US securities regulators have approved the launch of the first digital stock exchange in New York designed to operate around the clock. The decision allows trading to take place 24 hours a day, five days a week, marking a change from the traditional US market schedule.
The approval was granted by the Securities and Exchange Commission and applies to a newly licensed exchange operator based in New York. The platform is structured as a fully electronic venue and will allow continuous trading outside standard market hours. According to regulatory filings, the exchange will begin operations after completing final technical and compliance testing.
The SEC said the approval followed a review of the exchange’s trading systems, market safeguards, and risk controls. The regulator confirmed that the exchange will be subject to the same reporting, surveillance, and investor protection requirements as existing US stock exchanges. Trading halts, disclosure rules, and oversight mechanisms will remain in place.
The exchange plans to list US equities and exchange traded products. Trading will be available during overnight hours, weekends excluded, expanding access beyond the current opening and closing times of major US markets. Market participants will be able to submit and execute orders continuously during the approved trading window.
The launch reflects growing demand from global investors seeking access to US stocks outside local business hours. Current US exchanges operate on fixed schedules aligned with domestic trading hours, while many international markets already support extended or near continuous trading. Until now, overnight trading in US stocks has largely been limited to alternative trading systems and derivatives markets.
Industry representatives said the approval could affect how trading firms manage staffing, liquidity provision, and technology infrastructure. Brokers and market makers will need systems capable of operating continuously, with real time monitoring and compliance coverage. The exchange operator stated that participation will be optional and subject to broker readiness.
The SEC noted that liquidity conditions during overnight hours will be monitored closely. Lower trading volumes are typical outside peak market hours, and regulators said they will assess market quality as trading expands. The commission added that investor disclosures will clarify differences between daytime and overnight trading conditions.
The exchange has stated that it will coordinate with clearing and settlement providers to ensure post trade processes align with continuous trading. Clearing operations will continue to follow existing settlement cycles, with trades processed through established US clearinghouses.
The approval comes amid broader changes in market structure, including increased automation and global participation in US equity markets. Regulators have emphasized that any changes to trading hours must maintain fair access and orderly markets.
The exchange has not yet announced a firm start date. Further updates are expected following final system testing and onboarding of market participants. The SEC said it will continue to oversee the rollout as part of its standard regulatory supervision.