CME Group, the world’s leading derivatives marketplace, announced it launched 24/7 trading for Cryptocurrency futures and options. The expanded trading hours, which went live on Friday, May 29, mark a significant milestone in providing global market participants with always-on access to regulated digital asset risk management tools.

Over its inaugural weekend, more than 7,200 Cryptocurrency futures and options contracts were traded (~$50 million in notional), demonstrating immediate liquidity and clear demand for transparent, trusted markets. Volume was supported by a healthy ecosystem of retail and institutional firms.

“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,” said Tim McCourt, Global Head of Equities, FX and Alternative Products at CME Group. “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.”

“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,” said JB Mackenzie, VP and GM of Futures and International, Robinhood Markets. “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.”

“As an FCM supporting 24/7 cryptocurrency futures and options trading on CME Globex, Ripple Prime is purpose-built for always-on markets,” said Noel Kimmel, President of Ripple Prime. “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.”

“Wedbush has been actively serving clients on a 24/7 basis for over a year,” said Bob Fitzsimmons, Executive Vice President, Wedbush Securities Inc. “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.”

Also starting today, Bitcoin Volatility futures are now available to trade 24/7. These first-of-their kind regulated products are designed to help investors manage risk and trade their view on the 30-day implied volatility of bitcoin, without taking a directional price position.

Source: CME