CME Group to Launch 24/7 Crypto Futures Trading on May 29
CME Group announced on February 19, 2026, that it will launch 24/7 trading for its regulated cryptocurrency futures and options starting May 29, 2026. Pending final regulatory review, the move aims to eliminate the "CME Gap"—the price mismatch caused by standard weekend and holiday closures while underlying crypto spot markets remain active.
Key Details of the 24/7 Launch
Start Date: Continuous trading begins on Friday, May 29, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. CT.
Eligible Products: The new schedule applies to all CME Group Bitcoin and Ether futures and options (including micro contracts).
Maintenance Window: Trading will be continuous on the CME Globex platform, with a minimum two-hour technical break scheduled each weekend.
Settlement & Reporting: Any trades executed between Friday evening and Sunday evening will be assigned a trade date of the following business day. Clearing, settlement, and regulatory reporting will also be processed on that next business day.
Institutional Demand and Growth
The transition follows a period of record-breaking institutional activity in regulated crypto derivatives.
2025 Performance: CME reported a record $3 trillion in notional crypto volume.
2026 Momentum: Year-to-date 2026 data shows an average daily volume (ADV) of 407,200 contracts, a 46% increase year-over-year.
Open Interest: Average daily open interest in 2026 has reached 335,400 contracts, up 7% from the previous year.
Market Implications
The expansion allows institutional investors, hedge funds, and ETF desks to manage exposure in real-time during weekend volatility. While the move narrows the gap between traditional finance (TradFi) and native crypto exchanges, experts note it may amplify risks by allowing instant institutional reaction to sudden weekend price shocks. Other major exchanges, including the NYSE and Nasdaq, have indicated they are also exploring 24/7 models for broader asset classes.
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