CFTC Introduces New Rules for Crypto Trading Platforms

On October 5, 2026, the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) proposed two new rules to regulate leveraged and margin cryptocurrency transactions. The transparent rules aim to clarify legal aspects that remain uncertain due to the absence of a cryptocurrency market bill in Congress. The proposals will introduce a new type of registration for cryptocurrency exchanges that will be regulated by the CFTC.

The new rules, known as Regulation Crypto Asset Transactions (Regulation CTX) and Regulation Crypto Asset Markets (Regulation CAM), allow platforms to be under unified CFTC oversight. The proposal will regulate transactions using borrowed funds, which is important for traders planning to increase their positions through credit. In his prepared remarks at the annual Blockchain Regulation Symposium at Fordham University, CFTC Chairman Mike Selig noted, “Today, the CFTC is doing its part to provide clear rules for crypto asset markets.” However, the CFTC still faces a significant regulatory gap in spot markets, where direct cryptocurrency trading occurs. This trading format involves buying and selling crypto assets at current market prices without using credit or margin. Direct trades remain under state regulations, and the CFTC currently lacks authority to regulate them.

According to CFTC officials, companies wishing to offer more complex products should use platforms subject to CFTC regulation, but the scale of the current spot market will only be known after the 60-day comment period from the sector. Mike Selig also stated that the agency is exploring measures to protect software developers who create products but do not handle client funds. Among the major platforms registered as Designated Contract Markets (DCMs) are Coinbase, Crypto.com, and Bitnomial. If companies wish to develop futures, swaps, and options, they need to obtain DCM status, which will allow them to offer a broader range of products.