Bitcoin, Ether futures extend 24/7 as CME starts May 29

CME starts 24/7 BTC and ETH futures on Globex May 29

cme group will begin around-the-clock trading for its cryptocurrency futures and options on may 29, covering Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH) on cme Globex, as reported by The Block. The move extends access to regulated BTC and ETH futures and options to align with nonstop spot crypto markets.

The rollout has been described as pending regulatory review, as noted by Bitcoin Magazine. CME’s initiative positions its crypto derivatives alongside venues that already operate continuously, while retaining central clearing and existing rulebooks.

Why this matters for liquidity, gaps, and institutional access

Continuous hours may help reduce weekend “gap” risk in derivatives pricing by allowing markets to process news while spot crypto trades, according to Hoodline. That could support more consistent price discovery, though actual liquidity may still vary by time of day.

Institutional demand appears material. Based on data from CME Group, crypto derivatives notched record activity across 2025–2026, including sharp year-over-year gains in average daily volume and open interest. That context suggests large traders were already active before extended hours.

At the time of this writing, CME Group Inc. (CME) recently traded near 303.29, up 0.55% intraday, based on data from Yahoo Finance. Equity performance does not predict derivatives liquidity, but it frames corporate context around the launch.

Around-the-clock sessions on CME Globex will close a structural gap with crypto spot markets that never shut. Existing market surveillance, position limits, and clearing workflows remain the backbone for risk management, with adjustments possible as participation patterns evolve.

Regulatory framing has emphasized continuity rather than new approvals. According to Traders Magazine’s coverage of a CFTC keynote, officials signaled existing rules accommodate 24/7 trading for appropriate products. Editorial note: the Commission has also studied potential costs and benefits.

“there are no changes to CFTC regulations necessary to enable 24/7 trading,” said Caroline D. Pham, Acting Chair, U.S. CFTC. Her remarks also acknowledged potential off-hours challenges around liquidity, pricing reliability, and margin.

Risks, margin, and operations during off-hours

Liquidity and spreads may thin overnight and on weekends

Off-hours sessions can feature lighter order books and wider bid-ask spreads, which may raise slippage and execution risk. Cross-venue price signals could also be noisier when market makers limit size.

Participants may need to recalibrate execution tactics for overnight and weekend intervals. Stop placement, order types, and tolerance for partial fills can matter more when displayed depth is limited.

Margin, collateral, and clearing on CME Globex after-hours

Banking-hours constraints may affect collateral movements while markets remain open. Institutions often address this by holding excess eligible collateral or arranging credit buffers to meet intraday margin calls.

the u.S. CFTC opened a public comment window in 2025 to examine 24/7 derivatives trading and clearing, according to Sidley. That process highlighted the importance of robust margin models and operational readiness if volatility spikes off-hours.

FAQ about CME Group 24/7 crypto futures and options

How will 24/7 hours affect weekend price gaps and liquidity in CME crypto derivatives?

Continuous trading may reduce weekend gaps by enabling real-time price discovery. Liquidity could still thin during overnight and weekend periods, leading to wider spreads.

What is the CFTC’s position on around-the-clock derivatives trading, and are new approvals or rule changes required?

A CFTC keynote indicated existing rules can accommodate 24/7 markets. No new rule changes were identified, though regulators continue to monitor risks.