The Chicago Mercantile Exchange Group (CME Group) has set May 29 for the launch of its round-the-clock crypto derivatives trading. The exchange will begin 24/7 trading of regulated cryptocurrency futures and options contracts starting at 5 p.m. ET on that date, pending regulatory review. This move follows surging client demand, with the exchange’s crypto futures and options reaching a record $3 trillion in notional volume last year.
CME Group has confirmed May 29 as the definitive launch date for its 24/7 cryptocurrency futures and options trading. Trading will commence at 5 p.m. ET, as mentioned in a company press release, pending regulatory review.
The derivatives exchange stated that its crypto products will trade continuously on the CME Globex platform. This schedule will include at least a two-hour weekly maintenance period over the weekend.
Demand for these digital asset products has risen sharply. Notional volume for the exchange’s cryptocurrency futures and options reached $3.0 trillion in 2025.
Average daily contracts traded also rose 46% year-over-year to 407,200 in early 2026. Cryptocurrency has increasingly intertwined with traditional finance recently.
Tim McCourt, Global Head of Equities, FX, and Alternative Products at CME Group, commented on the development. “Client demand for risk management in the digital asset market is at an all-time high, driving a record $3 trillion in notional volume across our Cryptocurrency futures and options in 2025,” he said.
McCourt further explained the rationale for the 24/7 market. “While not all markets lend themselves to operating 24/7, providing always-on access to our regulated, transparent Cryptocurrency products ensures clients can manage their exposure and trade with confidence at any time.”
