CFTC-Registered Platforms Gain Spot Crypto Trading Approval

The US Commodity Futures Trading Commission has approved the listing and trading of spot cryptocurrency contracts on exchanges it regulates. This authorization, confirmed on Thursday, introduces a novel, supervised channel for spot digital asset transactions in the United States.

First indicated in August, this move is another step in weaving cryptocurrencies into the fabric of mainstream US finance. It could serve as a gateway for expanded institutional utilization and provide a regulated alternative to offshore platforms.

CFTC Acting Chairman Caroline Pham pointed to safety and access as key drivers, stating, “Events on overseas exchanges have shown us how essential it is for Americans to have more choice and access to safe, regulated US markets.”

In a related effort, the CFTC initiated a request for information in September regarding the use of digital asset collateral, like stablecoins, in derivatives trading. The industry’s regulatory landscape has evolved this year, with proposed bills aiming to deliver the tailored legal clarity it has sought.

This approach represents a departure from the prior administration’s policy, which prioritized aggressive regulatory enforcement against the digital asset space to address illicit activities.