CFTC to Enable Spot Crypto Trading on Registered Exchanges Under Crypto Sprint Initiative

The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has announced an initiative to allow the trading of spot crypto asset contracts on CFTC-registered futures exchanges. This move is part of the CFTC’s broader “Crypto Sprint” initiative, which aims to implement 18 policy recommendations from President Donald Trump’s Working Group on Digital Asset Markets [1]. Acting Chair Caroline Pham stated the CFTC is “full speed ahead” on enabling immediate trading of digital assets at the federal level, in coordination with the SEC’s Project Crypto [2]. A spot crypto asset contract, as described by the CFTC, would function like a futures-style contract, mirroring spot crypto prices and being traded on a CFTC-registered designated contract market (DCM) [3].

The CFTC is primarily focused on regulating derivatives, not commodities, but this initiative extends its regulatory reach to include leveraged spot crypto contracts under the legal framework provided by Section 2(c)(2)(D) of the Commodity Exchange Act and Part 40 of CFTC regulations [4]. The agency is seeking public input on these regulatory applications, with the comment period closing on August 18 [5]. Additionally, the CFTC is exploring potential implications under securities laws, particularly how an SEC framework might apply to non-security assets that may qualify as investment contracts [6].

The Working Group’s report recommended the CFTC clarify how cryptocurrencies can be treated as commodities, enhance coordination with decentralized finance (DeFi) participants, and offer guidance to regulated entities on crypto-related activities [7]. Among the 18 recommendations, some also address the need to amend rules to better accommodate blockchain-based derivatives [8]. The CFTC is currently operating with only two commissioners—Pham and Kristin N. Johnson, who is expected to leave later this year. The nomination of Brian Quintenz for a permanent chair has been delayed after the White House intervened to postpone a Senate vote [9].

This initiative reflects a broader effort to unify U.S. crypto market oversight and bring digital assets under a more structured regulatory framework. By enabling spot crypto contracts to settle in actual digital assets rather than cash, the CFTC aims to improve market transparency and institutional participation [10]. The move is seen as a significant step toward mainstreaming crypto trading, particularly through centralized exchanges, and could set a precedent for future regulatory developments in digital asset markets [11].

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[1] [CFTC seeks to allow spot crypto trading on registered ...](https://cointelegraph.com/news/cftc-spot-crypto-contracts-trading-initiative)

[2] [CFTC seeks to allow spot crypto trading on registered ...](https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/cftc-allow-listed-spot-crypto-trading-registered-exchanges-2025-08-04/)

[3] [CFTC Launches Crypto Sprint to Enable Spot Trading on ...](https://www.ainvest.com/news/cftc-launches-crypto-sprint-enable-spot-trading-futures-exchanges-2508-4/)

[4] [CFTC launches initiative for spot crypto trading on ...](https://www.investing.com/news/cryptocurrency-news/cftc-launches-initiative-for-spot-crypto-trading-on-registered-exchanges-93CH-4168932)