CME to Launch 24/7 Crypto Futures and Options Trading in 2026

Highlights:

• CME Group will launch 24/7 crypto futures and options trading in early 2026.
• Trading will run continuously on CME Globex, with limited weekly maintenance.
• August 2025 saw record crypto derivatives volume and over $39B in notional open interest.

Chicago-based derivatives giant CME Group will launch 24/7 crypto futures and options trading in early 2026. This change is in response to a sharp increase in institutional demand for round-the-clock access. In the October 2nd press release, the exchange revealed the expansion, pending regulatory approval.

The new trading schedule will provide clients with the opportunity to manage common crypto-related risks throughout the week. In addition, the company confirmed that all products would trade on CME Globex, its electronic trading platform. With this expansion, CME aims to eliminate the current restrictions on weekend trading gaps. The gaps often occur when the market moves while the exchange is closed, and sometimes have an impact on Bitcoin futures.

Starting early 2026, trade crypto on your schedule. 🚀

➡️ https://t.co/x1FLEwVAnl pic.twitter.com/RmCGMLWh4h

— CME Group (@CMEGroup) October 2, 2025

Institutional Demand Drives Crypto Futures and Options Trading

Volatility in the cryptocurrency market has increased the need for 24/7 crypto futures and options trading. Tim McCourt, CME Group Global Head of Equities, FX, and Alternative Products, stated, “There is increased client demand for 24-hour cryptocurrency trading.”

In recent years, CME expanded its product range of crypto products. It currently offers Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and XRP futures. Moreover, CME introduced XRP futures in May this year, and anticipates XRP and SOL futures in October.

The exchange published impressive growth in its crypto futures and options in 2025. August saw an average daily trading volume of 411,000 contracts, amounting to $14.9 billion in notional value. In addition, the open interest per day in August was 335,200 contracts on average. This marked a 95% year-over-year growth and a total notional value of $31.6 billion.

CME reported a record notional open interest of $39 billion on September 18. In the week of September 25, more than 1,010 large open interest holders were involved in crypto products.

24/7 Crypto Trading Structure on CME Globex

CME also confirmed that the new crypto futures and options trading schedule will have 24-hour access. However, there will be a two-hour maintenance window each week on the weekend.

Trades executed from Friday evening through Sunday evening will have the following business day as the trade date. Similarly, clearing, settlement, and reporting will follow that schedule. Even while trading is ongoing, CME ensures operational processes will be organized and secure. Moreover, the exchange stressed its dedication to transparency and regulatory compliance.

The move follows similar trends at other exchanges. Cboe is also set to launch continuous Bitcoin and Ethereum futures this year. However, the 24/7 launch by CME is poised to establish it as the dominant player in regulated crypto derivatives.

🚨BREAKING: CBOE PLANS TO LAUNCH CONTINUOUS FUTURES FOR BTC & ETH IN NOVEMBER pic.twitter.com/Ks2wB4LY3o

— Coin Bureau (@coinbureau) September 9, 2025

Furthermore, the lack of weekend closure could end the long-known “CME gap” in Bitcoin pricing. These gaps were caused by weekend spot price volatility while the futures markets were closed. By removing such disruptions, CME strives to provide a more efficient trading environment to all market participants.