Here we go. The two big bosses of U.S. finance regulation, the SEC and the CFTC, finally sitting in the same room, talking the same talk.
That’s the vibe from their joint statement on September 2, sending a clear message, regulated trading platforms, whether national securities exchanges, designated contract markets, or foreign boards of trade, can list spot crypto products.
They even gave the green light for the ones with leverage and margin.
Changing the crypto game?
For the longest time, spot crypto trading was like trying to get into a speakeasy with no password, everyone knew it was possible but nobody knew how to get there legally. Now, the SEC and CFTC say, hey, platforms registered with us?
You’re good to go. This follows the recommendations from the President’s Working Group, basically the top dogs telling regulators to open the gates wider for innovation.
It’s a pretty big pivot from old-school regulation, throwing the dice on building trust without choking the market.
SEC Chairman Paul Atkins described this as a huge step for U.S. innovation. He’s all about giving traders the freedom to choose exactly where to buy and sell crypto, with oversight that doesn’t kill the vibe.
On the other side, CFTC Acting Chair Caroline Pham called out the previous administration for confusing signals and crushing innovation.
That chapter is over, she said. Now, the agencies cooperate, pushing the U.S. toward leading the global crypto scene.
Investor protection
Of course, it ain’t just a free-for-all carnival. The agencies are inviting market players to collaborate on the tricky nuts and bolts, filing paperwork, custody setups, clearing arrangements, all to make sure transparency and investor protection don’t get the short end of the stick.
This guidance legit opens the floodgates for exchanges to expand crypto spot trading, potentially including leveraged and margined products.
It sets a stage where crypto trading no longer plays second fiddle but can perform center stage alongside traditional finance.
Transparency
So, imagine this, trading crypto on your favorite regulated platform, with all the transparency you want but none of the headache from gray-zone legality.
It’s a win for traders, institutions, and anyone who’s had to smile awkwardly when asked about crypto in a serious boardroom.
Cryptocurrency and Web3 expert, founder of Kriptoworld
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With years of experience covering the blockchain space, András delivers insightful reporting on DeFi, tokenization, altcoins, and crypto regulations shaping the digital economy.
