CFTC Approves Spot Cryptocurrency Trading on Registered Exchanges
The CFTC’s groundbreaking approval enables Americans to trade spot Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies on federally regulated exchanges, starting with Bitnomial’s launch under the new oversight framework.
The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission announced on December 4, 2025, that Americans can now trade spot Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies on CFTC-registered exchanges for the first time. According to Release No. 9145-25, exchanges registered with the agency may list spot crypto products under its oversight and surveillance rules. Chicago-based Bitnomial will be the first to offer both leveraged and non-leveraged spot trading under this framework. Regulators aim to draw activity from unregulated offshore markets, provide stronger protections, and encourage institutional participation. Acting Chairman Caroline Pham said the move is intended to strengthen U.S. competitiveness and ensure safer, more transparent venues, though volatility risks remain.
- Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC): A U.S. federal agency regulating derivatives markets, including futures, options, and swaps.
- Spot Cryptocurrency Trading: The purchase or sale of cryptocurrencies for immediate delivery rather than at a future date.