London Stock Exchange explores 24-hour trading inspired by crypto markets

The London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) is actively exploring the possibility of extending its trading hours, potentially moving to a 24-hour trading model inspired by cryptocurrency markets. This initiative reflects a broader global shift as traditional exchanges seek to modernise and cater to the demands of retail investors, particularly younger traders who favour real-time access via smartphones. The continuous, round-the-clock nature of crypto markets has set new expectations for market accessibility, prompting LSEG to assess whether similar models could be viable for equities trading.

Currently, the London Stock Exchange operates from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm British Summer Time (BST), Monday through Friday, with no lunch break. It also offers pre-trading and post-trading sessions, from 5:05 am to 7:50 am and 4:40 pm to 5:15 pm respectively, providing some flexibility beyond the main trading window. Despite these extended hours, the core equities market remains confined to an 8.5-hour day, and liquidity tends to concentrate during the opening and closing auctions.

LSEG’s exploratory review involves multiple facets including the potential commercial benefits, regulatory challenges, and technological demands required to support continuous trading. The exchange earns a relatively small portion of its revenue from equities—about 2.7% in the first quarter of 2025—with most income derived from selling financial data. Nevertheless, the LSE holds a critical structural role in the City of London as a conduit for international capital into British companies, making any shift in trading hours significant for the UK’s financial ecosystem.

One of the core concerns raised both within the LSEG and across global markets is liquidity. Institutional investors and fund managers remain cautious about the implications of extended hours. They warn that liquidity tends to dwindle outside traditional trading sessions, which could undermine price discovery and increase market volatility. The risk of heightened operational costs for market participants also remains a governing factor, alongside the need for regulatory clarity to mitigate risks associated with overnight and continuous trading, such as managing market shocks and panic-driven trades during news releases.

The ambition to align trading hours more closely with global financial centres is influenced by similar moves in the United States, where exchanges like the New York Stock Exchange, Nasdaq, and Cboe Global Markets have sought regulatory approval to extend their operating hours or launch new 24-hour venues. These initiatives aim to accommodate international investors and adapt to changing patterns of global capital flows, trends that have also been expedited by Brexit-related shifts in the UK’s economic position.

A 24-hour trading platform would notably shrink the time lag for investors to respond to international events, earnings reports, and geopolitical developments, potentially enhancing London’s competitiveness on the world stage. However, LSEG faces a balancing act: extending trading times must not compromise market stability or investor protection. The success of adopting a crypto-inspired trading model depends heavily on technological readiness and a regulatory framework that supports round-the-clock operation while managing associated risks effectively.

In summary, while no official announcement has yet been made on a definitive move to 24-hour trading, the London Stock Exchange is clearly evaluating the concept within the context of accelerating global competition and evolving investor demands. The final decision will weigh potential commercial opportunities against the operational challenges and regulatory requirements to ensure that the UK’s flagship stock exchange remains a vital, modern hub in international finance.

📌 Reference Map:

• Paragraph 1 – ^[1], ^[2], ^[5]
• Paragraph 2 – ^[3], ^[7]
• Paragraph 3 – ^[1], ^[2]
• Paragraph 4 – ^[1], ^[4]
• Paragraph 5 – ^[1], ^[2], ^[6]
• Paragraph 6 – ^[1], ^[6]
• Paragraph 7 – ^[1], ^[2], ^[5]

Source: Noah Wire Services

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 based on a recent Financial Times report published on July 20, 2025, indicating high freshness. ([ft.com](https://www.ft.com/content/881341a6-9b16-4051-abbe-102572868fe2?utm_source=openai))

Quotes check

Score:
10

Notes:
The quotes in the narrative are directly sourced from the Financial Times report, with no earlier usage found, suggesting originality. ([ft.com](https://www.ft.com/content/881341a6-9b16-4051-abbe-102572868fe2?utm_source=openai))

Source reliability

Score:
10

Notes:
The narrative originates from the Financial Times, a reputable organisation known for its journalistic standards, enhancing the reliability of the information. ([ft.com](https://www.ft.com/content/881341a6-9b16-4051-abbe-102572868fe2?utm_source=openai))

Plausability check

Score:
10

Notes:
The claims about LSEG exploring 24-hour trading align with recent industry discussions and reports, and the narrative includes specific details such as the current trading hours and revenue contributions, supporting its plausibility. ([ft.com](https://www.ft.com/content/881341a6-9b16-4051-abbe-102572868fe2?utm_source=openai))

Overall assessment

Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS

Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH

Summary:
The narrative is fresh, original, and sourced from a reputable organisation, with plausible claims supported by specific details.