CFTC Adopts Nasdaq Surveillance Tool to Combat Crypto Market Abuse

The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission has deployed Nasdaq's Market Surveillance platform to enhance oversight of derivatives and digital asset markets. The system, activated on August 27 under Acting Chair Caroline Pham, replaces outdated 1990s-era technology and introduces sophisticated pattern recognition for detecting manipulation.

This modernization coincides with congressional deliberations on the Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century Act, which may grant the CFTC expanded authority over spot crypto markets. Pham's public announcement emphasized the regulator's commitment to maintaining market integrity across both traditional finance and cryptocurrency ecosystems.

The adoption mirrors surveillance frameworks already employed by 50 global exchanges and 20 international regulators, signaling institutional maturation of crypto markets. Nasdaq's technology provides real-time monitoring capabilities specifically adapted for the unique volatility patterns of digital assets.