CME Group Plans to Launch 24/7 Bitcoin and Ether Futures Trading by Early 2026 Pending Regulatory Approval
- CME plans to launch 24/7 crypto futures and options trading in early 2026, pending regulatory approval.
- The US government shutdown may delay regulatory review for CME’s new crypto trading schedule.
- CME’s move could reduce price gaps caused by weekend pauses in traditional trading hours.
CME Group has announced plans to launch 24/7 cryptocurrency futures and options trading starting in early 2026. The move will enable clients to have continuous access to trade Bitcoin and Ether contracts every day of the week. Nevertheless, the growth is still subject to regulation.
These markets are regulated by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). It is operating with a reduced staff due to a government shutdown that is currently in effect. This delay may stall the review process and shift the timeline. No end to the shutdown has been confirmed.
Service Changes to Mirror Crypto-Native Markets
At present, CME halts trading on weekends, holidays, and outside business hours. The proposed shift would mirror the model used by crypto-native platforms. These exchanges operate without pauses and support traders across time zones.
The new model will still include a brief weekly maintenance period. Clearing and settlement will continue on business days. This hybrid structure will maintain compliance with traditional financial systems.
Increased Demand Pushes Trading Model Shift
Growing institutional demand for crypto risk management has influenced the change. Clients have been seeking tools to hedge exposure beyond standard trading hours. In 2025, CME reported record activity in its crypto products. Last Month, Bitcoin filled another CME Gap, allowing the price of the pioneer crypto asset to try and break out from a falling wedge formation.
On September 18, notional open interest reached $39 billion. August volumes also spiked, recording 335,200 contracts, up 95% from the previous year. Large-scale open interest holders reached 1,010 in the final week of September.
Crypto derivatives now serve a broader purpose. Many exchange-traded fund (ETF) holders use CME products to manage exposure to bitcoin and ether.
Market Impact and Future Price Movement
The change may alter how CME prices influence the broader crypto market. CME’s current closures cause price gaps over weekends and holidays. Crypto-native markets continue trading, often shifting prices during these pauses.
A persistent price gap at $110,000 per bitcoin has drawn attention. Analysts are watching its impact on recent gains, including the recovery to $119,000. A shift to 24/7 trading could reduce such gaps, offering tighter market alignment.
The rollout targets a 2026 start, depending on regulatory clearance. CME’s approach could position it more competitively with global exchanges. It also addresses demands from a market that increasingly trades without pause. Earlier this year, CME Group launched XRP futures and micro contracts.
With no deal in place to end the U.S. government shutdown, regulatory delays remain likely. CME awaits approval before activating the new round-the-clock structure.
