PANews reported on June 2nd that the CME Group has officially launched 24/7 trading of cryptocurrency futures and options. Over the first weekend, more than 7,200 contracts were traded, with a notional value of approximately $50 million. Bitcoin volatility futures have also been launched simultaneously.

Tim McCourt, global head of equities, foreign exchange and alternative products at the CME Group, said the move meets clients’ need for continuous liquidity over the weekend and bridges the gap between traditional regulated venues and the 24/7 nature of cryptocurrencies.