CFTC Updates Guidance on Crypto Assets and Blockchain Technology

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has updated its FAQs to clarify how registrants and registered entities can engage with crypto assets and blockchain technology.

The updates, which build on earlier Staff Letters 25-39 and 26-05, confirm that futures commission merchants (FCMs) can use customer-deposited non-security crypto assets as margin and to secure debit/deficit balances.

The CFTC also clarified that proprietary payment stablecoins can be deposited into segregated customer accounts, subject to a minimum 2% capital charge.