CFTC Approves Spot Crypto Trading on Regulated U.S. Exchanges for the First Time
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has greenlit spot cryptocurrency trading on federally regulated futures exchanges, marking a watershed moment for digital assets in the U.S. financial system. Acting Chair Caroline Pham announced the decision, framing it as a historic shift that aligns crypto with traditional market safeguards.
Regulated exchanges will now list spot crypto products, offering U.S. investors access to familiar venues with established protections. The move follows months of interagency coordination and reflects input from the President’s Working Group on Digital Asset Markets.
Until now, the CFTC’s oversight was limited to derivatives like futures and options. This expansion into spot markets signals growing institutional acceptance of cryptocurrencies as legitimate financial instruments.
