CME Group to Launch Cryptocurrency Futures and Options Trading on May 29

CME Group will begin offering round-the-clock trading for its cryptocurrency futures and options starting May 29. The Chicago-based derivatives exchange announced the expansion pending regulatory review. The move responds to record-breaking demand in the digital asset market.

CME Group announced that, pending regulatory review, its regulated cryptocurrency futures and options will be available for 24/7 trading starting on May 29. https://t.co/Zv8SBta0O4

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The world’s leading derivatives marketplace reported $3 trillion in notional volume across cryptocurrency products in 2025. Tim McCourt, Global Head of Equities, FX and Alternative Products at CME Group, attributed the decision to unprecedented client demand for risk management tools.

Trading will commence Friday, May 29 at 4:00 p.m. Central Time. CME Globex will facilitate continuous trading with a minimum two-hour weekly maintenance period over weekends.

All trades executed from Friday evening through Sunday evening will carry a trade date of the following business day. Clearing, settlement, and regulatory reporting will also process on the subsequent business day.

Record-Breaking CME Volumes Drive Expansion

CME Group’s cryptocurrency products have reached historic trading levels in 2026. Average daily volume hit 407,200 contracts, representing a 46% increase year-over-year. Open interest averaged 335,400 contracts daily, up 7% from the previous year.

Futures trading specifically averaged 403,900 contracts per day. This marks a 47% surge compared to the same period last year. The sustained growth underscores institutional appetite for regulated crypto derivatives.

McCourt emphasized that not all markets suit 24/7 operations. However, cryptocurrency’s unique characteristics and global trading patterns make continuous access essential for clients managing exposure.

The exchange operates through CME Globex for futures and options. It also provides fixed income trading via BrokerTec and foreign exchange services through EBS platform.

CME Explores Proprietary Token and Tokenized Collateral

Meanwhile, CME Group is considering launching its own digital token. CEO Terry Duffy revealed the plans during a recent company earnings call. The exchange is examining how tokenized assets could serve as collateral across financial markets.

JUST IN: CME Group explores launching its own crypto token.

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Duffy stated CME is reviewing multiple forms of margin, including tokenized cash. The company is also exploring a CME-issued token that could operate on a decentralized network.

The potential token would serve industry participants beyond CME’s immediate ecosystem. Duffy suggested collateral from a systemically important financial institution could provide greater market confidence.

He contrasted this approach with tokens issued by smaller banking institutions. A third or fourth-tier bank attempting to issue margin tokens may not inspire the same trust levels.

CME operates one of the world’s leading central counterparty clearing providers through CME Clearing. This infrastructure positions the company to potentially integrate tokenized collateral solutions.

The derivatives giant offers products across all major asset classes. These include interest rates, equity indexes, foreign exchange, energy, agricultural products, and metals.

Following the 24/7 trading launch, clients will gain always-on access to regulated cryptocurrency products. The transparent market structure aims to enable confident trading regardless of time zone or day of week.

CME Group continues expanding its cryptocurrency offerings amid growing institutional adoption. The exchange has established itself as a primary venue for regulated digital asset derivatives trading.

The upcoming changes position CME to compete more directly with crypto-native exchanges. These platforms have long offered continuous trading capabilities to their users.