CFTC Greenlights Spot Crypto Trading on Regulated Exchanges
The US Commodity Futures Trading Commission has authorized the trading of spot cryptocurrency contracts on its registered futures exchanges. The announcement, made Thursday, introduces a new, regulated avenue for direct digital asset trading in the United States.
The decision, foreshadowed in August, is part of a broader push to incorporate digital assets into the conventional financial system. This regulated access is expected to unlock greater institutional and retail participation in the cryptocurrency market.
CFTC Acting Chairman Caroline Pham emphasized the importance of domestic oversight, noting, “Incidents on unregulated offshore platforms have underscored how vital it is for Americans to have more options and access to secure, regulated US markets.”
The derivatives regulator had previously launched a consultation in September to explore the application of tokenized collateral, such as stablecoins, in regulated derivatives markets. The digital asset sector has advanced several legislative priorities this year, including the GENIUS Act and CLARITY Act, which seek to create a customized regulatory structure for the industry.
This proactive stance marks a shift from the prior administration’s strategy, which focused on stringent enforcement to address concerns over market integrity and financial crime.
