U.S. CFTC accelerates "allowing spot virtual asset trading at registered exchanges"

The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has announced a policy to allow spot virtual asset (cryptocurrency) trading at exchanges registered with the commission. The move is interpreted as an effort to reduce regulatory uncertainty and bring market functions into the regulatory system.

On the 4th (local time), according to SolidIntel, the CFTC said it would allow registered exchanges to handle spot virtual assets. The announcement drew attention as it coincided with a trend of virtual asset regulatory policy being reorganized since the start of the Trump administration.

The CFTC has exercised supervisory authority centered on derivatives, but there has been a continued move to clarify the supervisory framework in the spot market area as well. Reuters said the step could reduce regulatory gaps and broaden the scope of supervision over existing trading infrastructure.

Market observers say the expansion of regulated trading channels could affect trading accessibility and product diversity. However, which exchanges will handle spot virtual assets and in what form may vary depending on regulatory revisions and licensing procedures.

The move could also be connected to discussions on virtual asset market-structure legislation. The U.S. Congress and regulators are continuing discussions over the division of roles on whether virtual assets should be overseen by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or the CFTC.