SEC, CFTC Propose 24/7 U.S. Financial Markets to Align with Crypto Trading

SEC Chair Paul Atkins and CFTC Acting Chair Caroline Pham unveiled a radical proposal to transition U.S. securities markets to 24/7 operations, mirroring the nonstop nature of cryptocurrency trading. The initiative aims to bridge the growing convergence between traditional finance and digital asset markets, which have historically operated under divergent regulatory frameworks.

The regulators simultaneously signaled openness to reforming rules around prediction markets, perpetual derivatives, and decentralized finance (DeFi) trading. This forms part of a broader vision for a unified "super-app" financial model. While critics raised risk concerns, officials confirmed further discussions will occur at a September 29 roundtable.

The move reflects institutional recognition of crypto's market structure innovations, potentially accelerating mainstream adoption. Market participants anticipate Ripple effects across trading infrastructure, liquidity protocols, and cross-asset arbitrage strategies as traditional finance synchronizes with crypto's always-on rhythm.