CME Group Expands Trading Hours for Cryptocurrency Futures and Options

CME Group has announced that it will begin offering extended trading hours for its regulated cryptocurrency futures and options starting May 29. This move is designed to meet the increasing demand for digital-asset risk management, with a focus on providing clients with the flexibility to trade at any time.

The company's decision reflects the unique trading profile of digital assets, which can be traded globally without pause. To accommodate this, CME Group will operate its CME Globex system continuously, except for a short weekly maintenance window subject to regulatory approval.

Trading will run from Friday evening to Sunday evening, using the next business day's trade date. Clearing and settlement will also be processed on this schedule. The move is expected to benefit clients who require 24/7 access to trading, allowing them to 'trade with confidence at any time', according to Tim McCourt, global head of equities, FX and alternative products.

The demand for cryptocurrency hedging tools has reached record levels, with a significant increase in notional volume across CME Group's crypto derivatives. In 2026, year-to-date average daily volume has reached 407,200 contracts, up 46% on the year, while open interest has risen 7% to 335,400 contracts.