Interactive Brokers' Chair Calls 24H Trading “Irreversible”; Lightspeed Makes Its Move

Friday, 27/06/2025 | 12:41 GMT by Tareq Sikder
  • Overnight trading grows in Asia and Middle East; Interactive Brokers expects 30% volume increase.
  • Citadel Securities and others remain cautious about 24-hour trading due to regulatory concerns.
Forex trading

Lightspeed Financial Services Group LLC has introduced 24-hour trading for U.S. stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) on its Lightspeed Trader platform. The company said the new service allows clients to trade continuously from Sunday at 8:00 PM ET to Friday at 8:00 PM ET, excluding U.S. market holidays and partial trading days.

The move comes as more industry leaders signal long-term shifts toward around-the-clock trading. Interactive Brokers Chairman Thomas Peterffy, speaking at a Piper Sandler conference, said 24-hour trading is gaining broader support, particularly in Asia and the Middle East, Reuters reported.

He noted that overnight trading made up 2.2% of Interactive Brokers' volume in May and suggested this could grow to 30% over the next two decades. Peterffy described the shift as irreversible, pointing to global demand and the changing habits of retail and institutional traders.

Lightspeed Expands to 24-Hour Trading

The update marks a change in Lightspeed’s service model, expanding beyond regular and extended hours into full weekday, round-the-clock trading. The company said the decision responds to increased demand from active traders who want the ability to act on global news and market developments outside of standard hours.

“We’ve seen strong interest in pre- and post-market sessions. Now, with full 24-hour trading of U.S. securities, our clients can act immediately on news and developments—wherever they are and whenever they choose to trade. This is one of several major upgrades to our Lightspeed Trader platform we’ll be rolling out in the months ahead,” Tom Gibb, President and COO of Lightspeed, commented.

You may find it interesting at FinanceMagnates.com: “Pay with Wise” Now Available on Interactive Brokers Platform.

Industry Divided Over 24-Hour Trading

The firm described the rollout as part of broader improvements to its platform. More features are expected in the coming months, aimed at active and professional traders seeking better tools and access.

While some brokers are embracing 24-hour trading, others remain cautious. Citadel Securities previously highlighted regulatory and infrastructure challenges related to continuous trading in a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) .

Lightspeed Financial Services Group LLC has introduced 24-hour trading for U.S. stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) on its Lightspeed Trader platform. The company said the new service allows clients to trade continuously from Sunday at 8:00 PM ET to Friday at 8:00 PM ET, excluding U.S. market holidays and partial trading days.

The move comes as more industry leaders signal long-term shifts toward around-the-clock trading. Interactive Brokers Chairman Thomas Peterffy, speaking at a Piper Sandler conference, said 24-hour trading is gaining broader support, particularly in Asia and the Middle East, Reuters reported.

He noted that overnight trading made up 2.2% of Interactive Brokers' volume in May and suggested this could grow to 30% over the next two decades. Peterffy described the shift as irreversible, pointing to global demand and the changing habits of retail and institutional traders.

Lightspeed Expands to 24-Hour Trading

The update marks a change in Lightspeed’s service model, expanding beyond regular and extended hours into full weekday, round-the-clock trading. The company said the decision responds to increased demand from active traders who want the ability to act on global news and market developments outside of standard hours.

“We’ve seen strong interest in pre- and post-market sessions. Now, with full 24-hour trading of U.S. securities, our clients can act immediately on news and developments—wherever they are and whenever they choose to trade. This is one of several major upgrades to our Lightspeed Trader platform we’ll be rolling out in the months ahead,” Tom Gibb, President and COO of Lightspeed, commented.

You may find it interesting at FinanceMagnates.com: “Pay with Wise” Now Available on Interactive Brokers Platform.

Industry Divided Over 24-Hour Trading

The firm described the rollout as part of broader improvements to its platform. More features are expected in the coming months, aimed at active and professional traders seeking better tools and access.

While some brokers are embracing 24-hour trading, others remain cautious. Citadel Securities previously highlighted regulatory and infrastructure challenges related to continuous trading in a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) .

About the Author: Tareq Sikder
Tareq Sikder
  • 1990 Articles
  • 33 Followers
About the Author: Tareq Sikder
A Forex technical analyst and writer who has been engaged in financial writing for 12 years.
  • 1990 Articles
  • 33 Followers

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