CME Group will open its cryptocurrency futures and options for trading every hour of every day starting in early 2026, pending regulatory approval. The move removes the mismatch between traditional market hours and the nonstop crypto spot market while expanding access for institutional managers and skilled traders. Activity will run on CME Globex with only a weekly two-hour maintenance pause.
Trading will occur on the CME Globex electronic platform and pause only for a two-hour maintenance window each week. The product list spans futures and options on Bitcoin, Ether, Solana, and XRP, as well as micro contracts that control a smaller dollar amount.
CME will add options on Solana futures and launch new XRP futures on 13 October 2025, expanding the lineup ahead of the full 24/7 switch. The firm said the change answers rising institutional demand for regulated crypto derivatives and keeps it competitive against offshore venues that already trade without breaks. Giovanni Vicioso, Global Head of Cryptocurrency Products at CME Group, said, “This product expansion strengthens CME’s position in the cryptocurrency derivatives space.”
Micro contracts are smaller versions of standard futures that let users gain or hedge exposure with less notional value. CME Globex is the electronic system that matches and executes the orders.
Market impact and risk management
Keeping the market open reduces the likelihood of weekend or holiday price gaps and allows hedges to be placed or lifted at any time. Institutions gain wider windows to balance books and manage risk, while individual traders may see tighter quotes and smoother order flow.
Around-the-clock access also raises the need for pre-set limits, as leverage and automated triggers remain active when back-office staff may be off duty. In the race for crypto derivative volume, the change helps CME pull trades back from unregulated platforms.
The next concrete date is 13 October 2025 for the new Solana options and XRP futures, with the full 24/7 schedule to follow in early 2026 if regulators agree. Firms and traders now need to check their order routing systems and leverage rules so they remain safe during the extra hours.
