London Stock Exchange Considers 24-Hour Trading to Meet Global Investor Demand

What’s Happening

• Retail Investor Surge: LSEG is responding to increased retail interest in hours outside the traditional 8 AM–4:30 PM GMT window. 
• Crypto-Inspired Shift: The success of 24/7 crypto markets and demand for real-time trading are driving discussions globally. Exchanges in the U.S. (NYSE, Nasdaq, Cboe) are already pursuing similar models. 
• Operational Considerations: Key factors under review include trading volume distribution, settlement logistics, impacts on dual-listed firms, and regulatory compliance. 

Opportunities & Risks

Why It Matters

• Global Alignment: As U.S. exchanges test extended hours, London risks losing relevance if it remains constrained by traditional time windows. 
• Retail Empowerment: International and mobile-first traders currently underserved by limited hours would gain real-time access. 
• Market Modernization: Adopting crypto-era trading models could boost liquidity, reduce settlement delays, and modernize equity market infrastructure. 

Final Take

LSEG’s move toward possible 24-hour trading reflects the changing nature of global finance—where retail participation, mobile technology, and crypto markets have reset expectations. If executed properly, it could rejuvenate the UK’s capital markets. Yet the transition must be handled cautiously, balancing innovation with regulatory clarity, liquidity safeguards, and investor protection.