Best Crypto to Buy Now as CFTC Launches Crypto Collateral Pilot Program: 3 Assets Poised to Surge

Regulators just handed crypto its biggest institutional green light yet—and these digital assets stand to gain the most.

The CFTC's new pilot program allows derivatives traders to post crypto as collateral, bypassing traditional cash requirements. It's a watershed moment for institutional adoption, effectively treating digital assets like any other financial instrument. Wall Street's old guard must be grinding their teeth—nothing disruptes a comfortable oligopoly like actual competition.

Bitcoin: The Obvious Anchor

BTC becomes the default collateral choice for major institutions. Its liquidity and recognition make it the digital equivalent of Treasury bonds—boring, but everyone accepts it. Expect custody solutions to multiply as traditional finance scrambles to hold what they once mocked.

Ethereum: The Smart Contract Advantage

ETH's programmability creates collateral opportunities legacy systems can't match. Think automated margin calls, interest-bearing collateral positions, and composable DeFi integrations. The network effect here is massive—every institutional ETH holder strengthens the entire ecosystem.

Stablecoins: The Bridge Currency

Major dollar-pegged tokens become the perfect settlement layer between crypto and fiat collateral pools. They offer price stability without banking system friction. Watch for regulated stablecoins to capture this institutional flow while traditional banks play catch-up—their 9-to-5 infrastructure can't compete with 24/7 blockchain settlement.

Altcoins With Real Utility

Tokens with clear governance, revenue-sharing, or protocol utility gain legitimacy as collateral assets. The market will ruthlessly separate substance from speculation. Projects with actual cash flows and decentralized operations suddenly look more reliable than some publicly traded companies.

The pilot program effectively creates a multi-trillion dollar testing ground for crypto's financial utility. Early movers will establish standards that dominate for decades. Meanwhile, traditional finance firms will spend millions on consultants to tell them what crypto natives understood years ago: the future doesn't ask for permission.

CFTC opens door for crypto in big-league derivatives trading

On December 8, 2025, the CFTC, led by acting chair Caroline D. Pham, launched a digital-assets pilot program. This program lets cryptocurrencies like Ether, BTC, and USDC be used as margin collateral in U.S. derivatives markets.

This means that futures commission merchants can now accept Bitcoin, Ether, and USDC as collateral for derivatives trades, putting crypto on equal footing with cash and Treasury bonds for the first time.

Institutional desks that have been sitting on the sidelines waiting for regulatory cover now have zero excuses. The same funds managing billions in traditional markets can finally rotate into crypto without jumping through compliance hoops.

If you are hunting the best crypto to buy now, this is your signal. The macro setup just shifted in favor of risk assets, and presale tokens with real utility stand to capture the biggest percentage moves when fresh capital enters the market.

3 best crypto to buy now in Dec 2025 for 100x

1. DeepSnitch AI (DSNT)

When hunting for the best crypto to buy now, DeepSnitch AI keeps topping every list. Track whale wallets, spot massive buy and sell orders before they hit, follow social sentiment swings, catch potential scams, and monitor liquidity all in real time. For traders, it’s like having the inside track without paying a king’s ransom.

The contract has been fully audited by Coinsult and SolidProof for added security. Stage 3 is live at $0.02735 per token, up 80% from the $0.0151 launch price. The presale has already raised over $735K and is still growing quickly.

Rumors of Tier 1 and Tier 2 exchange listings are spreading like wildfire across Telegram and X. Early buyers could see 50x to 100x returns once the listings go live. Among projects competing to be the next crypto to 100x, DSNT combines working utility with explosive presale hype.

Use code DSNTVIP50 for 50% extra tokens on purchases over $2,000, or DSNTVIP100 to double tokens on purchases over $5,000. Don’t sleep on this, as bonuses expire January 1, 2026. Fill your bags before the next price jump.

2. Monero (XMR)

Monero is still a top cryptocurrency to buy today for privacy-focused traders. In a world where regulators are tightening surveillance, privacy coins hold unique value.

XMR trades around $373 on Dec 9, with strong support from a dedicated community built over nearly a decade. The coin survived multiple delistings from major exchanges and kept building. That resilience matters when evaluating trending coins this week with staying power.

For 2026, XMR could explode like ZEC and hit $820 due to rising demand for privacy coins and network resilience.  That WOULD be a good 2.5x from current prices. It is a low-risk, low-reward play if you are a conscious trader.

3. Chainlink (LINK)

Chainlink provides the oracle system that connects smart contracts to real-world data. With crypto now allowed as collateral in derivatives markets, LINK becomes even more important. The CFTC pilot shows that on-chain infrastructure like chainlink is valuable and trusted.

LINK trades around $13.93 on Dec 9, with integrations across DeFi, NFTs, and enterprise blockchain solutions.

For traders hunting the best crypto to buy now with institutional tailwinds, LINK offers exposure to infrastructure rather than speculation. In 2026, it can reach NEAR $50 to $70, potentially reaching $100+ if oracle adoption and blockchain integrations accelerate.

It may not be the next crypto to 100x, but it has the potential to go 10x if things go straight.

Final verdict

The CFTC opening crypto collateral for derivatives markets signals a shift that traders cannot ignore. Institutional money follows regulatory clarity, and that clarity just arrived.

All three tokens offer exposure to different angles of this moment. XMR provides privacy protection. LINK delivers infrastructure exposure. But when evaluating the best crypto to buy now with maximum upside potential, DeepSnitch AI stands alone in the top list.

It has working AI tools today, audited contracts, presale gains already locked in, and exchange listing rumours building. DSNT positions perfectly as the next crypto to 100x when conditions align.

Frequently asked questions

What makes DeepSnitch AI the best crypto to buy now?

If you want the best crypto to buy now, DeepSnitch AI is a top pick. It has working AI tools, fully audited contracts, and the presale is already up 80% at $0.02735. It gives real value and big upside for early traders.

Is Monero a good investment in 2025?

XMR is great for traders who care about privacy. It has a strong track record and a dedicated community. There are regulatory risks, but the network keeps growing and improving.

Why is Chainlink among the top cryptocurrencies to buy today?

LINK connects smart contracts to real-world data. With crypto allowed as collateral in derivatives markets, the CFTC pilot shows how important LINK’s technology is, making it a smart pick for traders.