CME Group Confirms May 29 Start Date for 24/7 Crypto Derivatives Trading

CME Group will launch continuous trading for its cryptocurrency futures and options on May 29, allowing institutional investors to trade regulated derivatives linked to Bitcoin and Ether around the clock as demand for digital asset exposure continues to climb.

The Thursday announcement advances the exchange’s previously stated plan to transition its crypto offerings to a 24/7 schedule in 2026, following the necessary regulatory clearances.

The shift tackles a persistent challenge in institutional crypto markets: while spot trading on digital asset platforms operates continuously across global time zones, regulated derivatives have historically shut down overnight and on weekends, leaving gaps in hedging capabilities.

CME, the world’s largest derivatives exchange, first entered the crypto space with Bitcoin futures in 2017 and has since built out a comprehensive suite including Ether futures and options, establishing itself as the primary regulated venue for institutional participants.

The exchange continues to expand its digital asset footprint, recently adding futures contracts for Cardano, Chainlink, and Stellar as part of a broader strategy to capture growing institutional interest beyond the largest cryptocurrencies.