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Global derivatives marketplace CME Group has launched 24/7 trading for cryptocurrency futures and options, with the expanded hours going live on Friday 29 May. The move marks a significant step in providing institutional and retail market participants with continuous access to regulated digital asset risk management tools.
Over its inaugural weekend, more than 7,200 cryptocurrency futures and options contracts were traded, representing approximately $50 million in notional value. CME Group said the volumes were supported by a healthy ecosystem of retail and institutional firms, demonstrating immediate liquidity and clear demand for regulated crypto derivative markets.
Tim McCourt, Global Head of Equities, FX and Alternative Products at CME Group, said the move was a direct response to client demand.
"By offering continuous liquidity over the weekend, we are meeting client demand and bridging the gap between traditional regulated venues and the 24/7 nature of crypto assets. Since we introduced our first Bitcoin futures contract in 2017, the ecosystem has evolved in so many ways. Shifting to an always-on model represents the next natural evolution for the marketplace, ensuring CME Group continues to provide the continuous price discovery and trading confidence global investors require." - Tim McCourt, CME Group
The launch has drawn support from a range of industry participants. JB Mackenzie, VP and GM of Futures and International at online brokerage platform Robinhood Markets, highlighted the significance for retail users:
"Crypto is a 24/7 asset class, and this rollout by CME Group marks the first time our users will be able to trade regulated futures contracts at any hour of the day, any day of the week. This launch bridges the weekend gap between traditional derivatives and spot markets, giving our customers the continuous flexibility they need to react to market moves in real time." - JB Mackenzie, Robinhood
Noel Kimmel, President of crypto payments and prime brokerage firm Ripple Prime, said the infrastructure had been built specifically for always-on digital asset markets:
As an FCM supporting 24/7 cryptocurrency futures and options trading on CME Globex, Ripple Prime is purpose-built for always-on markets. Institutions managing digital asset exposures demand uninterrupted access to regulated crypto derivatives, underpinned by the clearing and financing infrastructure to match. Ripple Prime was built to meet that demand, around the clock, without exception. - Noel Kimmel, Ripple Prime
Bob Fitzsimmons, Executive Vice President at financial services firm Wedbush Securities, noted the firm had already been operating on a 24/7 basis for over a year ahead of the CME launch.
"Wedbush has been actively serving clients on a 24/7 basis for over a year. We continue to expand our service in support of the CME Group launch in weekend crypto trading. Client demand drives the evolution of this marketplace. As a service provider we have adopted and developed technology to meet the requirements of the industry and our clients." -Bob Fitzsimmons, Wedbush Securities
Alongside the extended trading hours, CME Group has also introduced Bitcoin Volatility futures on a 24/7 basis. The products are designed to allow investors to manage risk and express a view on the 30-day implied volatility of bitcoin, without taking a directional position on price.
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