CME to Launch 24/7 Crypto Futures Trading in May

Wall Street’s largest derivatives exchange plans round the clock crypto futures trading, aiming to close the gap with always open spot markets.

Posted February 20, 2026 at 7:21 am ET.

CME Group is bringing Wall Street closer to crypto’s nonstop rhythm.

Starting May 29, pending regulatory approval, the exchange will offer 24/7 trading for bitcoin and ether futures and options on its Globex platform, with only a short weekly maintenance pause.

The move addresses a long standing gap. Crypto spot markets never close, but regulated US derivatives markets do. That mismatch has left institutional traders exposed during weekend swings, including several sharp selloffs that unfolded while CME was offline. Continuous trading will allow hedge funds, asset managers, and ETF desks to adjust positions in real time as volatility develops.

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Demand appears strong. CME reported a record $3 trillion in notional crypto derivatives volume in 2025, while average daily crypto volume in 2026 has climbed 46% year over year to more than 400,000 contracts.

By extending hours, CME narrows the divide between traditional finance and offshore crypto venues, reinforcing the growing role of regulated US platforms in global digital asset markets.