CFTC Enables Spot Crypto Trading in the US

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WASHINGTON, D.C. The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has announced that registered futures exchanges will now be allowed to list and trade spot cryptocurrency asset contracts, marking a notable regulatory shift for digital asset markets in the United States.

The move, confirmed on Monday, provides federally sanctioned access to spot crypto trading for platforms operating under CFTC oversight. Until now, these exchanges were largely limited to crypto futures. The announcement introduces a clear federal structure for spot contracts, which refer to the immediate purchase or sale of digital assets such as Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Acting CFTC Chair Caroline Pham stated that the agency will coordinate efforts with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), specifically as part of the SEC’s “Project Crypto” initiative. “We’re opening the door to immediate spot digital asset trading on federally registered platforms,” Pham said.

This regulatory alignment between the two main U.S. market regulators comes as the digital assets sector in the U.S. continues to benefit from the groundwork laid during Donald Trump’s presidency. Notable efforts during that period included legislative proposals such as the GENIUS Act and the CLARITY Act, both of which were designed to simplify and clarify compliance expectations for the crypto sector.

Last week, SEC Chair Paul Atkins announced additional steps to support the industry, including draft guidelines to help determine when a digital token constitutes a security. Other proposals include updated disclosure standards and selected regulatory exemptions intended to encourage innovation without sacrificing oversight.

A representative from a major U.S. cryptocurrency exchange, speaking in a recent interview, described the regulatory shift as “a long-overdue step that puts practical guardrails around the industry while recognising its legitimate role in modern finance.”

The CFTC and SEC’s joint approach is being viewed as a strategic effort to re-establish the United States as a leader in financial technology. Pham added, “Together, we will make America the crypto capital of the world,” reflecting an ambitious vision for the country’s position in global digital markets.