CFTC Advances Spot Crypto Trading on Registered Futures Exchanges

The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has taken a significant step toward allowing spot cryptocurrency trading on regulated futures exchanges. Acting Chairman Caroline D. Pham announced an initiative to enable spot crypto contracts on Designated Contract Markets (DCMs), marking the first move in the agency's "crypto sprint" to implement recommendations from the President's Working Group on Digital Assets.

The CFTC's MOVE aligns with the SEC's Project Crypto, a broader effort to establish clearer rules for token classification, custody, and trading. "Under President Trump's strong leadership, the CFTC is full speed ahead on enabling immediate trading of digital assets at the Federal level," Pham stated, emphasizing coordination between regulators.

This development signals growing institutional acceptance of cryptocurrency markets, though no specific coins or exchanges were named in the announcement. The initiative could pave the way for expanded trading options across major platforms while maintaining regulatory oversight.