CFTC Advances New Rules for U.S. Crypto Market Oversight
The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) announced new proposed rules on October 5, 2026, aimed at regulating digital asset markets. The rules would allow U.S. crypto exchanges, including those offering leveraged trades, to opt into a federal registration regime. This move comes after the Clarity Act stalled in Congress, despite efforts by President Donald Trump to push the legislation forward.
CFTC Chairman Mike Selig emphasized the importance of the proposal, stating it is a 'critical step' in ensuring the U.S. remains a leader in the crypto industry. The rulemaking process will include a 60-day public comment period after publication in the Federal Register. The CFTC and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) have been proactive in drafting regulations, even as the Clarity Act faced opposition from banking lobbies and some lawmakers.
The proposed rules follow recent SEC actions, including the approval of tokenized stocks trading in September. President Trump has been a vocal supporter of the crypto industry, signing pro-crypto legislation and executive orders since taking office. The CFTC's preliminary notice marks the beginning of a formal rulemaking process, with further comment periods and reviews expected before any final rules are adopted.