Continuous Trading in Financial Markets: Adopting the 24/7 Business Model
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) have announced a groundbreaking initiative to introduce continuous trading in traditional markets, aiming to align with the non-stop nature of cryptocurrency trading. This move marks a significant policy shift, signifying the evolving future of finance.
The 24/7 trading plans, if implemented, are expected to significantly increase market accessibility for investors, offer startups greater fundraising flexibility and visibility, and force structural adaptation across the broader financial sector. This could potentially reduce the advantages of large institutions, increasing risks and volatility.
The presence of perpetual contracts, integral to continuous trading, could place smaller companies and retail investors at a disadvantage, exposing them to increased costs and barriers to effective participation. Companies will need to devise strategies to manage liquidity, mitigate the risks of continuous trading, and ensure compliance with evolving regulations.
Understanding the implications of cryptocurrency payments and adjusting to a global crypto business banking context will be vital. Bitcoin, currently trading at $110,819.68 with a market cap of $2.21 trillion as of September 6, 2025, holds a market dominance of 57.88%. The proposed changes could lead to increased liquidity and market efficiency for cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, impacting market dynamics and the U.S.'s global standing.
Analysts view this regulatory harmonization as a positive advancement for U.S. markets, expecting it to significantly affect market sentiment and investor strategies. Continuous trading might benefit liquidity, but it also risks creating an uneven playing field that privileges institutional investors over smaller crypto startups. Smaller players may face difficulties competing, intensifying information asymmetry and the risk of market manipulation.
The proposed measures include relaxing rules on event and perpetual contracts, introducing an innovation exemption for DeFi protocols, and allowing stock exchanges to operate around the clock. Understanding and adhering to these changes will be crucial for businesses working in the cryptocurrency space. Best Practices for Crypto Treasury Management in Business will become increasingly important.
The future of finance is promising to alter our perspectives on trading, investment, and market dynamics. The SEC and CFTC's endorsement of 24/7 trading aims to bolster market efficiency and widen investment opportunities. However, it is essential to consider the potential risks and ensure that these changes are implemented responsibly to maintain market integrity.
Continuous trading could make cryptocurrency payments more accessible and appealing to investors, potentially elevating digital asset adoption. Understanding the implications of these changes and adapting accordingly will be key to navigating the evolving landscape of finance. The proposed measures underscore the importance of their potential impact on the future of cryptocurrency trading.
