SEC and CFTC Announce Joint Effort to Oversee Spot Crypto Trading

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) have issued a joint staff statement, signaling a coordinated approach to overseeing spot crypto trading in the United States. 

The announcement, made Tuesday, clarified that regulated domestic and foreign exchanges are not restricted from listing spot crypto products, including those offering leverage and margin features.

According to the statement, national securities exchanges (NSEs), designated contract markets (DCMs), and foreign boards of trade (FBOTs) are permitted to facilitate spot crypto trading. 

The agencies emphasized their readiness to review exchange filings, evaluate custody and clearing arrangements, and ensure that any new spot markets align with standards for investor protection, transparency, and market surveillance.

Expanding Opportunities for Regulated Venues

This development means that traditional financial venues such as Nasdaq, the New York Stock Exchange, CME Group, and Cboe Global Markets could potentially enter the spot crypto trading market, offering products similar to those already available on crypto-native platforms like Coinbase and Kraken. Certain foreign boards of trade recognized by the CFTC may also qualify to list these products.

The guidance follows the recommendations of the President’s Working Group on Digital Asset Markets, which has consistently urged regulators to provide clearer frameworks for digital assets. 

In its July report, the group called on U.S. agencies to create regulatory clarity to encourage blockchain innovation within the country and limit the risk of capital flight to offshore markets.

A Shift in U.S. Crypto Trading Policy

The statement also reflects the broader shift in U.S. policy on cryptocurrencies under President Donald Trump’s administration. Since January, both Congress and the White House have taken steps to establish more defined rules for digital assets. 

These efforts include stablecoin legislation such as the Genius Act, and the CLARITY Act, a market structure bill passed by the House of Representatives in July, which is now awaiting Senate review.

By issuing this joint statement, the SEC and CFTC have provided a clearer path forward for exchanges interested in offering spot crypto trading. Market participants were encouraged to engage directly with the agencies to address any concerns or proposals, ensuring that future developments in the market remain aligned with U.S. regulatory standards.