The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) will hold a public roundtable on September 17, 2026, to examine the potential shift to 24-hour trading in U.S. equity markets. The event will take place at the SEC’s Washington, D.C. headquarters and will feature participation from regulators, market professionals, and members of the public.
SEC announces roundtable on extended trading hours
The SEC outlined that this event at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, marks a major step in deliberating the logistics and implications of continuous equity trading. The agency aims to gather input from a broad spectrum of industry stakeholders as it considers whether to move beyond standard trading sessions for U.S. stocks.
The session’s agenda will cover various topics, including preparations for overnight trading, maintaining operational resiliency in a continuous market, and evaluating both the opportunities and challenges that might surface as a result of expanded trading hours.
SEC Chairman Paul Atkins stated that expanding into 24-hour trading would help U.S. markets synchronize with markets in Asia and Europe that already operate around the clock. Atkins emphasized that the shift would be evolutionary and not abrupt, encouraging a careful approach for both regulators and investors.
He also highlighted the importance of balancing broader access to trading with the preservation of robust investor protections. The roundtable is expected to examine these requirements in detail, though the SEC has not yet published a finalized list of speakers or a full agenda for the event.
SEC Chairman Paul Atkins emphasized that continuous market access would align U.S. equities with international trading venues, but also stated the need for thoughtful oversight to maintain investor and market protections.
The roundtable will be open to the public and streamed live on the SEC’s website. A recording will be available for those unable to attend in real time. The agency noted that in-person attendance could be subject to security screenings and may be limited by venue capacity.
Mini dictionary: The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is the primary U.S. regulator overseeing securities markets, including stocks, bonds, and other investment instruments, to protect investors and maintain fair markets.
Public comment invited on 24-hour trading proposal
In conjunction with the roundtable announcement, the SEC opened a public comment period seeking input on 24-hour trading. Market participants, institutional investors, and individual traders are invited to share their perspectives on the benefits, risks, and operational considerations of extending trading hours.
Comments can be submitted electronically or in writing, but the agency asked participants to use only one submission method to avoid redundancies. All submitted materials will be added to the public record and displayed on the SEC’s website exactly as received, without any staff edits or redactions.
The SEC advised individuals to avoid sharing sensitive personal information, since all public comments will remain visible on its official channels. Submissions should include reference to File Number 4-913, particularly in the email subject line for digital submissions.
This consultation process will allow a variety of stakeholders, including exchanges and retail investors, to inform upcoming regulatory decisions regarding round-the-clock equity trading. With several weeks still remaining before the roundtable, further updates on speakers and agenda items are anticipated as the date approaches.
