CFTC proposes spot crypto trading on registered exchanges, seeks public feedback

The US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has launched a new initiative aimed at enabling the trading of spot crypto asset contracts on futures exchanges that are registered with the CFTC. This is part of the CFTC’s broader “crypto sprint” initiative designed to implement recommendations from President Donald Trump’s Working Group on Digital Asset Markets, which issued 18 key proposals for enhancing crypto market oversight.

Acting CFTC Chair Caroline Pham emphasized that the agency is moving forward to enable immediate trading of digital assets at the federal level, in coordination with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) “Project Crypto.” Pham highlighted that the CFTC believes a clear and simple solution exists for regulating these assets now.

CFTC Pushes for Spot Crypto Trading as Part of Broader Regulatory Reforms

The proposed spot crypto asset contracts would function similarly to futures contracts but are designed to mirror the spot prices of cryptocurrencies. These contracts would be traded on designated contract markets (DCMs) registered with the CFTC, providing a legal structure for the regulated trading of digital assets.

Historically, the CFTC has focused primarily on regulating derivatives products, leaving commodities like cryptocurrencies largely outside its regulatory purview except in cases involving fraud and market manipulation. This new initiative, if successful, would allow the CFTC to expand its oversight to include spot crypto trading, giving it the ability to regulate leveraged spot crypto contracts.

Seeking Public Input and Addressing Regulatory Challenges

In its efforts to implement these changes, the CFTC is seeking public feedback on several key legal frameworks, including the application of Section 2(c)(2)(D) of the Commodity Exchange Act. This section concerns the regulation of retail commodity transactions involving leverage, margin, or financing on registered DCMs. The CFTC is also asking for input on the potential implications for securities laws and how the SEC’s framework may apply to the trading of non-security crypto assets.

The CFTC’s request for feedback comes on the heels of the recent release of the Working Group’s policy recommendations, which aim to provide clarity on how cryptocurrencies can be classified as commodities. The report also urges the CFTC to offer clear guidance for decentralized finance (DeFi) market participants and make amendments to accommodate blockchain-based derivatives.

CFTC Faces Leadership Challenges Amid Regulatory Push

The CFTC is currently operating with just two commissioners, Caroline Pham and Kristin N. Johnson, with Johnson expected to depart later this year. The agency’s leadership has been further complicated by the delay of Brian Quintenz’s confirmation as the permanent CFTC chair after the White House intervened to delay a Senate vote.

This leadership gap is being closely watched as the CFTC moves forward with significant changes in its regulatory approach to crypto markets, which could have far-reaching implications for how digital assets are traded in the United States.