#CFTC

33 articles tagged #CFTC — curated RWA tokenization coverage.

#Regulation #SEC #CLARITYAct #DigitalAssets #Tokenization #Derivatives #RWA #Stablecoins #TokenizedStocks #Collateral

CFTC Proposes Federal Crypto Trading Rules After CLARITY Act Stalls

The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has initiated a rulemaking process to establish federal oversight for leveraged and margined retail crypto transactions. This move follows the failure of the CLARITY Act in the Senate, which sought to provide broader regulatory authority over spot digital commodity markets. By utilizing existing powers under the Commodity Exchange Act, the CFTC aims to create a specific category for crypto asset markets that allows platforms to opt into federal supervision. Participating exchanges would be subject to market manipulation controls, proof-of-reserves requirements, and enhanced customer protections. The proposal specifically targets retail transactions under Section 2(c)(2)(D) of the Commodity Exchange Act rather than the entire spot market. While industry participants like Nate Geraci advocate for this regulatory clarity, critics such as Better Markets argue the CFTC lacks the necessary investor protection mandate. This development is significant for the RWA market as it signals a shift toward federal standardization for digital asset trading infrastructure. The agency is currently accepting public comments for 60 days to refine these potential requirements.

#CFTC #CryptoTrading #Regulation

Blockonomi·Oct 6, 20267.5

U.S. Treasuries

The Tokenized Stock Market Might Double Soon

The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) recently authorized futures commission merchants (FCMs) to utilize tokenized assets as collateral for segregated customer funds, provided they meet Regulation 1.25 standards. This regulatory shift opens a potential $11 billion market opportunity if FCMs allocate just 2.5% of their $442.7 billion in customer funds to tokenized Treasuries. Simultaneously, the tokenized stock market has seen explosive growth, with onchain holders surging from 70,000 to 4.01 million over the past year, led by platforms like Robinhood and bStocks. To address regulatory hurdles regarding shareholder rights, the newly formed Issuer Sponsored Token Coalition is coordinating with issuers to align tokenized shares with official registers. Meanwhile, the tokenized gold market has rebounded to $5.1 billion, bolstered by Tether Gold's significant growth and increasing utility as loan collateral. These developments collectively signal a maturing ecosystem where tokenized assets are transitioning from speculative instruments to functional components of institutional financial infrastructure. The integration of these assets into regulated collateral frameworks marks a critical milestone for broader adoption in traditional finance.

#RWA #BUIDL #TokenizedTreasuries

theblock.co·Oct 2, 20269.0

Infrastructure

SEC and CFTC are rushing to write crypto rules after the Clarity Act stalled in the Senate

Following the failure of the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act in the U.S. Senate, the SEC and CFTC have initiated independent regulatory actions to address the digital asset landscape. The Senate vote failed to reach the 60-vote threshold, with a 50-49 split driven by concerns over ethics provisions regarding official conduct. In response to the legislative impasse, the SEC issued an order establishing a temporary pathway for trading specific tokenized stocks, signaling a potential shift toward 24/7 financial markets. Simultaneously, the CFTC submitted a rulemaking proposal to the White House, currently under review by the Office of Management and Budget. Industry leaders, including Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong and MoonPay Institutional CEO Caroline Pham, emphasized that agency-level guidance is essential to reduce uncertainty for traditional financial institutions. This regulatory pivot follows the launch of the 'Project Crypto' initiative in July 2025, which aims to align SEC and CFTC oversight. These developments are critical for the RWA market as they represent a transition from legislative gridlock to administrative rulemaking, which could provide the necessary framework for broader institutional adoption of tokenized assets.

#CFTC #SEC #TokenizedStocks

qz.com·Sep 27, 20268.5

Infrastructure

CFTC Allows Futures Brokers to Use Customer Funds for Tokenized Assets

The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has issued updated guidance, document 9303-26, clarifying that futures brokers and clearing organizations may utilize tokenized versions of approved assets for customer fund investments. This regulatory update allows registered entities to invest in tokenized government money market funds and bonds, provided they meet strict criteria regarding legal rights, liquidity, and custodial standards. Furthermore, the CFTC confirmed that blockchain-based record-keeping is permissible under existing regulations, adopting a technology-neutral stance that does not mandate paper or off-chain copies. While this provides a pathway for institutional adoption of on-chain assets, the commission explicitly excluded payment stablecoins from the list of eligible customer fund investments. The guidance emphasizes that institutions using public permissionless chains must maintain independent systems to ensure regulatory reporting during potential network outages. By formalizing these standards, the CFTC aims to provide clarity for the industry following feedback from organizations like dYdX Labs and the Blockchain Association. This development marks a significant step in integrating traditional financial infrastructure with blockchain technology, prioritizing the use of regulated, tokenized traditional assets over speculative crypto holdings.

#InstitutionalAdoption #CFTC #Regulation

ababnews.com·Sep 26, 20268.5

Infrastructure

Crypto News Today: CFTC Allows Tokenized Crypto Funds While Pepeto Exchange Runs at $0

On September 24, the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) issued updated FAQs that permit futures firms and clearing houses to invest client funds in tokenized assets, such as money market fund shares. This regulatory shift marks a significant transition for the agency, moving from passive oversight to active integration of blockchain-based financial instruments. The update also authorizes firms to utilize blockchain technology for official record-keeping, eliminating the requirement for redundant off-chain copies. Simultaneously, the CFTC introduced a 20% capital charge on direct Bitcoin and Ethereum holdings, signaling a differentiated regulatory approach between traditional tokenized assets and volatile cryptocurrencies. These developments provide a clearer legal framework for institutional capital to flow into tokenized real-world assets. While the article highlights these institutional changes, it also promotes a specific project called Pepeto, which claims to offer a bridge and exchange infrastructure. The broader market impact of the CFTC's decision is expected to influence institutional asset allocation strategies for the foreseeable future.

#Tokenization #CFTC #InstitutionalFinance

streetinsider.com·Sep 26, 20267.5

Infrastructure

Tokenized securities, cats and dogs living together, mass hysteria

The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Blockchain.com to explore the 24/7 trading of tokenized equities and ETFs via a proposed digital alternative trading system. This partnership aims to leverage NYSE’s digital infrastructure to provide global access to tokenized securities for Blockchain.com’s 44 million users. The initiative aligns with broader regulatory shifts, including the SEC’s new five-year innovation exemption for Tokenized Securities Venues (TSVs) to facilitate round-the-clock trading. Simultaneously, the CFTC is updating its frameworks to support mass tokenization, allowing for the use of tokenized collateral and blockchain-based recordkeeping. These developments represent a significant convergence of traditional Wall Street institutions and decentralized technology, aiming to enhance market liquidity and settlement efficiency. While the transition promises increased accessibility, regulators and market participants remain cautious regarding potential volatility and the operational challenges of extended trading hours. This move signals a major institutional push toward integrating blockchain technology into the core of the U.S. financial system.

#CFTC #SEC #TokenizedStocks

coingeek.com·Sep 25, 20269.0

Infrastructure

U.S. commodities firms can invest in tokenized assets, use blockchain records: CFTC

The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has issued updated guidance confirming that regulated firms may invest customer funds in tokenized assets, provided these tokens offer legal and economic rights equivalent to their traditional counterparts. This policy shift explicitly permits the use of blockchain technology for official recordkeeping, allowing firms to satisfy regulatory obligations through on-chain data. For private networks, the agency may waive the requirement for off-chain record maintenance, while public, permissionless chains require robust contingency systems to ensure data accessibility during network disruptions. This move represents a significant step toward integrating distributed ledger technology into the derivatives market by providing clear compliance pathways. The guidance arrives as the CFTC seeks to provide regulatory clarity amid legislative uncertainty following the U.S. Senate's failure to advance the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act. By validating the functional equivalence of tokenized assets, the regulator is lowering barriers for institutional adoption of blockchain-based financial instruments. This development underscores a broader trend of U.S. agencies adapting existing frameworks to accommodate the growing RWA ecosystem.

#Blockchain #CFTC #Compliance

CoinDesk·Sep 24, 20269.0

Infrastructure

CFTC Chairman Selig says markets must prepare for ‘mass tokenization’

CFTC Chair Michael Selig has signaled a major regulatory shift, urging the agency to prepare for mass tokenization and the transition to 24/7 financial markets. Speaking at a New York Fed conference, Selig emphasized that the next decade will likely see more transformation in financial infrastructure than the previous several decades combined. The CFTC is actively exploring the integration of blockchain and artificial intelligence to modernize market operations while maintaining the U.S. market's status as a global gold standard. This push includes ongoing efforts to facilitate responsible stablecoin adoption for clearinghouses and exchanges, building on previous moves to allow stablecoins as eligible collateral. Simultaneously, the SEC has introduced an innovation exemption to support the onchain trading of tokenized stocks. These regulatory developments suggest a coordinated effort to modernize U.S. financial markets despite the current legislative stalemate in the Senate. This shift is critical for the RWA market as it provides the necessary legal framework for institutional-grade, round-the-clock asset settlement.

#Stablecoins #Tokenization #CFTC

The Block·Sep 22, 20268.5

Stocks

Crypto's Next Catalyst Could Be Tokenized Stocks: Clear Street Raises Bullish, Coinbase Targets

Clear Street has raised price targets for Coinbase and Bullish, citing the potential for accelerated adoption of tokenized stocks following the legislative setback of the CLARITY Act. Analyst Owen Lau suggests that the failure of this specific regulatory framework will likely incentivize market participants to expedite product development over the next two years. Coinbase is actively positioning itself as an 'Everything Exchange' by filing with the CFTC to list cash-settled, perpetual-style futures on 50-60 major U.S. equities, including Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Tesla. This strategic move aims to disrupt traditional market structures by providing retail traders with early access to IPO allocations and tokenized financial instruments. The firm maintains that brokers and trading venues are increasingly prioritizing the tokenization of securities to bypass regulatory hurdles. By integrating primary financial market access with crypto-native infrastructure, Coinbase and Bullish are attempting to bridge the gap between traditional equity markets and digital asset platforms. This shift underscores a broader industry trend where crypto exchanges are evolving into comprehensive financial service providers that challenge established brokerage models.

#PerpetualFutures #CFTC #TokenizedStocks

stocktwits.com·Sep 22, 20267.0

Infrastructure

CFTC Forwards Crypto Regulation Framework to White House Following Clarity Act Setback

Following the failure of the Clarity Act in the U.S. Senate, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has submitted a new regulatory framework to the White House for review. This proposal, titled Regulation Crypto Asset Transactions and Regulation Crypto Asset Markets, aims to establish nationwide standards for digital asset trading using existing statutory powers. The submission follows a clear signal from CFTC leadership that the agency would proceed with rulemaking regardless of legislative progress. Simultaneously, the SEC has introduced an innovation exemption allowing platforms to facilitate the trading of tokenized equities for five years without formal exchange registration. These developments represent a significant shift toward institutionalizing crypto markets through administrative action rather than new legislation. The CFTC also issued a no-action letter permitting software platforms to provide access to regulated derivatives markets under specific conditions. These coordinated efforts by U.S. regulators are critical for the RWA market, as they provide the necessary legal clarity for tokenized securities and derivatives to operate within established frameworks.

#TokenizedEquities #CFTC #SEC

Blockonomi·Sep 18, 20267.5

Infrastructure

SEC Clears Tokenized Stocks To Trade Onchain As CFTC Widens Software Relief

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has granted a significant regulatory exemption allowing certain tokenized stocks to trade on public blockchains, marking a shift in the agency's stance on digital securities. This move enables platforms to facilitate secondary market trading for tokenized equity without traditional broker-dealer registration requirements under specific conditions. Simultaneously, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission has expanded its software relief, providing clearer legal safe harbors for developers building decentralized finance protocols. These dual regulatory developments aim to bridge the gap between traditional financial instruments and blockchain-based infrastructure. By providing a clearer compliance pathway, these agencies are reducing the legal uncertainty that has historically hindered institutional adoption of onchain assets. The integration of tokenized stocks into public networks could significantly increase liquidity and settlement efficiency for retail and institutional investors alike. This evolution represents a critical step toward the mainstream integration of real-world assets within the broader digital asset ecosystem.

#CFTC #SEC #TokenizedStocks

thedefiant.io·Sep 17, 20268.5

Infrastructure

Payward plans to offer U.S. clients onchain perpetual futures on Hyperliquid

Payward, the parent company of Kraken, has announced plans to offer U.S. clients access to onchain perpetual futures markets via the Hyperliquid blockchain. The initiative utilizes Hyperliquid’s HIP-3 framework, which enables third parties to deploy permissioned perpetual futures markets while maintaining onchain trade matching and recordkeeping. These contracts would be listed under the regulatory oversight of Bitnomial Exchange, a designated contract market regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). To participate, U.S. clients must maintain futures accounts with NinjaTrader Clearing, Payward’s registered futures commission merchant. This proposal represents a significant effort to integrate popular, historically offshore perpetual trading products into a regulated U.S. financial structure. By leveraging Hyperliquid’s public blockchain for settlement, the move aims to bridge decentralized infrastructure with institutional compliance standards. The success of this model depends on pending regulatory approval, as perpetual futures have largely remained outside the scope of U.S. regulated markets since their inception.

#CFTC #Hyperliquid #Kraken

CoinDesk·Sep 16, 20267.5

Stablecoins

Bernstein says Clarity Act failure allows stablecoin rewards on idle balances to continue, expects ‘swift’ SEC and CFTC rulemaking

The failure of the Clarity Act to advance through the U.S. Senate has shifted the regulatory focus toward direct rulemaking by the SEC and CFTC. Bernstein analysts suggest that this legislative impasse allows stablecoin issuers to continue offering yield-bearing products on idle balances without immediate statutory constraints. This development is significant for the RWA market as it maintains the current operational status for tokenized cash equivalents and yield-generating stablecoins. By bypassing a comprehensive legislative framework, the industry now faces a period of agency-led oversight that could shape the future of digital asset compliance. The lack of federal law creates a fragmented environment where regulatory enforcement actions will likely dictate market participation. For RWA protocols, this means continued reliance on existing SEC and CFTC interpretations rather than a unified federal standard. Consequently, the market must navigate potential enforcement risks while capitalizing on the current ability to provide interest-bearing stablecoin solutions.

#Stablecoins #CFTC #SEC

The Block·Sep 16, 20267.5

Infrastructure

Sen. Lummis Issues Urgent Warning: CLARITY Act Failure May Stall Crypto Regulation Until 2030

Senator Cynthia Lummis has issued an urgent call for the U.S. Senate to advance the CLARITY Act, warning that failure to pass the legislation during the current congressional term could delay comprehensive crypto market structure reform until 2030. The bill, which successfully passed the House of Representatives in July 2025, seeks to resolve regulatory ambiguity by establishing clear jurisdictional boundaries between the SEC and the CFTC for digital assets. Despite its importance for job creation and capital investment, the bill has remained dormant in the Senate for over thirteen months. A procedural motion is scheduled for September 15 to determine if deliberations can conclude, though unresolved demands from Democratic legislators regarding ethics standards continue to hinder progress. Industry observers note that securing final approval before the November midterm elections is unlikely, necessitating a restart of the legislative process if the current session expires. While the delay poses a risk to long-term regulatory clarity, institutional investment has remained resilient following the approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs. The outcome of this legislative effort is critical for the RWA market, as clear classification of digital assets as securities or commodities is a prerequisite for the widespread institutional tokenization of real-world assets.

#CFTC #SEC #Regulation

Blockonomi·Sep 7, 20267.5

U.S. Treasuries

CFTC Advisory Sets Expectations For Tokenized Collateral At Clearinghouses

The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Division of Clearing and Risk has issued a formal staff advisory outlining expectations for registered derivatives clearing organizations (DCOs) regarding the use of tokenized collateral. The guidance specifically addresses the integration of tokenized U.S. Treasuries as margin, emphasizing the necessity for rigorous standards in valuation, liquidity, custody, and legal enforceability. While the advisory does not grant blanket approval for all tokenized assets, it marks a significant shift in regulatory focus toward the operational resilience of digital assets within core financial infrastructure. By establishing these expectations, the CFTC is forcing market participants to address critical risks such as smart contract vulnerabilities, oracle reliability, and redemption timing. This development signals that tokenized assets are being treated with increasing seriousness by U.S. regulators, moving beyond theoretical interest to practical supervisory scrutiny. For the RWA market, this creates a clear framework for institutional adoption, provided that protocols can meet stringent risk-management requirements. Ultimately, the advisory underscores that the next phase of RWA growth depends on the ability of tokenized products to function reliably within established, regulated clearing systems during periods of market stress.

#RWA #CFTC #U.S.Treasuries

cryptorank.io·Sep 3, 20268.5

Infrastructure

SEC Chair Paul Atkins Expects CLARITY Act Senate Vote This Month

SEC Chairman Paul Atkins has announced that the Senate is scheduled to hold a procedural cloture vote on the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act on September 15. This legislative milestone aims to establish a comprehensive federal framework for digital assets by delineating regulatory responsibilities between the SEC and the CFTC. The bill, which previously passed the House in July 2025 with a 294-134 vote, seeks to provide the legal certainty necessary for the broader adoption of tokenized assets and digital finance. Progress has been hindered by disputes regarding stablecoin yield-sharing practices and ethics provisions concerning government officials. While banking groups advocate for stricter limitations to protect traditional deposits, crypto industry participants argue for the right to share revenue with users. The outcome of the upcoming Senate vote is critical for determining whether the bill proceeds to formal debate and eventually reaches the President's desk. Regardless of the legislative outcome, regulators like the SEC and CFTC are independently advancing proposals to clarify crypto custody and market structure rules. This development is significant for the RWA market as it represents a major step toward institutionalizing the regulatory environment for tokenized real-world assets.

#Stablecoins #CFTC #SEC

Blockonomi·Sep 3, 20268.5

Active Strategies

Ondo urges SEC, CFTC to bring US stock perpetuals onshore

Ondo Finance has formally petitioned the SEC and CFTC to authorize the domestic offering of perpetual futures tied to individual U.S. stocks. In three comment letters submitted on August 24, the firm argued that existing security futures frameworks are sufficient to regulate these products without requiring new legislation. Ondo contends that modern onchain margining and scheduled funding payments effectively align perpetual contracts with underlying asset prices, mirroring traditional futures functionality. The company currently operates an offshore platform via a Panama-based affiliate that offers stablecoin-settled perpetuals on U.S.-listed equities. This platform has already achieved $8 billion in cumulative trading volume within six weeks of its launch, demonstrating significant market demand. By advocating for an onshore regulatory pathway, Ondo aims to capture the substantial volume currently migrating to offshore venues. As the fourth-largest tokenized RWA manager by distributed value, Ondo's proposal highlights the growing tension between innovative onchain derivatives and current U.S. regulatory boundaries. This initiative represents a strategic effort to integrate high-velocity RWA derivatives into the regulated U.S. financial ecosystem.

#Ondo Finance #CFTC #SEC

Cointelegraph — RWA Tokenization·Sep 2, 20267.5

Infrastructure

Tokenization Moves From Crypto Experiment To Mainstream Financial Infrastructure In 2026

The United States is transitioning tokenization from a speculative experiment into a core component of mainstream financial infrastructure by 2026. Regulators, including the SEC and CFTC, have established a new memorandum of understanding to harmonize oversight, product definitions, and enforcement across digital asset markets. A central regulatory principle dictates that tokenizing a security does not alter its legal nature, requiring that digital versions preserve the same underlying rights as traditional assets to qualify for equivalent capital treatment. Major institutions like the Depository Trust Company, Nasdaq, and the New York Stock Exchange are actively integrating these technologies into their operations. Banking guidance now permits the use of tokenized collateral, provided it is supported by rigorous legal analysis and enforceable rights. Furthermore, the SEC has allowed broker-dealers to utilize qualifying payment stablecoins for capital requirements, while the CFTC is integrating digital assets into derivatives margin frameworks. This shift signals that market participants can no longer rely on regulatory gaps, as the focus moves toward building automated, compliant, and legally robust financial systems.

#Stablecoins #Tokenization #CFTC

londoninsider.co.uk·Aug 26, 20268.5

#CFTC

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