CME Will Make Crypto Derivatives Trading 24/7 in May as Wall Street Eyes Similar Goal
Decrypt
by Sander LutzFebruary 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The CME Group has announced plans to introduce 24/7 crypto derivatives trading starting May 29, pending regulatory approval. This move marks a significant shift from its current schedule of 23-hour weekday trading, which leaves a gap between Friday afternoon and Sunday evening. The new model will allow continuous trading during weekends, with a brief two-hour maintenance window each weekend. This change is expected to benefit institutional investors by enabling them to manage their crypto exposure more effectively during periods of market volatility.
The CFTC has expressed support for this initiative, with Chair Mike Selig calling 24/7 trading a "no-brainer" for cryptocurrencies. While acknowledging that not all markets are suited for such operations, he emphasized the suitability of crypto for continuous trading. This decision aligns with broader trends in Wall Street, where major exchanges like Nasdaq and the NYSE are also exploring similar models to keep up with the evolving demands of the digital asset market.
The transition by CME will allow institutional investors to trade during weekends when the crypto market often experiences significant price swings. By eliminating the previous gap between Friday and Sunday, this move ensures seamless trading opportunities,
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Originally published on Decrypt on 2/19/2026