CFTC Advances Plan to Bring Spot Crypto Trading to Federal Exchanges

The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission is moving to allow spot cryptocurrency trading on federally regulated exchanges. Acting Chair Caroline Pham unveiled the proposal as part of the agency's "crypto sprint" initiative, aiming to implement Trump-era recommendations without new legislation.

Designated contract markets could soon list physically settled crypto contracts under existing legal frameworks. "There is a clear and simple solution the CFTC can implement now," Pham stated, setting an August 18 deadline for public feedback on the plan.

Jurisdictional tensions with the SEC loom large as the CFTC proceeds with only two sitting commissioners. The MOVE signals growing institutional acceptance of digital assets, though classification battles over security versus commodity status remain unresolved.