US CFTC Explores Allowing Registered Futures Exchanges to Offer Cryptocurrency Spot Contracts

According to a report by Jinse Finance, the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is exploring ways to allow certain registered futures trading platforms to list leveraged digital assets such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. CFTC Acting Chair Caroline Pham stated, "The CFTC can now take a clear and straightforward solution." She referenced an op-ed she published in March this year, in which she suggested that the agency could exercise its exemption authority to allow certain firms to operate outside current regulations—regulations that currently only permit futures trading platforms to list derivative products. The CFTC is now seeking public comment on the trading of spot crypto asset contracts listed on registered futures trading platforms, with the deadline set for August 18.