SEC and CFTC Jointly Signal Green Light for Spot Crypto Products
The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) have issued a joint statement clarifying that existing laws do not block regulated exchanges from listing spot cryptocurrency products.
The announcement, released on Tuesday, highlights that national securities exchanges (NSEs), designated contract markets (DCMs), and foreign boards of trade (FBOTs) are free to list spot crypto products — including those with leverage and margin features — if they comply with existing standards.
This move follows recommendations from the President’s Working Group on Digital Asset Markets, which urged regulators to ensure regulatory clarity while fostering blockchain innovation within the United States.
“DCMs, FBOTs, and NSEs are not prohibited from facilitating the trading of certain spot crypto asset products,” regulators stated. “Market participants are invited to engage with SEC or CFTC staff, as needed.”
The agencies emphasized their readiness to review exchange filings, address custody and clearing questions, and ensure new spot markets meet standards for transparency, surveillance, and investor protection.
Implications for Spot Crypto Trading
While crypto-native platforms like Coinbase and Kraken already offer spot trading, the statement signals that traditional finance venues such as Nasdaq, the New York Stock Exchange, CME Group, and Cboe Global Markets may now move into the sector.
The clarification suggests regulated US and foreign exchanges could soon expand into listing spot Bitcoin, Ether, and other crypto assets, providing greater legitimacy and institutional access to digital asset markets.
Part of Trump Administration’s Policy Shift
The guidance reflects the Trump administration’s pro-crypto pivot, emphasizing clearer rules across digital assets.
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In July 2025, the House of Representatives passed the CLARITY Act, a landmark crypto market structure bill, which is now awaiting Senate review.
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The Genius Act, signed earlier this year, established stablecoin oversight.
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The President’s Working Group also released a report urging closer coordination between the SEC and CFTC to bring regulatory certainty to spot crypto trading.
Together, these moves signal a broader effort to keep crypto innovation and liquidity anchored within the United States, rather than flowing offshore.
