- CME recorded over 7,200 crypto futures and options contracts worth nearly $50 million during the first weekend of trading.
- The new schedule gives retail and institutional participants continuous access to regulated crypto derivatives markets.
- Ripple said XRP futures became the fastest CME crypto contracts to surpass $1 billion in open interest, reaching the milestone within three months.
Crypto derivatives trading no longer stops for the weekend. CME Group has launched 24/7 trading for cryptocurrency futures and options, giving global participants continuous access to regulated markets. The rollout involved CME Group, Ripple Prime, Robinhood Markets, and Wedbush Securities, while opening around-the-clock trading designed to match the nonstop nature of digital asset markets.
Weekend Launch Draws Early Trading Activity
The new trading schedule went live on Friday, May 29. According to CME Group, traders exchanged more than 7,200 cryptocurrency futures and options contracts during the first weekend.
Those trades represented nearly $50 million in notional value. Moreover, both retail and institutional firms contributed to the opening volume.
Tim McCourt, CME Group’s Global Head of Equities, FX and Alternative Products, said the move addresses demand for continuous liquidity. He added that the launch helps bridge the gap between regulated markets and the 24/7 structure of digital assets.
As activity expanded over the weekend, market participants gained uninterrupted access to regulated crypto risk-management products.
Ripple Prime Highlights Institutional Demand
Alongside the launch, Ripple Prime joined the platform as a day-one clearing and financing partner. Ripple stated that regulated crypto futures and options trading is now available around the clock through CME Group.
Mike Higgins of Ripple Prime said institutional demand already exists for crypto derivatives. He noted that XRP futures became the fastest CME contracts to surpass $1 billion in open interest, reaching that milestone within three months.
Noel Kimmel, President of Ripple Prime, said institutions managing digital asset exposure require uninterrupted access to regulated derivatives markets. He added that the firm’s infrastructure supports continuous trading and financing services.
Firms Expand Support For Always-On Markets
As trading hours expanded, several firms highlighted operational readiness. JB Mackenzie, Vice President and General Manager of Futures and International at Robinhood Markets, said customers can now access regulated crypto futures at any time.
Meanwhile, Wedbush Securities said it has supported clients on a 24/7 basis for more than a year. Bob Fitzsimmons, Executive Vice President at Wedbush, said client demand continues driving changes across the marketplace.
The launch marks CME Group’s latest expansion of cryptocurrency derivatives trading infrastructure, with regulated markets now operating continuously throughout the week.
