The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is taking a major step forward in its commitment to digital asset regulation by expanding its “Crypto Sprint” initiative. Acting Chair Caroline Pham recently announced that the agency is moving into the next phase of the project, focused on gathering public feedback to help shape future federal crypto policy.
This expanded effort follows the recommendations of the President’s Working Group on Financial Markets and is aimed at creating a more structured, secure, and transparent regulatory environment for cryptocurrencies in the United States. Stakeholders, including crypto firms, investors, and the general public, are encouraged to submit their feedback until October 20, 2025.
New Federal Pathway for Spot Crypto Trading
The CFTC’s initiative builds on its earlier move in August, which opened the door for trading spot crypto asset contracts on federally regulated futures exchanges. This development marked a significant milestone in recognizing digital assets as part of the broader financial system.
Caroline Pham highlighted that expanding regulated trading options—especially for leveraged and retail crypto products—is a top priority for the agency. The feedback received during this phase will be used to guide how the CFTC approaches various aspects of crypto trading, with an emphasis on safety, transparency, and innovation.
Next Steps: Custody, Registration, and Oversight
Beyond spot trading, the CFTC aims to broaden its oversight to include important areas such as crypto custody, exchange registration, and market supervision. This comprehensive approach may also lead to greater coordination with other federal agencies, particularly the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
In a related statement, SEC Chair Paul Atkins noted that most crypto tokens are not securities, emphasizing the importance of fostering innovation while creating clear guidelines. This perspective supports a regulatory environment that encourages growth without stifling technological progress.
With federal agencies now working more closely than ever, this public engagement period is a rare opportunity for the crypto community to influence national policy. It reflects growing recognition that digital assets are here to stay—and that regulatory clarity is essential for their safe and sustainable development.