CME Group, the world’s largest derivatives exchange, will launch 24/7 trading for Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, and Solana futures and options starting May 29, pending regulatory approval. The continuous trading will occur on CME Globex, with a two-hour weekly maintenance window over the weekend. Weekend and holiday trades will carry a trade date corresponding to the next business day, with clearing, settlement, and regulatory reporting processed the following day.
The move responds to heightened institutional demand for crypto risk management. CME reported $3 trillion in notional volume across crypto derivatives in 2025, with year-to-date average daily volume of 407,200 contracts, up 46% year-over-year. Average daily open interest also increased 7% to 335,400 contracts, reflecting growing engagement from professional investors despite market downturns.
CME’s 24/7 offering addresses the longstanding issue of weekend “CME gaps,” when futures prices diverge from spot markets due to market closure. By providing around-the-clock access to regulated crypto products, the exchange aims to enhance market transparency and allow institutional participants to manage exposure and execute trades at any hour. Market analysts view this as a significant step for bridging traditional and crypto markets.
