The London Stock Exchange Group is preparing to launch round-the-clock trading by 2027, the Financial Times reported, as traditional exchanges face mounting pressure from crypto markets and tokenized equity platforms that already operate around the clock.
The move would mark a seismic shift for one of Europe’s oldest exchanges, which has historically operated on a strict weekday schedule. LSEG’s plan reflects a broader industry reckoning: crypto markets never close, and tokenized stock platforms now offer 24/7 settlement, eroding the competitive moat of traditional trading hours.
According to the FT, LSEG has been in talks with regulators and market participants about extending hours gradually, with a target of overnight trading within the next two years. The exchange group has already dipped its toe into digital assets, launching a digital markets business for tokenized securities last year.
“The direction of travel is clearly towards 24/7 trading,” a source familiar with the discussions told the FT. “The question is not if, but when and how.”
The push comes as retail investors, accustomed to crypto’s non-stop markets, increasingly demand similar access to traditional assets. Tokenization platforms have demonstrated that instantaneous settlement and continuous trading are technically feasible, putting pressure on legacy infrastructure to modernize.
Regulatory hurdles remain significant. Overnight trading would require coordination with clearing houses, regulators, and market makers across multiple time zones. But with the EU’s DLT pilot regime and the UK’s forthcoming digital securities sandbox, the regulatory framework for round-the-clock traditional asset trading is beginning to take shape.
LSEG’s move could pressure other major exchanges, including Euronext and Deutsche Börse, to follow suit. For now, the 2027 target signals intent — but the pace of crypto-driven disruption may force the timeline to accelerate.
Source: Cointelegraph
