The CFTC’s second “crypto sprint” asks market participants how the agency should regulate spot crypto trading, seeking public feedback to refine rules for leveraged, margined or financed retail trading on CFTC-registered platforms; submissions are requested by Oct. 20 to inform next rulemaking steps.
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CFTC seeks public input on spot crypto trading and retail leverage rules
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The initiative follows recommendations from the President’s Working Group on Digital Asset Markets and the White House policy report.
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The CFTC requests comments by Oct. 20; agency coordination with the SEC is highlighted in prior sprint guidance.
Meta description: CFTC crypto sprint seeks public input on regulating spot crypto trading and retail leverage; submit feedback by Oct. 20 to shape rulemaking. Learn how to respond.
What is the CFTC’s second crypto sprint and what does it seek?
The CFTC’s second crypto sprint is a stakeholder-engagement effort to collect public feedback on regulating spot crypto trading, especially for leveraged, margined or financed retail activity. The agency aims to use responses to refine regulatory approaches and consider amendments to rules that affect blockchain-based derivatives and commodity classifications.
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) launched this follow-up sprint to implement recommendations from the President’s Working Group on Digital Asset Markets and to advance the White House’s digital asset agenda. Acting Chair Caroline D. Pham emphasized the value of market input for careful rule development.
How does the CFTC expect market participants to provide feedback?
The CFTC invited written comments from crypto market participants and stakeholders, with a deadline of Oct. 20. Submissions should address how the agency can best regulate spot crypto trading and retail leveraged activity on CFTC-registered exchanges. The agency will review feedback to inform potential rule changes and coordination with other regulators.
What recommendations from the President’s Working Group affected the CFTC?
The President’s Working Group on Digital Asset Markets issued 18 recommendations relevant to the CFTC. Two recommendations directly tasked the CFTC to: 1) clarify how cryptocurrencies qualify as commodities and how decentralized finance firms can comply with registration rules, and 2) consider amending rules to accommodate blockchain‑based derivatives.
Sixteen additional recommendations involved coordination across agencies, including the Treasury and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The CFTC’s first crypto sprint emphasized interagency collaboration to create a clear rulemaking path for crypto markets.
Why does CFTC leadership matter for the crypto sprint?
Leadership stability affects the CFTC’s ability to complete rulemakings. Brian Quintenz’s nomination for CFTC chair remains pending following a postponed Senate vote. Several crypto advocacy groups have urged prompt confirmation of Quintenz, calling a permanent chair “absolutely critical.” The CFTC currently operates with two commissioners: acting Chair Caroline D. Pham and Commissioner Kristin N. Johnson.
Recent departures include former Chair Rostin Behnam and other commissioners who left earlier in the year, creating urgency around confirming leadership to meet the administration’s crypto policy objectives.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I submit comments to the CFTC for the crypto sprint?
Provide written comments to the CFTC addressing spot crypto trading and retail leverage by the Oct. 20 deadline. Focus on concrete suggestions for registration, market structure, investor protections, and rule amendments related to blockchain derivatives.
Will the CFTC coordinate with the SEC on crypto rulemaking?
Yes. The CFTC has stated it will work closely with the SEC to create a rulemaking process and use existing authorities to provide regulatory clarity across agencies.
What happens after the CFTC collects public feedback?
The agency will analyze submissions to inform potential rule changes, guidance, or coordinated actions with other regulators. Feedback will shape approaches to classifying crypto, supervising markets, and addressing retail leverage risks.
Key Takeaways
- CFTC engagement: The agency’s second crypto sprint centers on stakeholder feedback for spot crypto regulation.
- Policy drivers: Recommendations from the President’s Working Group and the White House policy report guide the sprint.
- Action item: Submit targeted, evidence-based comments by Oct. 20 to influence forthcoming rulemaking.
Conclusion
The CFTC’s second crypto sprint is a targeted outreach to refine how the agency will regulate spot crypto trading and retail leveraged products. COINOTAG will monitor developments and publish updates as the agency reviews submissions and coordinates next steps with other regulators.
Published: 2025-08-22 | Last updated: 2025-08-22 | Author: COINOTAG
Sources: President’s Working Group on Digital Asset Markets report; White House policy report on digital assets; public statements by Acting CFTC Chair Caroline D. Pham. Related coverage: US Commerce official buys Bitcoin as Trump tariffs shake markets.
