#CFTCCryptoSprint

The CFTC's "crypto sprint" launched in August 2025 is a rapid regulatory initiative designed to implement recommendations from the President’s Working Group on Digital Asset Markets, following a January 2025 executive order under President Trump to establish the U.S. as the "crypto capital of the world".

Key elements of the CFTC crypto sprint:

The CFTC, led by Acting Chair Caroline D. Pham, is working closely with the SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) on "Project Crypto"—jointly fast-tracking new rules for crypto commodities, DeFi, and derivatives markets.

The sprint aims for quick implementation of 18 government recommendations—two specific to the CFTC: (1) providing guidance on commodity classification and DeFi registration, and (2) revising rules for blockchain-based derivatives.

The first announced step is a public initiative to allow listed spot crypto trading on CFTC-registered exchanges (DCMs), especially for contracts involving leverage, margin, or financing, which have been unregulated or ambiguously regulated until now.

Stakeholders and the public are invited to submit comments until August 18, 2025, as the CFTC clarifies standards for listing spot crypto contracts on exchanges, including implications for SEC oversight if a contract constitutes a security.

Other actions already taken include holding industry forums, revoking outdated advisories, piloting 24/7 trading, and permitting perpetual derivatives on some platforms