The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) issued a joint staff statement on Tuesday announcing a coordinated effort to oversee and enable spot crypto trading in the United States.
The agencies clarified that existing law does not prevent regulated US or foreign exchanges, including national securities exchanges (NSEs), designated contract markets (DCMs) and foreign boards of trade (FBOTs) from listing spot crypto products, including those with leverage and margin features.
The move follows the President’s Working Group on Digital Asset Markets recommendations, which urged regulators to provide clarity and keep blockchain innovation within the United States.
“Today, the Divisions provide their view that DCMs, FBOTs, and NSEs are not prohibited from facilitating the trading of certain spot crypto asset products. Market participants are invited to engage with SEC staff or CFTC staff, as needed.”
Regulators said they are ready to review exchange filings, address questions on custody and clearing, and ensure new spot markets meet standards for transparency, surveillance, and investor protection. Market participants were invited to contact the SEC or CFTC with proposals and questions.
What the SEC–CFTC statement means for spot crypto trading
While crypto exchanges like Coinbase and Kraken already offer spot trading, the statement signals that traditional finance venues aren’t barred from listing similar products if they choose to pursue them.
For now, the move reflects the view of SEC and CFTC staff only and does not change existing law.
This is a developing story, and further information will be added as it becomes available.