SEC Rounds Up Stakeholders for 24-Hour Trading Debate

The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced plans to hold a public roundtable discussion on extending trading hours in traditional markets. The event, scheduled for September 17, 2026, will explore the operational and regulatory implications of allowing trades to take place outside of regular market hours.

The SEC's focus is on US equity markets, but the discussion is significant because it reflects a broader trend towards always-on finance, where markets are open 24/7. This shift is not new in cryptocurrency markets, which have long been trading without fixed hours. However, traditional markets are now grappling with how to adapt their infrastructure to accommodate extended trading.

The SEC's roundtable will examine the challenges of implementing 24-hour trading, including issues related to clearing, settlement, and investor protection. The discussion will also consider the impact on broker-dealers, market makers, and exchanges.