CME Group will operate cryptocurrency futures and options trading on a 24-hour basis from May 29, including bitcoin (BTC) and ether (ETH), The Block reported on Feb. 19. The move is aimed at expanding access to regulated digital asset trading as institutional demand for crypto derivatives surges.

CME previously said it would shift crypto futures trading to an “always on” model by 2026, and the latest announcement formalises that plan, The Block reported.

Traditional asset markets halt trading overnight or on weekends, but digital assets trade continuously. That makes it important to reduce timing gaps in hedging and risk management in regulated markets.

After first introducing bitcoin futures in 2017, CME expanded into ether futures and options, providing a regulated platform for institutional investors to access cryptocurrencies. It has recently added products linked to Cardano (ADA), Chainlink (LINK) and Stellar (XLM), strengthening its digital asset portfolio.

Tim McCourt (팀 맥코트), CME’s global head of equities, FX and alternative products, said customer demand for crypto risk management has reached a record high. He said offering always-on, regulated and transparent crypto products will support investors trading at any time.