Trump Administration Proposes Expanding CFTC's Role in Crypto Regulation

The plan would shift oversight of Bitcoin and Ethereum spot markets from the SEC to the CFTC, aiming to promote innovation and regulatory clarity.

The incoming Trump administration plans to grant the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) authority over cryptocurrency spot markets, including Bitcoin and Ethereum.
This move would reduce the Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) regulatory power over the digital asset industry, which has faced criticism for its enforcement-heavy approach under outgoing SEC Chair Gary Gensler.
Former CFTC Chair Chris Giancarlo, known as 'Crypto Dad,' supports the proposal, citing the CFTC's experience with complex financial markets and its lighter regulatory touch as beneficial for innovation.
Concerns remain over the CFTC's limited budget and staffing compared to the SEC, with calls for additional congressional funding to address resource constraints.
The Trump team is also considering creating a new White House role dedicated to cryptocurrency policy, signaling a broader shift in the U.S. government's approach to digital assets.