CFTC’s Acting Chair Pham proposes regulatory clarity for spot crypto, aligning with SEC and presidential guidelines to enhance oversight.
The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has announced a new initiative focused on bringing regulatory clarity to spot crypto trading. Acting Chairman Caroline D. Pham has proposed to trade in spot crypto asset contracts. Such contracts would be listed on the CFTC-regulated futures exchanges or designated contract markets (DCMs). It is the first significant action as part of the new initiative called the Crypto Sprint, which was launched by the agency.
CFTC’s Spot Crypto Plan Aligns with SEC and Presidential Guidelines
The proposal seeks to utilize the current regulations provided in the Commodity Exchange Act that already stipulate that trading in retail commodities with leverage, margin, or financing should take place on a DCM. Applying these regulations to crypto assets, the CFTC attempts to provide a regulated, open environment in the sphere of digital asset trading without having to formulate new laws.
Acting Chairman Pham noted that such an approach has been in discussion since 2022. She also stressed the need to exercise the available authority in order to ensure immediate clarity in regulations. According to Pham, there is a straightforward way that can be adopted by the CFTC. Today, stakeholders are welcome to be involved in the development of how spot crypto asset contracts may be listed on DCMs.
Related Reading: CFTC Launches Crypto Sprint with Full Support for SEC Project
Such a step is in line with the suggestions of the President’s Working Group on Digital Asset Markets that were made in the Trump administration. The initiatives of the CFTC are also in concurrence with the activities of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which is also known as Project Crypto. The two agencies are operating on federal guidelines to achieve uniform and efficient regulation of the digital asset industry.
According to the CFTC, the initiative is responsive to the expanding interest by exchanges and institutional investors in greater clarity. By adopting a clear regulatory framework for spot crypto contracts, the U.S. can attract more investment in digital assets. As a result, it will become a more favorable and compliant environment for crypto development.
CFTC Opens Public Feedback on Spot Crypto Rules
Recent proceedings illustrate that the agency is rapidly shifting towards digital assets. Soon after the start of 2025, the CFTC conducted the first Crypto CEO Forum. In April, it started to offer permanent derivatives, and later in May, it launched 24/7 Crypto futures trading. In addition, the agency has eliminated outdated rules that may not reflect the market conditions.
The crypto sprint aims to refine control through a more updated approach, without compromising the safety and integrity of the market. The proposed rule could reduce reliance on unregulated offshore platforms by attracting licensed crypto trading firms to the U.S.
The stakeholders can now be encouraged to provide their comments in public. It is sought to review feedback on the listing of spot crypto contracts.
President Donald Trump has ordered all the necessary agencies to introduce crypto regulations in liaison with Congress. The recent action taken by the CFTC aims to have digital asset markets in the United States both innovative and regulated.
This may be another turning point in the pursuit of policy on digital assets at the federal level. With this initiative, the future of spot crypto trading management on significant platforms is bound to change and become more productive and transparent.
