CFTC Eyes Allowing Regulated Overseas Crypto Exchanges Under FBOT — What It Means for Bitcoin Traders

COINOTAG News on September 9 cited FOX Business reporter Eleanor Terrett quoting Caroline D. Pham, Acting Chairman of the CFTC, who said the agency is assessing whether, under the U.S. cross-border regulatory framework, it can recognize overseas cryptocurrency exchanges that adopt robust, crypto-specific regimes such as the EU’s MiCA.

The comment follows the CFTC’s reaffirmation of its long-established Foreign Board of Trade (FBOT) pathway, which permits certain non-U.S. platforms—already supervised by credible foreign regulatory authorities—to provide U.S. traders with direct market access by registering as an FBOT instead of a Designated Contract Market (DCM).

Pham indicated the agency will evaluate legal and operational criteria to determine eligibility within existing statutes; this review represents a procedural assessment rather than immediate rulemaking or policy changes, underscoring the CFTC’s focus on regulatory harmonization and compliance.