The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is exploring ways to let some futures exchanges list and trade spot cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ether.
Currently, futures exchanges registered with the CFTC can only trade derivatives — contracts based on assets, not the assets themselves.
Acting Chairman Caroline Pham said the agency has a “clear and simple solution” to allow spot crypto trading under its authority, without waiting for new laws from Congress.
The CFTC asked the public to share their views on this idea by August 18.
This move comes amid ongoing debates over which agency — the CFTC or the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) — should regulate cryptocurrencies. So far, much of the crypto market operates in a regulatory gray area.
The agency’s announcement is part of a broader crypto policy push, following a recent White House-led government report outlining new digital asset regulations.
