Average daily volume stands at 407,200 contracts, up 46% year-over-year. Futures ADV alone is 403,900 contracts, marking a 47% increase. Open interest has risen 7% to 335,400 contracts.

CME operates across multiple asset classes, including interest rates, equity indexes, and commodities. Its derivatives platform allows clients to manage risk efficiently and capture opportunities. 

By offering 24/7 crypto trading, CME provides a regulated alternative to unregulated markets.

The update also aligns with CME’s goal to enhance market transparency. Clients can trade with confidence, knowing all activity occurs under regulated oversight. This development strengthens the exchange’s position as a leading crypto derivatives marketplace.

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