Coinbase and Major Exchanges Poised for Regulated Spot Crypto Trading Approval by CFTC

In a significant development for the cryptocurrency industry, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is preparing to approve regulated spot crypto trading on U.S. exchanges as early as December 2025. This move comes amid stalled congressional efforts to establish clear regulatory frameworks for digital assets. Acting CFTC Chair Caroline Pham confirmed that the agency will leverage its existing authority under the Commodity Exchange Act to greenlight this new trading capability. The approval is expected to include both traditional financial exchanges like CME, Cboe, and ICE Futures, as well as crypto-native platforms. This regulatory advancement represents a major step forward in institutional crypto adoption and could significantly increase market liquidity and investor confidence in digital assets. The decision underscores the CFTC's proactive approach to cryptocurrency regulation while Congress continues to deliberate on comprehensive digital asset legislation. Market participants view this as a positive development that could pave the way for more mainstream adoption of cryptocurrencies while providing much-needed regulatory clarity for institutional investors.

CFTC Prepares to Approve Regulated Spot Crypto Trading Amid Congressional Inaction

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is poised to greenlight spot cryptocurrency trading on regulated U.S. exchanges as early as next month, bypassing stalled congressional efforts. Acting Chair Caroline Pham confirmed the move, which leverages the agency's existing authority under the Commodity Exchange Act.

Major exchanges like CME, Cboe, and ICE Futures, alongside crypto-native platforms such as Coinbase Derivatives, are in discussions to offer spot trading for Bitcoin and Ethereum with margin and financing options. This would bring leveraged trading—a cornerstone of crypto market liquidity—under federal oversight for the first time.

The initiative enforces institutional-grade safeguards, including margin controls and transparent risk management. It marks a significant shift in U.S. crypto regulation, enabling domestic traders to legally amplify exposure to digital assets.

Coinbase Opens Early Crypto Investment Access to U.S. Investors

Coinbase is launching a pre-sale platform designed to reignite U.S. investor interest in cryptocurrencies by offering access to token launches before public listing. The initiative, starting with altcoin MONAD, allows American investors to participate in pre-sales previously limited to global markets. Purchases will be facilitated through a weekly submission window and algorithmic allocation.

The MOVE could channel significant capital into crypto markets if demand mirrors past ICO frenzies. By structurally emulating global exchange opportunities, Coinbase aims to bridge the access gap for U.S. investors while potentially creating new price discovery dynamics for emerging tokens.