24/7 Stock Trading Never Stops! CME Group Partners with Google Cloud to Test Asset Tokenization, Launching in 2026

03/26/2025

Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME Group) Partners with Google Cloud to Promote Asset Tokenization Pilot Program

On March 25, the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME Group) announced a collaboration with Google Cloud to promote an asset tokenization pilot program. This partnership focuses on utilizing Google Cloud’s Universal Ledger (GCUL) and aims to conduct testing starting in 2026, with the goal of enabling 24/7 trading in traditional financial markets.

Testing to Begin in 2026, Targeting a 24/7 Financial Era

CME stated that this collaboration will significantly enhance margin management, settlement, and payment efficiency, bringing capital markets closer to a true 24-hour trading experience. The two parties have scheduled testing to begin in 2026, but have not yet disclosed which assets will be tokenized.

What is GCUL? Google Has Long Been Investing in Blockchain

Although Google Cloud started with cloud services, it has been involved in blockchain as well:

2018: Launched blockchain data processing and integrated Bitcoin blockchain data into its data storage tools.
2023: Supported 11 mainstream blockchains, including Ethereum, Arbitrum, Avalanche, Optimism, etc.

Asset Tokenization is Becoming a Mainstream Trend

According to a report by the World Economic Forum (WEF) on March 24, this trend is moving towards practical application:

Globally, there are approximately $230 trillion in financial assets, but only $25 trillion can be used as collateral.
Tokenization could significantly increase the amount of usable assets, enhancing overall liquidity and efficiency in the capital markets.

Backed by the Trump Administration, Tokenization Expected to Take Off Quickly

After returning to the White House, President Donald Trump promised to make the United States the “capital of blockchain and crypto assets,” resulting in a significant shift in the overall regulatory atmosphere:

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC): Plans to repeal SAB 121, making it easier for financial institutions to provide custodial services for tokenized assets.
BlackRock CEO Larry Fink supports this initiative: Urging the SEC to quickly approve “tokenization of stocks and bonds.”

From BUIDL to GCUL, Traditional Finance Fully Embracing Blockchain

From BlackRock’s BUIDL fund skyrocketing to $1.7 billion, to the joint promotion of the GCUL 24-hour trading pilot by Google Cloud and CME, it is evident that tokenization is gradually integrating into the infrastructure of traditional finance.

(BlackRock CEO: Please urge the SEC to expedite the tokenization of stocks and bonds; please do not interfere with corporate operations.)

Risk Warning

Investment in cryptocurrencies carries a high level of risk, and prices may fluctuate dramatically. You may lose your entire principal. Please carefully evaluate the risks.