Anchorage Applies for CFTC Swap Dealer Registration to Expand Institutional Crypto Options

Anchorage Digital, an institutional digital-asset platform, has applied for swap dealer registration with the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission as it moves to expand its crypto options business for institutional clients.

The Block reported on November 5 that Anchorage Digital submitted the application to the National Futures Association through its subsidiary, Anchorage Digital Swap Dealer LLC. The filing is under NFA review.

Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Nathan McCauley said institutional demand for access to digital-asset derivatives in a regulated environment continues to grow. He said the creation of a dedicated swap dealer entity is part of building the infrastructure needed to meet that demand.

If the registration is approved, Anchorage Digital Swap Dealer plans to offer European-style options tied to Bitcoin and Ether. The contracts will have maturities of up to one year, and the company plans to add products later in line with its internal approval process and regulatory requirements.