- The CFTC wants to allow spot crypto trading on official, registered platforms.
- The plan aims to provide clear rules for trading with leverage or borrowed funds.
- Public comments are open until August 18 to help shape the future of U.S. crypto regulation.
The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has announced a new initiative to allow spot crypto asset contracts to be listed and traded on officially registered platforms known as Designated Contract Markets (DCMs).
This move is aimed at bringing regulatory clarity to how retail trading involving leverage, margin, or financing can legally take place under the existing Commodity Exchange Act (CEA).
Acting CFTC Chairman Pham confirmed the launch of this initiative, stating it will be the first in a broader effort known as the CFTCs crypto sprint. This campaign is focused on implementing the key proposals found in the Presidents Working Group on Digital Asset Markets report.
In a press statement, Pham said, Under President Trumps strong leadership and vision, the agency is full speed ahead on enabling immediate trading of digital assets at the Federal level in coordination with the SECs Project Crypto.
Pham added that a clear legal path already exists: the Commodity Exchange Act currently requires retail trading of commodities involving leverage, margin, or financing to occur on a DCM.
Also Read: CFTC Commissioner Mersinger: Perpetual Futures for Crypto on the Horizon in the U.S.
Pham emphasized the need for industry involvement, saying, Starting today, we invite all stakeholders to help provide regulatory clarity for listing spot crypto asset contracts on a DCM using our existing authority, as I first proposed in 2022. Together, we will make America the crypto capital of the world.
Source: Canva The CFTC is now calling on all interested individuals and organizations, including industry professionals, legal advisors, and the general public, to submit feedback and suggestions on how spot crypto asset contracts can be properly listed on a DCM.
This includes comments regarding Section 2(c)(2)(D) of the Commodity Exchange Act, Part 40 of CFTC regulations, and whether there are any legal implications under securities laws, especially regarding the SECs framework for assets that may not be classified as securities but are part of a broader investment contract.
Members of the public have until August 18 to provide written input through the CFTCs official website. All submissions will be published online at CFTC.gov. Additional information, including submission instructions, is available in the How to Submit a Comment section.
This effort signals the CFTCs strong intention to create a regulated path for crypto spot trading in the United States while coordinating efforts with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to ensure cross-agency alignment.
With this move, the agency aims to put the U.S. at the forefront of safe, legal, and regulated digital asset markets.
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