CFTC Launches Crypto Sprint to Enable Spot Trading on Futures Exchanges

The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has launched a regulatory initiative known as the “Crypto Sprint,” aimed at enabling spot crypto trading on CFTC-registered futures exchanges. The program, led by Acting Chair Caroline D. Pham, leverages existing Commodity Exchange Act authority to facilitate physically-settled digital asset contracts without requiring new legislative action [2]. The initiative marks a significant step in institutional adoption of digital assets by aligning with the President’s Working Group on Digital Asset Markets established under Executive Order 14178 [3].

The Crypto Sprint officially began on August 1, 2025, and includes a public comment period until August 18, inviting market participants to provide feedback on proposed changes [2]. The CFTC has already made progress through prior actions, including launching the inaugural Crypto CEO Forum in January 2025 and implementing 24/7 trading and perpetual derivatives [2]. These steps are part of the broader effort to modernize digital asset market oversight and foster innovation.

The initiative is closely aligned with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) “Project Crypto,” launched on July 31, which also seeks to clarify the legal framework for digital assets [4]. Acting CFTC Chair Pham emphasized the coordination between the two agencies, highlighting that the effort under President Trump’s leadership will enable immediate trading of digital assets at the federal level [2]. The combined approach aims to streamline regulatory oversight, encourage institutional participation, and maintain robust risk management standards [5].

The new framework allows spot crypto contracts to settle in actual digital assets rather than cash, improving market transparency through centralized order books and potentially tightening spreads [2]. This development is expected to enhance liquidity, particularly for major tokens like Bitcoin and Ether, and allow for direct hedging of spot exposure to reduce basis risk [2]. Clearinghouses are also anticipated to create crypto-specific margin models, with participants needing to adapt to new collateral and margin requirements under DCM rules [2].

The CFTC may issue formal rulemaking proposals after the comment period, with implementation potentially beginning in early 2026, contingent on DCM readiness and clearinghouse approvals [2]. The initiative reflects the Trump administration’s broader strategy to position the U.S. as a leader in institutional crypto trading infrastructure, offering the regulatory clarity that professional market participants have long sought [2]. The collaborative approach between the CFTC and SEC is intended to create a unified, stable, and secure environment for digital asset trading, supporting both innovation and investor protection [5].

Source:

[1] "US CFTC launches push to allow spot crypto trading on..." - [https://www.tradingview.com/news/forexlive:9798b5524094b:0-us-cftc-launches-push-to-allow-spot-crypto-trading-on-registered-futures-exchanges/](https://www.tradingview.com/news/forexlive:9798b5524094b:0-us-cftc-launches-push-to-allow-spot-crypto-trading-on-registered-futures-exchanges/)

[2] "Acting CFTC Chair Pham Unveils Initiative to List Spot..." - [https://liquidityfinder.com/news/acting-cftc-chair-pham-unveils-initiative-to-list-spot-crypto-contracts-on-us-dcms-c3d0f](https://liquidityfinder.com/news/acting-cftc-chair-pham-unveils-initiative-to-list-spot-crypto-contracts-on-us-dcms-c3d0f)

[3] "CFTC Launches 'Crypto Sprint' to Implement White House..." - [https://coincentral.com/cftc-launches-crypto-sprint-to-implement-white-house-digital-asset-reforms/](https://coincentral.com/cftc-launches-crypto-sprint-to-implement-white-house-digital-asset-reforms/)

[4] "SEC Launches Project Crypto to Regulate Digital Assets..." - [https://www.ainvest.com/news/xrp-news-today-sec-launches-project-crypto-regulate-digital-assets-boost-leadership-2508/](https://www.ainvest.com/news/xrp-news-today-sec-launches-project-crypto-regulate-digital-assets-boost-leadership-2508/)

[5] "CFTC Launches 'Crypto Sprint' in collaboration with SEC" - [https://www.fxtrustscore.com/cftc-launches-crypto-sprint-in-collaboration-with-sec/](https://www.fxtrustscore.com/cftc-launches-crypto-sprint-in-collaboration-with-sec/)