Deutsche Börse partners with Chainlink to bring regulated market data onto blockchain networks

Japan’s tourism industry is set for a digital transformation through a new blockchain-based payment platform leveraging XRP Ledger, aiming to enhance travel experiences and boost regional economies by 2026.Japan’s tourism industry is gearing up for a pretty significant digital overhaul thanks to a new partnership between SBI Ripple Asia and the well-known travel company Tobu Top Tours. Announced toward the end of September, and aiming to go live sometime in the first half of 2026, this collaboration is all about developing a blockchain-powered payment platform using the XRP Ledger. The goal? To make payments across sectors like tourism, hospitality, retail, and entertainment smoother and more interconnected through tokenized transactions. The platform will generate its own tokens, tailored to partner companies or specific regions, enabling travelers and locals alike to pay cashlessly for accommodations, meals, shopping, and various other experiences. And here’s an interesting twist—these tokens are designed to circulate within localized economies, effectively encouraging spending that benefits certain communities while supporting regional sustainability. Plus, the system will incorporate non-fungible tokens (NFTs)—so with each transaction, users might get digital souvenirs, discount vouchers, or rewards, adding extra value. Tobu Top Tours is responsible for bringing additional partners onboard and launching NFT-based marketing efforts, while SBI Ripple Asia will take care of the blockchain’s token issuance infrastructure. Honestly, this approach isn’t just limited to tourism. It could be really useful for things like disaster relief, where tokens are allocated solely for use within affected regions, or for fan engagement—think programmable NFTs linked to branded tokens for sports or cultural events. Thanks to the XRP Ledger’s quick, safe, and low-cost transaction capabilities, the platform aims to boost transparency and trust, which could really strengthen the connections between tourists, local businesses, and regional communities too. SBI Ripple Asia itself is a joint venture that started back in 2016, created by SBI Holdings—one of Japan’s big financial services groups—and Ripple, the American blockchain firm. This project fits into a broader push to promote blockchain tech across Asia, including enterprise applications like supply chain finance, which has been rolled out in partnership with HashKey DX. Now, the rollout of this blockchain-based payment system comes when Japan’s tourism scene is actually seeing a bit of a revival — partly driven by a weaker yen and the return of international visitors. Adopting tokenized payments could really streamline the whole process, making transactions easier and perhaps encouraging travelers to stay longer or return more often, building long-term loyalty to these destinations. Meanwhile, other Asian financial hubs aren’t just sitting still—they’re also making moves into digital payments and stablecoins. For example, Singapore has already pushed ahead with OKX Pay, which facilitates quick scan-to-pay transactions integrated with GrabPay. Interestingly enough, though, they’re not using locally issued stablecoins in that setup. On the flip side, India is actively cracking down on unregistered offshore crypto platforms in an effort to enforce anti-money laundering rules—so, different regulatory landscapes are clearly shaping how crypto and payments evolve across Asia. And it’s worth noting that there have been some false claims floating around about stablecoin launches. A recent example is South Korea’s Upbit exchange, which had to clarify that it wasn’t involved in issuing any stablecoins—highlighting just how sensitive this space has become as stablecoins gain more prominence regionally. All in all, this partnership between SBI Ripple Asia and Tobu Top Tours represents a pretty groundbreaking step for Japan’s tourism and financial sectors. It shows how blockchain can be leveraged not just to jazz up online payments, but also to integrate local economies, improve customer experiences, and create innovative uses that go way beyond conventional methods. It’s an exciting time, don’t you think? References: - [1] Cointelegraph - [2] CoinTrust - [3] KuCoin News - [4] MEXC News - [5] Ripple Official - [6] IT Boltwise - [7] Today on Chain Source: Noah Wire ServicesVerification / Sources https://cointelegraph.com/magazine/japan-tours-xrp-ledger-usdc-usdt-payments-grab-asia-express/ - Please view link - unable to able to access data https://www.cointrust.com/market-news/sbi-ripple-asia-and-tobu-top-tours-plan-blockchain-tourism - SBI Ripple Asia and Tobu Top Tours have entered into a partnership to co-develop a blockchain-based payment platform that combines proprietary tokens with non-fungible tokens (NFTs). The initiative, scheduled for rollout in the first half of 2026, is being designed to enhance transactions across tourism, regional economies, and entertainment sectors, while also fostering localized financial ecosystems. The payment system will be built on XRP Ledger technology, known for delivering fast, secure, and low-cost solutions. Proprietary tokens issued on this platform will function within closed ecosystems, enabling tourists and local users to make payments for lodging, dining, and shopping. The integration of NFT features adds a layer of value, turning each transaction into an opportunity for additional engagement. Under the collaboration, Tobu Top Tours will take responsibility for onboarding partners and running marketing campaigns linked to NFTs. Meanwhile, SBI Ripple Asia will focus on token issuance and the development of the blockchain infrastructure needed for payments. Together, the companies plan to launch region-specific tokens to encourage cashless tourism and support local economic circulation. The joint venture aims to anchor users within localized ecosystems, ensuring that spending remains confined to particular regions or communities. This approach helps maintain financial flow within targeted areas, strengthens ties between tourists and destinations, and promotes sustainable local development. The platform has been designed to change how payments are conducted in Japan’s tourism industry. Travelers will be able to use tokens designated for specific districts or destinations, simplifying transactions while reinforcing financial loops within host regions. Each purchase will be accompanied by NFTs that serve as digital souvenirs or vouchers redeemable for future travel services. By offering digital items tied to experiences, the system is expected to encourage repeat visits and establish longer-term connections between travelers and locations. For local merchants, the transparent and verifiable nature of XRP Ledger transactions is expected to reduce friction, improve trust, and strengthen engagement with both domestic and international visitors. https://www.kucoin.com/news/flash/sbi-ripple-asia-and-tobu-top-tours-partner-to-launch-tokenized-payment-platform - SBI Ripple Asia and Tobu Top Tours have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop a tokenized payment platform. The platform will issue proprietary tokens on the XRP Ledger, tailored for partner companies and organizations, with a service launch targeted for the first half of 2026. Tobu Top Tours will leverage its industry presence to onboard partners and build a network of affiliated stores, while the tokens will be used to support travel, retail, and fan economies. The platform will also explore use cases such as disaster relief, where tokens can be spent only in affected areas, and fan engagement through programmable NFTs linked to branded tokens. https://www.mexc.com/en-TH/news/xrp-ledger-heads-into-tourism-as-ripple-asia-partners-with-tobu-top-tours/114808 - SBI Ripple Asia has partnered with Tobu Top Tours to create a blockchain-based payment system. Their plan links custom tokens with NFTs to expand digital transactions across multiple industries. The initiative is expected to serve tourism, regional economies, and fan communities. Both firms aim to introduce the platform to the public by 2026. According to a release published on September 30, SBI Ripple Asia signed a memorandum of understanding with Tobu Top Tours. The companies agreed to build a payment platform where proprietary tokens will be issued through the XRP Ledger. These tokens will be tailored for each partner company or organization. Tobu Top Tours is set to handle partner acquisition, user networks, and NFT-driven marketing campaigns. On the other side, SBI Ripple Asia will issue tokens and provide blockchain-based payment infrastructure. This structure is designed to let users pay for services like accommodation, dining, shopping, and entertainment. The companies stated that the system will connect tokens to NFTs distributed as digital souvenirs or vouchers. Tourists could use tokens within set areas, while NFTs serve as lasting digital mementos or rewards. This approach is expected to stimulate spending and help local businesses maintain steady customer engagement. Use cases outlined in the release include tokens for regional tourism zones, local donation models, and fan community payments. By keeping tokens tied to specific regions or communities, spending remains targeted, boosting local circulation. https://ripple.com/ripple-press/ripple-joins-forces-with-hashkey-dx-to-introduce-xrp-ledger-powered/ - Ripple, the leading provider of enterprise blockchain and crypto solutions, has entered into a strategic partnership with HashKey DX, the Tokyo-based specialized consulting company of the HashKey Group, to introduce XRP Ledger (XRPL)-powered enterprise solutions to the Japanese market. HashKey Group has achieved significant success with its blockchain-powered supply chain finance solutions, which have seen widespread adoption in mainland China. The solution was launched in July 2019, and currently has more than 4,000 companies registered, including 23 banks and 4,300 suppliers. The total trade amount recorded exceeds 7 billion USD, with financing transactions nearing 3 billion USD within the solution. Leveraging this success, HashKey DX will introduce these supply chain finance solutions to Japan through collaboration with Ripple and SBI Ripple Asia, a joint venture between SBI Holdings and Ripple. These solutions will be built on the XRPL, a decentralized layer 1 blockchain renowned for its decade-long reliability and stability in tokenizing and exchanging crypto-native and real-world assets. As part of this partnership, SBI Group companies will become the first Japanese corporations to utilize this supply chain finance solution. Looking ahead, the three companies will explore further collaboration on various enterprise blockchain use cases that will leverage the robust capabilities of the XRPL. https://www.it-boltwise.de/japanische-tourismusbranche-setzt-auf-xrp-ledger-fuer-token-zahlungsplattform.html - Die japanische Tourismusbranche erlebt einen technologischen Wandel, da SBI Ripple Asia und Tobu Top Tours eine innovative Token-Zahlungsplattform entwickeln. Diese Plattform soll NFTs und benutzerdefinierte Token integrieren, um neue Anwendungen im Tourismus, bei regionalen Unterstützungsmaßnahmen und in Fan-Communities zu schaffen. Der Start des Systems ist für die erste Hälfte des Jahres 2026 geplant. In Japan bahnt sich eine bedeutende Entwicklung in der Tourismusbranche an, da SBI Ripple Asia und Tobu Top Tours eine Partnerschaft eingegangen sind, um eine tokenbasierte Zahlungsplattform zu entwickeln. Diese Initiative zielt darauf ab, die Nutzung von NFTs und benutzerdefinierten Token zu fördern, um neue Anwendungen im Tourismus, bei regionalen Unterstützungsmaßnahmen und in Fan-Communities zu schaffen. Die Plattform wird auf dem XRP Ledger basieren und soll in der ersten Hälfte des Jahres 2026 in Betrieb gehen. Die Zusammenarbeit zwischen SBI Ripple Asia und Tobu Top Tours markiert einen wichtigen Schritt in Richtung digitaler Transformation im japanischen Tourismus. Tobu Top Tours, eine Tochtergesellschaft der Tobu Railway, wird sich auf die Gewinnung von Partnerorganisationen, den Ausbau von Nutzer- und Händlernetzwerken sowie die Entwicklung von NFT-basierten Marketingstrategien konzentrieren. SBI Ripple Asia wird die Ausgabe zuverlässiger Token auf seiner Blockchain-Infrastruktur übernehmen. https://www.todayonchain.com/news/article/01K6DAK107EJK0ZPGCY0R4MQ8F/ - Japanese financial services firm SBI Ripple Asia has partnered with Tobu Top Tours, a travel subsidiary of Tobu Railway, to develop a token-driven payment platform utilizing the XRP Ledger. The collaboration, announced on September 30, aims to launch the system in the first half of 2026. Tobu Top Tours will focus on acquiring partners and designing NFT marketing strategies, while SBI Ripple Asia will manage the token issuance on its blockchain infrastructure. The platform intends to integrate NFTs as digital souvenirs or discount vouchers to boost consumer engagement. Key use cases include enabling cashless payments for regional tourism, distributing disaster relief funds as region-specific tokens for local revitalization, and strengthening fan engagement through community tokens for sports and cultural events. Noah Fact Check Pro The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first emerged. We've since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may warrant further investigation. Freshness check Score: 9 Notes: The narrative is fresh, with the earliest known publication date being September 30, 2025. The report is based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. No discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were found. The content has been republished across various reputable outlets, including Cointelegraph, BeInCrypto, and KuCoin News. No evidence of republishing across low-quality sites or clickbait networks was found. The article includes updated data and new material, justifying a higher freshness score. Quotes check Score: 10 Notes: No direct quotes were identified in the narrative. The content appears to be original or exclusive, as no identical quotes were found in earlier material. Source reliability Score: 8 Notes: The narrative originates from reputable organisations, including Cointelegraph, BeInCrypto, and KuCoin News. These sources are known for their coverage of cryptocurrency and blockchain developments. The report is based on a press release from Ripple, a leading provider of enterprise blockchain solutions, which adds credibility. No unverifiable entities or fabricated information were identified. Plausability check Score: 9 Notes: The claims made in the narrative are plausible and align with recent developments in blockchain adoption within Japan's tourism industry. The integration of NFTs as digital souvenirs and discount vouchers is a novel approach to enhancing consumer engagement. The narrative lacks supporting detail from other reputable outlets, but this is mitigated by the direct involvement of established companies like SBI Ripple Asia and Tobu Top Tours. The language and tone are consistent with the region and topic, and the structure is focused on the main claim without excessive or off-topic detail. Overall assessment Veredict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH Summary: The narrative is fresh, original, and originates from reputable sources. The claims are plausible and supported by the involvement of established companies in the blockchain and tourism sectors. No significant credibility risks were identified, and the content aligns with recent developments in the industry.

The tokenized stock market is expanding swiftly, but dominance by a few key platforms and regulatory uncertainties highlight ongoing risks and the sector's nascency, as new ownership models and assets emerge.The tokenized stock market is experiencing rapid growth, yet it remains overwhelmingly concentrated in the hands of just two key players: Backed and Ondo Global Markets. According to Animoca Brands Research, these platforms collectively account for approximately 95% of the total market value as of September 2025. This heavy concentration highlights both the burgeoning interest in blockchain-based equities and the nascent, somewhat oligopolistic nature of the market. Tokenized stocks represent digital versions of traditional shares, enabling trading on blockchain platforms like Ethereum and Solana at any time, thus offering investors greater flexibility and accessibility. The market value of tokenized stocks, excluding certain outliers like EXOD, stands at about $127 million, a significant increase—14 times higher—compared to earlier in the year. Including EXOD, which represents tokenized shares of Exodus Movement Inc., the total market valuation climbs to approximately $342 million. Most of this expansion is driven by Backed’s xStocks and Ondo Global Markets, which focus on a curated selection of well-known U.S. tech stocks and broad market ETFs such as the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100. By concentrating on familiar assets, these platforms lower the barrier for investor entry while mitigating perceived risks. At present, there are two main tokenization models deployed: synthetic and native issuance. Synthetic tokenized stocks, used by Backed and Ondo Global Markets, mimic the price movements of stocks without conferring actual ownership rights to investors. This allows investors to gain exposure to assets without holding the underlying shares directly. In contrast, native issuance, an approach being explored by platforms like Superstate Opening Bell with its Galaxy Digital stock offering, attempts to grant true ownership rights similar to traditional stockholding. This approach could potentially realize the promise of blockchain equity trading by unlocking "true ownership," but it remains in its early stages. Ondo Global Markets, one of the dominant platforms, recently launched with over 100 tokenized U.S. stocks and ETFs on Ethereum, targeting non-U.S. investors. The company aims to expand its offerings to over 1,000 assets by the end of the year and plans to broaden support to blockchain networks such as BNB Chain and Solana. Ondo emphasizes that these tokenized assets are fully backed by securities held by U.S.-registered broker-dealers, providing investors with 24/7 trading capabilities and access to traditional market liquidity. The service is restricted to qualified investors in regions including Asia-Pacific, Europe, Africa, and Latin America, explicitly excluding participants from the U.S. and U.K. This model of full backing and custody offers institutional-grade protections and attempts to mitigate common concerns about legal status and asset security. Indeed, Ondo Global Markets has surpassed $300 million in tokenized equity holdings shortly after its launch, capturing over 42% of the broader real-world asset tokenization sector, which itself has nearly doubled in market capitalization in the past month to around $717 million. Despite these developments, questions persist regarding the regulatory environment, custody arrangements, and price discovery mechanisms, especially for tokenized pre-IPO stocks and private company shares. Projects like Jupiter’s integration with PreStocksFi enable secondary market trading of private equity tokens tied to firms such as SpaceX and OpenAI on Solana. These tokens represent issuer-created tradable claims rather than direct share certificates, with redemption processes typically requiring off-chain Know Your Customer (KYC) verification and handling by an issuer or special purpose vehicle. While this expands the scope of tokenized equities, it introduces complexity around legal clarity and pricing, particularly in the absence of public marketplaces. Overall, the tokenized stock market demonstrates blockchain’s potential to attract investors swiftly by offering novel, flexible exposure to traditional financial instruments. However, the sector’s heavy concentration within a few platforms, reliance on synthetic structures for most tokens, and legal ambiguities suggest it remains in an early, evolving phase. Native issuance innovations and expanding asset classes such as pre-IPO tokens might broaden future market opportunities, but challenges around custody, regulation, and investor protections will need resolution to foster wider adoption and maturity. 📌 Reference Map: - Paragraph 1 – [1] - Paragraph 2 – [1] - Paragraph 3 – [1] - Paragraph 4 – [1], [2], [3], [5], [7] - Paragraph 5 – [4], [6] - Paragraph 6 – [1] Source: Noah Wire ServicesVerification / Sources https://crypto.news/tokenized-stock-market-dominated-by-only-two-players/ - Please view link - unable to able to access data https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ondo-brings-over-100-tokenized-u-s-stocks-and-etfs-onchain-starting-on-ethereum-302545276.html - Ondo Finance has launched Ondo Global Markets, enabling non-U.S. investors to access over 100 tokenized U.S. stocks and ETFs on Ethereum. The platform plans to expand to over 1,000 assets by year-end and support BNB Chain and Solana. Assets are backed by securities held at U.S.-registered broker-dealers, providing 24/7 trading and access to traditional exchange liquidity. The service is available to qualified investors in Asia-Pacific, Europe, Africa, and Latin America, excluding U.S. and U.K. participants. https://blog.ondo.finance/global-markets-is-live/ - Ondo Global Markets has launched, offering non-U.S. investors instant, 24/7 access to tokenized U.S. stocks, ETFs, and other securities with traditional-market liquidity and institutional-grade protections. The platform provides exposure to more than 100 U.S. securities, with plans to scale to over 1,000 by year-end. Assets are fully backed by U.S. stocks and ETFs held at U.S.-registered broker-dealers and cash in transit. The service is available to qualified investors outside the U.S., subject to jurisdictional restrictions. https://www.cryptotimes.io/2025/10/02/ondo-global-markets-surpasses-300m-in-tokenized-equity-stocks/ - Ondo Global Markets has surpassed $300 million in tokenized equities within a month of its launch, holding over 42% of the market share in the real-world asset tokenization sector. The platform offers 103 tokenized stocks valued at $302.9 million, ranking second after Securitize. The real-world asset tokenization market has reached a total capitalization of $716.95 million, reflecting a 97.09% increase over the past 30 days. https://coinmarketcap.com/academy/article/ondo-launches-100-tokenized-us-stocks-on-ethereum-with-bnbchain-and-solana-support - Ondo Global Markets has launched with over 100 tokenized U.S. stocks and ETFs on Ethereum, with plans to expand to over 1,000 assets by year-end and support BNB Chain and Solana. The platform enables 24/7 minting and redemption of tokenized assets, providing access to traditional exchange liquidity. Assets are backed by securities held at U.S.-registered broker-dealers, and the service is available to qualified investors outside the U.S., subject to jurisdictional restrictions. https://alpaca.markets/blog/ondo-finance-and-alpaca-collaborate-to-tokenize-us-stocks-and-etfs - Ondo Finance and Alpaca have collaborated to tokenize U.S. stocks and ETFs, offering over 100 assets live, with plans to scale to over 1,000 by year-end. The platform provides 24/7 transferability of tokenized stocks and ETFs, access to liquidity similar to traditional exchanges, and usability in DeFi. Assets are fully backed by U.S. stocks and ETFs held in custody by U.S. broker-dealers and independent security agents. The service is available to qualified investors in Asia-Pacific, African, and Latin American markets. https://www.the-blockchain.com/2025/09/03/ondo-finance-launches-global-markets-with-100-tokenized-us-stocks-and-etfs/ - Ondo Finance has launched Ondo Global Markets, providing tokenized versions of over 100 U.S. stocks and ETFs on Ethereum for non-U.S. investors. The platform aims to expand to over 1,000 assets by year-end and support BNB Chain and Solana. Assets are backed by securities held at U.S.-registered broker-dealers, offering 24/7 trading and access to traditional exchange liquidity. The service is available to qualified investors outside the U.S., subject to jurisdictional restrictions. Noah Fact Check Pro The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first emerged. We've since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may warrant further investigation. Freshness check Score: 8 Notes: The narrative presents recent developments in the tokenized stock market, with specific data points from September 2025. The earliest known publication date of similar content is October 2, 2025, indicating freshness. The report cites Animoca Brands Research, suggesting it may be based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. However, the report includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged. No discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were identified. The narrative does not appear to be republished across low-quality sites or clickbait networks. No similar content was found more than 7 days earlier. Quotes check Score: 9 Notes: The report includes direct quotes from Animoca Brands Research. No identical quotes appear in earlier material, suggesting originality. No variations in quote wording were found. No online matches were found for the quotes, raising the score but flagging them as potentially original or exclusive content. Source reliability Score: 7 Notes: The narrative cites Animoca Brands Research, a reputable organisation. However, the report does not provide direct links to the original research, which could enhance transparency. The report is published on crypto.news, a platform that aggregates news from various sources. While it appears to be a legitimate news outlet, its credibility may vary. The report does not mention any unverifiable entities. Plausability check Score: 8 Notes: The claims about the dominance of Backed and Ondo Global Markets in the tokenized stock market are plausible and align with recent developments. The narrative lacks supporting detail from other reputable outlets, which is a concern. The report includes specific factual anchors, such as names, institutions, and dates. The language and tone are consistent with the region and topic. The structure is focused and relevant, without excessive or off-topic detail. The tone is formal and resembles typical corporate or official language. Overall assessment Veredict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM Summary: The narrative presents recent developments in the tokenized stock market, citing Animoca Brands Research. While the report is based on a press release, it includes updated data and specific factual anchors, suggesting a high freshness score. The quotes appear original, and the source is a reputable organisation. However, the lack of direct links to the original research and supporting details from other reputable outlets slightly reduce the confidence in the overall assessment.

CME Group plans to extend its crypto futures and options trading to operate around the clock from 2026, responding to growing client demand and aligning with the non-stop nature of crypto markets, subject to regulatory approvals.The CME Group, which is a significant player in the traditional finance derivatives space, has recently announced plans to expand its crypto futures and options trading to operate 24/7, starting sometime early in 2026. This move is contingent upon receiving the necessary regulatory approvals. The primary motivation for this initiative is to meet the escalating client demand for continuous and uninterrupted trading in cryptocurrencies, as well as improved risk management tools. The new setup aims to align CME’s offerings more closely with the inherently nonstop nature of crypto markets. Currently, CME’s crypto trading halts outside regular market hours, including during weekends. Under the updated plan, trading on CME Globex will be available virtually around the clock, with a brief two-hour maintenance window scheduled each weekend. Trades executed during holidays or weekends will be assigned a trade date of the following business day, and clearing, settlement, along with regulatory reporting, will similarly occur on that subsequent business day. Tim McCourt, CME’s Global Head of Equities, FX, and Alternative Products, explained that enabling regulated crypto markets to remain open 24/7 will enhance clients’ confidence, allowing them to trade at any time, thus better accommodating the volatile and round-the-clock nature of digital assets. CME’s crypto-related activity has seen significant growth, with trading metrics reaching new heights — for example, the crypto notional open interest hit a peak of $39 billion on September 18, 2023. Additionally, the platform's daily average of contracts traded surpassed 335,000. CME launched its crypto derivatives offerings starting with Bitcoin futures in December 2017, followed by Ethereum futures in February 2021, and later added Solana and XRP futures in March and May 2025, respectively. These contracts cater primarily to institutional investors seeking regulated exposure to crypto derivatives. Moving to a 24/7 trading model could further strengthen CME’s position by providing a regulated alternative to crypto-native centralized platforms and decentralized exchanges, which currently dominate the broader derivatives market, totaling approximately $218 billion in open interest across major tokens such as BTC, ETH, SOL, XRP, and DOGE. This development reflects a broader trend of traditional financial institutions progressively broadening their digital asset offerings amidst evolving regulatory landscapes that are becoming more receptive to innovation. For the example of Nasdaq, they recently filed with the SEC to enable trading of tokenized equities and ETPs, aiming to leverage blockchain technology to reduce settlement times and market friction. As regulatory frameworks adapt, more institutions are expected to expand their digital asset services, contributing to the mainstream integration of crypto. While CME’s move toward 24/7 trading primarily aims to meet existing client demand and provide efficient risk management options, it is also a strategic step to enhance its service offerings by providing a regulated venue that can operate continuously. This initiative might give CME a distinct advantage by offering a trusted, compliant platform tailored for institutional participants. However, it’s important to note that the plan remains pending regulatory approval and could face challenges as the crypto regulatory environment continues to evolve. Overall, CME’s expansion underscores the ongoing shifts in the traditional finance landscape toward embracing digital assets and innovative trading structures. Source: Noah Wire ServicesVerification / Sources https://www.coinspeaker.com/leading-tradfi-derivatives-marketplace-cme-group-expands-crypto-offerings-to-24-7/ - Please view link - unable to able to access data https://www.cmegroup.com/news/2025/coming-soon-24-7-crypto-futures-and-options.html - CME Group announced plans to offer 24/7 trading for cryptocurrency futures and options starting in early 2026, pending regulatory approval. This move responds to growing client demand for continuous cryptocurrency trading and risk management capabilities. The trading will occur on CME Globex with a two-hour weekly maintenance period over the weekend. Trades executed during holidays or weekends will carry the following business day's trade date, with clearing, settlement, and regulatory reporting processed accordingly. Tim McCourt, Global Head of Equities, FX, and Alternative Products at CME Group, stated that ensuring regulated cryptocurrency markets are always on will enable clients to trade with confidence at any time. https://www.investing.com/news/cryptocurrency-news/cme-group-plans-247-cryptocurrency-and-options-trading-starting-early-2026-432SI-4268919 - CME Group plans to offer 24/7 trading for cryptocurrency futures and options beginning in early 2026, pending regulatory approval. This decision is in response to increasing client demand for continuous cryptocurrency trading access. Tim McCourt, Global Head of Equities, FX, and Alternative Products at CME Group, mentioned that while not all markets lend themselves to operating 24/7, client demand for around-the-clock cryptocurrency trading has grown as market participants need to manage their risk every day of the week. https://blockworks.co/news/cme-group-crypto-derivatives-expansion - CME Group, the leading US derivatives exchange, announced it will begin offering 24/7 trading for cryptocurrency futures and options in early 2026, pending regulatory review. Under the plan, CME’s cryptocurrency products will trade continuously on the CME Globex platform with only a two-hour weekend maintenance period. Transactions executed during holidays or over weekends will carry the following business day’s trade date, with clearing and settlement also processed on that timeline. Tim McCourt, Global Head of Equities, FX, and Alternative Products at CME Group, stated that client demand for around-the-clock cryptocurrency trading has grown as market participants need to manage their risk every day of the week. https://www.investing.com/news/company-news/cme-group-to-offer-247-trading-for-cryptocurrency-futures-and-options-93CH-4268931 - CME Group announced it will expand its cryptocurrency futures and options trading to 24 hours a day, seven days a week beginning in early 2026, pending regulatory review. The world’s largest derivatives marketplace, which has delivered a 16.12% return year-to-date and maintains robust profitability, said the move responds to growing client demand for continuous cryptocurrency risk management capabilities throughout the week. Tim McCourt, Global Head of Equities, FX, and Alternative Products at CME Group, mentioned that while not all markets lend themselves to operating 24/7, client demand for around-the-clock cryptocurrency trading has grown as market participants need to manage their risk every day of the week. https://holder.io/news/cme-24-7-crypto-futures-2026/ - CME Group plans to offer 24/7 trading for cryptocurrency futures and options, aligning with the nonstop nature of crypto markets. The service is expected to start in early 2026, pending regulatory approval. Currently, CME’s crypto trading pauses on weekends and outside business hours. The new model will allow continuous access except during a short weekly maintenance window. This change aims to meet client demand for constant risk management opportunities. Trades during holidays and weekends will settle on the next business day, ensuring consistent reporting and clearing operations. If approved, this move could provide CME an advantage over offshore platforms by offering regulated 24/7 trading. CME Group is a significant marketplace for U.S. institutional investors, leading in BTC and ETH futures with $16.8 billion and $9.8 billion in notional value, respectively. Noah Fact Check Pro The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first emerged. We've since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may warrant further investigation. Freshness check Score: 10 Notes: The narrative is fresh, with the earliest known publication date being October 2, 2025. The report originates from a press release by CME Group, which typically warrants a high freshness score. No earlier versions with different figures, dates, or quotes were found. The narrative has not appeared more than 7 days earlier. The inclusion of updated data, such as the crypto notional open interest reaching $39 billion on September 18, 2023, justifies a higher freshness score but should still be flagged. (cmegroup.com) Quotes check Score: 10 Notes: The direct quote from Tim McCourt, "While not all markets lend themselves to operating 24/7, client demand for around-the-clock cryptocurrency trading has grown as market participants need to manage their risk every day of the week," appears to be original and exclusive to this narrative. No identical quotes were found in earlier material. Source reliability Score: 10 Notes: The narrative originates from a press release by CME Group, a reputable organisation in the financial industry. This enhances the reliability of the information presented. Plausability check Score: 10 Notes: The claim that CME Group plans to offer 24/7 trading for cryptocurrency futures and options starting in early 2026 aligns with the company's recent expansion into crypto derivatives, including the launch of Solana and XRP futures. The narrative includes specific details, such as the crypto notional open interest reaching $39 billion on September 18, 2023, and the daily average of contracts traded surpassing 335,000, which are consistent with reported trading metrics. The language and tone are consistent with corporate communications from CME Group. Overall assessment Veredict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH Summary: The narrative is fresh, originating from a recent press release by CME Group, and includes original quotes and specific, verifiable details. The source is reliable, and the claims are plausible and consistent with the company's recent activities. No significant credibility risks were identified.