The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has taken a major step toward integrating cryptocurrency into the traditional financial system. The agency has introduced a new initiative that could allow for spot trading of crypto assets on registered futures exchanges, known as designated contract markets (DCMs). This move signals growing momentum for federal-level regulation and adoption of digital assets.
New CFTC Initiative Aims to Bring Regulatory Clarity to Crypto
Acting CFTC Chairman Caroline Pham announced the launch of a program inviting public feedback on how to list spot crypto contracts under existing regulatory frameworks. This effort is part of the CFTC’s broader “Crypto Sprint,” a fast-track project to implement key recommendations from a recent White House report on digital assets.
The public comment period is open until August 18, and the agency is encouraging input from crypto companies, financial institutions, investors, and other stakeholders. The goal is to establish a clear path forward for how digital assets can be traded on federally regulated markets, improving transparency and investor protection.
Collaboration Between CFTC and SEC Could Reshape U.S. Crypto Markets
This move comes as the CFTC works alongside the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to define how digital assets should be classified—either as commodities or securities. The White House-backed report, supported by President Trump’s digital asset working group, recommends giving the CFTC authority over cryptocurrencies that qualify as commodities.
At the same time, the SEC is pursuing its own regulatory framework through its “Project Crypto” initiative. Together, these efforts could help build a unified, federally regulated structure for digital asset trading in the U.S.—something the crypto industry has long called for.
If successful, the program could lead to a future where cryptocurrencies are traded securely and transparently on the same platforms used for traditional commodities and futures. This could bring much-needed regulatory certainty to the market, while also encouraging broader adoption of digital assets.
