CME Group to Launch 24/7 Bitcoin and Ether Futures Trading in 2026, Pending Regulatory Approval

CME Group plans to launch 24/7 cryptocurrency futures and options trading by early 2026, subject to regulatory review. The move, which aims to address the weekend gaps in traditional trading hours, is facing a delay due to the ongoing US government shutdown, impacting the timeline for approval. CME’s initiative aligns with growing institutional demand for continuous crypto risk management tools. The new model will be similar to crypto-native platforms that operate 24/7, offering traders access every day of the week while maintaining compliance with traditional financial standards.