2026-01-16 18:30:25

CME Group is expanding access to its cryptocurrency futures and options markets with a major shift to 24/7 on-screen trading. This strategic move addresses surging demand from traders seeking continuous crypto market exposure without the traditional market hour constraints.

The transition marks a significant evolution in how institutional and retail participants engage with digital asset derivatives. With round-the-clock trading capability, crypto futures and options on CME will operate on a level comparable to traditional crypto spot markets, eliminating the gap between institutional derivative products and retail-driven perpetual futures platforms.

This development reflects broader institutional adoption of crypto markets. More trading hours means greater flexibility for global participants across different time zones—whether you're managing positions in Asia, Europe, or the Americas, execution opportunities no longer depend on CME's traditional trading windows.

For traders and portfolio managers, the practical benefit is clear: you can now hedge, speculate, or rebalance crypto exposure whenever markets move, not just during predetermined trading sessions. This aligns CME's crypto offerings more closely with how the broader digital asset ecosystem operates.

This page may contain third-party content, which is provided for information purposes only (not representations/warranties) and should not be considered as an endorsement of its views by Gate, nor as financial or professional advice. See Disclaimer for details.

14 Likes

Reward
14
4
Repost
Share

Comment

0/400

LiquidityWizard

· 11h ago

Finally, the day has arrived. 24/7 trading is really coming, and institutions will no longer be limited by time constraints. Now, Asia, Europe, and the Americas can operate seamlessly without waiting for market open. CME's move directly narrows the gap between futures and spot markets. How can perpetual futures still compete? --- By the way, does this mean there's even more room for wash trading... institutions are about to start a new arms race. --- Damn, if this really happens, I’ll have to readjust my trading strategies. --- It looks like the institutional forces are finally entering the market to stir things up. Can retail investors still survive? --- I'm just worried that after 24/7 access is opened, liquidity might actually worsen. Who will be the market makers? --- Now global traders can all enjoy the benefits, but gas fees are going to rise again.

View OriginalReply0

NFT_Therapy_Group

· 11h ago

CME has finally caught up; 24/7 trading should have been implemented long ago. Now institutions and retail investors are on equal footing. Perpetual contract players should be getting nervous. Finally, during Asian hours, you can properly trade derivatives without waking up in the middle of the night to catch the window. Hedging costs will be much cheaper now, and no one wants to wait anymore.

View OriginalReply0

GasFeeCrybaby

· 11h ago

CME finally stopped playing the time difference game. 24/7 trading sounds good, but it still depends on actual liquidity. Now institutions and retail investors can finally be on the same starting line. It feels like the game rules are about to change. Honestly, more trading hours don't necessarily mean more profit; it might just lead to staying up late and losing money haha. Finally, no more calculating time differences. Asian traders can also have active hours. As long as gas fees don't rise again, so what if it's 24/7... we're still paying transaction fees.

View OriginalReply0

airdrop_whisperer

· 11h ago

24/7 trading, now institutions and retail investors are finally on equal footing. This is quite interesting.

View OriginalReply0