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CFTC Opens Futures Exchanges to Spot Crypto Trading, With Bitnomial First to Launch

The shift brings spot markets under federal oversight by using existing derivatives frameworks.

Overview

  • Acting Chair Caroline Pham said CFTC-registered exchanges may list spot cryptocurrency products for the first time, calling it a milestone for safer U.S. market access.
  • Bitnomial, a CFTC-regulated DCM and DCO, plans to start leveraged spot trading next week with equal treatment for retail and institutional orders and unified portfolio margining.
  • The agency is preparing updates to permit tokenized collateral, including stablecoins, and to modernize clearing, settlement, reporting, and recordkeeping for digital assets.
  • Major venues such as CME, Cboe, ICE, Coinbase, Kalshi, and Polymarket are discussing potential spot and leveraged offerings under the new pathway, according to industry reporting.
  • The rollout comes during a leadership transition as Pham serves as acting chair and the Senate advances President Trump’s nominee Michael Selig, while Congress weighs broader market-structure legislation.