CFTC Launches Second ‘Crypto Sprint’ to Gather Public Input on Spot Market Regulation
The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has launched its second “crypto sprint,” this time focusing on public engagement as it works to shape the future of crypto regulation in line with the White House’s digital asset agenda.
As part of the initiative, the CFTC is asking crypto market participants to submit feedback on how the agency can better oversee spot trading of digital assets — trades involving the actual buying and selling of cryptocurrencies rather than futures or derivatives.
Acting CFTC Chair Caroline D. Pham said the input will help the agency examine key issues around leveraged, margined, or financed retail crypto trading on CFTC-registered platforms.
“The public feedback will assist the CFTC in carefully considering relevant issues,” Pham stated.
Submissions are open until October 20, and the CFTC is encouraging all stakeholders — including crypto firms, developers, investors, and advocacy groups — to weigh in.
Push to Advance Trump Administration’s Crypto Vision
The new effort follows a series of recommendations issued by the President’s Working Group on Digital Asset Markets, which is now being implemented under President Donald Trump’s administration.
According to Pham, the initiative aligns with the Trump White House’s push to make the U.S. a leader in crypto innovation and regulation.
“The Trump Administration has ushered in a new dawn for crypto,” Pham said. “It’s up to market participants to seize this opportunity to be part of the Golden Age of innovation.”
Earlier this month, the CFTC launched its first crypto sprint focused on exploring the possibility of enabling spot crypto trading on CFTC-registered futures exchanges. That announcement came just days after the White House released a 166-page report outlining its crypto policy strategy.
CFTC Faces Key Regulatory Tasks
The President’s Working Group made 18 formal recommendations related to crypto, two of which directly involve the CFTC.
One recommendation calls on the agency to issue clear guidance on how digital assets qualify as commodities, how decentralized finance (DeFi) projects can comply with CFTC rules, and what crypto activities registered entities can legally engage in.
The second calls for the CFTC to explore updating its rules to allow for blockchain-based derivatives.
The remaining 16 recommendations involve joint efforts with other agencies, including the Treasury Department and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
In its first crypto sprint announcement, the CFTC emphasized its intent to work closely with the SEC to build a coordinated regulatory framework using existing authorities.
Leadership Uncertainty at the CFTC
The initiative comes amid uncertainty about the agency’s leadership. President Trump’s nominee for permanent CFTC chair, Brian Quintenz, is still awaiting Senate confirmation after the White House delayed the vote in July.
Several crypto advocacy groups are now urging lawmakers to confirm Quintenz, saying strong leadership is “absolutely critical” for the CFTC to deliver on its regulatory mission.
At present, the agency is down to just two commissioners: Caroline Pham and Kristin N. Johnson, who is expected to leave her post later this year. Former Chair Rostin Behnam resigned in January, while Summer Mersinger and Christy Goldsmith Romero stepped down in May.
Featured image from: cointelegraph.com