CoinTelegraph
The London Stock Exchange plans to launch 24/7 trading on its main equity markets in early 2027, according to the Financial Times, a direct response to retail investors migrating toward crypto platforms that never close.
Why it matters
The LSE is one of the oldest equity venues in the world, and round-the-clock access represents a fundamental shift in how traditional exchanges structure their trading day. Crypto exchanges have operated continuously since inception, and brokers like Robinhood and eToro have long offered extended-hours equity trading in response to retail demand for non-US-session access. By formalising 24/7 access, the LSE is conceding that the crypto industry's always-on model has reshaped retail expectations of what a stock market should look like.
Market impact
The move puts the LSE closer in line with retail-facing US broker offerings and signals a broader convergence between TradFi market structure and crypto-native operating norms. Retail trading volumes in crypto have consistently outpaced equity volumes during off-hours, and the LSE is effectively closing the convenience gap that pushed UK retail flow offshore. Watch for competitor responses from Euronext and Deutsche Boerse, and for any retail broker partnerships that bundle the extended-hours feed into existing apps.
Frequently asked questions
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When will the London Stock Exchange start 24/7 trading?
The LSE plans to launch round-the-clock trading on its main equity markets in early 2027, according to the Financial Times.
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Why is the LSE moving to round-the-clock trading?
The exchange is explicitly responding to retail investors who migrated to crypto platforms offering always-on access and never returned to traditional equities.
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How does this compare to crypto exchange operating hours?
Crypto exchanges have operated 24/7 since inception, while the LSE's planned rollout represents TradFi formally adopting the always-on model crypto normalised a decade ago.
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Will other European exchanges follow with extended hours?
Competitors like Euronext and Deutsche Boerse face the same retail-flow leakage problem, making follow-on extended-hours announcements likely before 2027.
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Which UK retail brokers are likely to offer 24/7 LSE access?
Retail-facing UK brokers are expected to bundle the LSE's extended-hours feed into existing apps, though specific partnerships have not yet been announced.
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