Redefining Risk: What an "Always-On" 24-Hour Market Means for Asia

Key Takeaways: 

• Growing demand from global investors and the influence of digital asset markets are accelerating the industry's shift toward extended and potentially continuous trading hours. 

• As market hours expand, clearing, settlement, risk management and operational infrastructure must evolve to support increased complexity and maintain resiliency.  

• While longer trading hours can improve market access, firms must be prepared to address challenges related to liquidity, volatility and around-the-clock operations. 

This content was originally published by Regulation Asia on July 31, 2026 

In this episode, Val Wotton, Managing Director and Global Head of Equity Solutions at DTCC, discusses the global push towards 24-hour trading and the structural implications for financial markets.  

The discussion explores the key drivers behind the 'always-on' model, including strong demand from APAC investors and the influence of digital asset markets. We delve into the operational realities of DTCC's move to 24x5 clearing, the risk management challenges of thinner liquidity and wider spreads in overnight sessions, and the critical need for firms to invest in automation and resilience. The conversation also covers the practical hurdles for Asian firms connecting to US markets and the future outlook for a truly continuous global equity market.

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