CFTC approves crypto spot trading on US exchanges for the first time. Photo: Coinlaw
CFTC sets precedent for crypto Spot Trading
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) officially approved the first cryptocurrency spot products under federal regulation, marking a historic milestone for the US digital asset market.
Bitnomial , a CFTC-regulated exchange backed by Ripple, will become the first platform authorized to list and offer regulated crypto Spot Trading in the US, including leveraged trading , with full oversight according to traditional commodity market standards.
CFTC Acting Chairwoman Caroline Pham said the event ushered in “a new golden era for innovation in the United States,” reflecting a marked change in how the Trump administration and federal agencies approach the crypto industry.
“Under President Trump’s leadership, this administration has developed a comprehensive plan to help the United States regain leadership in the global digital asset market, and the CFTC plays a central Vai ,” said Caroline.
Over the past year, since Donald Trump returned to the White House , the CFTC has pushed forward a series of initiatives, including:
Crypto Sprint - an accelerator program to standardize and clarify crypto regulations;
Joint guidance between the SEC and CFTC (September) affirms that traditional exchanges can launch trading of certain crypto spot products, including those involving leverage, margin, and direct asset trading.
Establish a spot supervisory framework similar to that of traditional commodities, including reporting requirements, risk management, and clearing standards.
Consider bringing crypto Derivative trading back to the US.
According to Reuters , this approval also removes a legal gray area that has lasted for many years, when US investors could only Spot Trading on offshore exchanges that lacked transparency and federal oversight standards.
Bitnomial fired the first shot
Bitnomial is the first exchange to be given the green light to list spot crypto under a clearing mechanism overseen by the CFTC. Bitnomial is expected to officially go live on December 8.
Bitnomial CEO Luke Hoersten emphasized the role of the CFTC: “We are bringing leveraged crypto Spot Trading back to the U.S. market, under the full supervision of the CFTC. We appreciate Chairman Pham’s pro-business approach, which has helped regulated institutions exploit the full scope of federal law.”
The market expects Bitnomial to set a precedent, paving the way for other exchanges to apply for licenses and form a fully legal domestic spot crypto ecosystem, something the US has never had.
Macro impacts
Bitnomial's launch is not only a victory for an exchange, but also a policy milestone.
Reuters assessed this as the biggest step forward for the US in re-establishing control over the crypto market. The CFTC's decision helps restore investor confidence after many incidents from offshore exchanges. In addition, the US is creating a legal runway, helping institutional money flow back into crypto without having to go through foreign markets.
Bringing spot crypto under federal oversight for the first time could also shift the competitive balance with the EU (with MiCA ) and Asia, putting the US back on track to become a global digital financial hub.
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