The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has unveiled its Crypto Sprint Initiative—a two-phase program aimed at delivering on President Donald Trump’s vision for U.S. leadership in digital asset markets.
Phase one: focus on spot trading
The first stage centers on enabling spot trading of digital assets.
The CFTC plans to authorize spot bitcoin and other digital asset trades directly on its existing futures exchanges, known as Designated Contract Markets (DCMs).
This move opens the door for both retail and institutional investors to access spot markets under federal oversight.
The agency is currently seeking public feedback on listing procedures and the classification of digital assets, with the comment period running through August 18.
Phase two: expanding regulatory reach
The second phase broadens the CFTC’s oversight to include leveraged, margined, and financed retail trading on CFTC-registered platforms.
It also introduces measures for systemic risk mitigation and enhanced consumer protections.
Industry and public comments are invited through October 20, aiming to help build a framework that can adapt to the fast-evolving digital asset landscape while safeguarding market integrity and transparency.
Changing regulatory landscape
This initiative marks a significant shift from the previous SEC-led regime, which treated most tokens as securities.
Under Trump’s market structure bill, the CFTC is designated as the primary regulator for digital asset trading, redefining oversight responsibilities between the CFTC and the SEC.
Acting CFTC Chair Caroline D. Pham described the new approach as a pivotal opportunity:
“The Trump Administration has ushered in a new dawn for crypto. It’s up to market participants to seize this opportunity and be part of the golden age of innovation.”
Recent cftc actions signal pro-bitcoin shift
In 2025, the CFTC has taken several pro-bitcoin steps, including hosting its first Crypto CEO Forum, updating guidance for innovators, and concluding consultations on 24/7 trading and perpetual derivatives.
With the Crypto Sprint underway, the CFTC is moving to position the U.S. at the forefront of digital asset regulation.
