CME Group to Launch 24/7 Crypto Trading Amid $14B Surge

• CME Group plans to introduce around-the-clock cryptocurrency futures and options trading in early 2026.
• The move reflects growing institutional demand and could signal greater market efficiency.

CME Group will introduce 24/7 trading for its cryptocurrency futures and options products in early 2026, responding to growing institutional demand, The Block reported on October 2, 2025. This strategic decision, pending regulatory approval, represents a significant advancement in providing regulated digital asset derivatives. It aligns with the financial industry's shift toward uninterrupted trading and reflects market participants’ need for continuous access to crypto markets.

The announcement came following a joint roundtable discussion by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) on September 29, 2025. Terry Duffy, CME Group CEO, remarked during the session, “24/7 is coming,” highlighting how adapting market infrastructure is a priority to accommodate increasing interest in nonstop trading. CME's decision underscores its readiness to align with these operational and regulatory developments.

To maintain market integrity, CME plans to manage clearing, settlement, and regulatory reporting for weekend trades on the next business day. This hybrid approach will allow CME to balance operational complexities with investor preferences while adhering to established settlement cycles.

A significant driver for this shift is the rapid expansion of CME Group's cryptocurrency products. In Q3 2025, average daily volumes reached 340,000 contracts, representing $14.1 billion in notional value. Notional open interest hit an unprecedented $39 billion on September 18, 2025. These numbers underscore escalating institutional demand and the necessity of adapting to the around-the-clock nature of the crypto market.

The transition to continuous trading could reshape the crypto market landscape. Constant access on a regulated exchange may reduce weekend price gaps, which often contribute to volatility. This could, in turn, appeal to additional institutional investors and promote stability in crypto’s typically volatile environment.

CME Group is also expanding its cryptocurrency offerings to meet growing interest in diverse digital assets. On October 13, 2025, the company will debut futures options for Solana (SOL) and XRP, broadening its suite of products beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum. This diversification reflects institutional confidence in newer cryptocurrencies and marks continued progress in integrating crypto into mainstream financial systems.

As of October 2, 2025, XRP is trading at $2.996 with a 1.911% increase in 24-hour trading volume. Solana (SOL), meanwhile, is valued at $227.382, showing a 3.067% rise in the past 24 hours, based on the latest market data.