CFTC Clears Wallets to Offer Regulated Derivatives Without Broker License

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has issued a new guidance on crypto wallet regulations, providing relief to wallet developers across the US. On September 17, 2026, the CFTC's Market Participants Division confirmed that passive software providers, including non-custodial wallet software, will not face enforcement for skipping introducing broker registration.

The new guidance applies to any qualifying provider that connects users to a registered futures commission merchant, introducing broker, or designated contract market. This means that wallets can now offer regulated perpetual futures and event contracts without becoming a broker.

However, there are some conditions that still apply. Wallets cannot display market data and orders, exercise routing discretion, or send users to unregistered venues. They can collect transaction-based fees, but must not custody user funds or generate buy/sell signals.

Analysts note that the timing of this guidance is significant, coming just two days after the CLARITY Act failed a Senate cloture vote. The CFTC Chairman has stated that the agency intends to keep regulating crypto derivatives under its existing authority, regardless of the legislative outcome.