The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has introduced a new pilot program allowing digital cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDC to be used as collateral in regulated derivatives markets. This initiative signals a significant shift in the American regulator’s approach toward tokenized assets. Under the program, Futures Commission Merchants (FCMs) will be permitted to accept selected digital assets as customer margin for a limited time. Participating firms must report weekly details of digital assets held in customer accounts to the CFTC during the first three months to facilitate monitoring and timely risk identification, with mandatory notification of any significant events. According to acting CFTC Chair Caroline Pham, the program aims to expand the use of digital assets while ensuring customer protection and oversight, providing U.S. consumers with safe and regulated markets to reduce reliance on foreign platforms. This development comes shortly after the federal government allowed regulated crypto spot trading for the first time, with the Bitnomial exchange set to launch services under CFTC supervision. Additionally, the CFTC has issued guidance on the legal review, custody, and control of tokenized assets to ensure proper evaluation under existing regulations. Crypto and fintech companies have welcomed the move as an important step toward regulatory clarity and market stability. Major firms like Coinbase, Circle, and Crypto.com stated that it will reduce financial market risks and enhance transparency and efficiency in trading. The pilot program is part of broader efforts to integrate cryptocurrencies into the U.S. financial system legally and formally, with expectations of increased acceptance of crypto assets in the future.
Source: bitcoinmagazine
