SEC and CFTC May Discuss Aligned Crypto Rules With Potential Implications for Bitcoin Markets

• Regulators will harmonize definitions and reporting to reduce overlap and clarify compliance.

• Agencies will evaluate 24/7 markets, event contracts, and perpetual products under investor protection standards.

• Coordinated exemptions may be used to foster regulated DeFi growth while maintaining market integrity.

SEC and CFTC roundtable: regulators align crypto rules to clarify 24/7 trading, event & perpetual contracts and DeFi exemptions; read COINOTAG briefing.

The SEC and CFTC will hold a joint roundtable on Sept. 29 to coordinate U.S. crypto oversight, streamline rules, and discuss regulated paths for on-chain markets and innovative products.

• The SEC and CFTC seek to align regulatory frameworks to provide clarity for crypto firms and investors.
• Agencies to discuss 24/7 trading, event contracts, and perpetual products for regulated U.S. exchanges.
• Joint effort includes coordinated exemptions to enable responsible DeFi innovation and market growth.

What is the SEC and CFTC roundtable?

The SEC and CFTC roundtable is a joint regulatory forum scheduled for September 29 that will examine how the two agencies can harmonize oversight of crypto markets. The session aims to reduce duplicative requirements, align product and venue definitions, and explore guardrails for 24/7 trading and novel derivatives.

How will the agencies coordinate product and venue definitions?

Both agencies plan to compare classifications for tokens, derivatives, and trading venues. That includes discussions on capital and margin frameworks, reporting standards, and data sharing. Harmonized definitions can reduce compliance costs and give market participants clearer guidance on which rules apply to specific products.

Areas of Coordination

Regulators identified several priority areas for the roundtable. First, they will pursue consistent definitions for products and venues to avoid overlap in jurisdiction. Second, capital, margin, and reporting frameworks will be assessed for alignment. Third, data standards and surveillance cooperation will be discussed to support market integrity.

Why is 24/7 trading on the agenda?

Agencies will evaluate how continuous trading could be permitted under U.S. regulation while preserving investor protections. The SEC’s Project Crypto, which explores on-chain market mechanisms, is a related initiative. Regulators noted that well-designed rules can enable around-the-clock markets while maintaining oversight and risk controls.

Event Contracts and Perpetual Products

Event contracts — including prediction markets — and perpetual derivatives are explicitly on the agenda. Regulators will seek clarity on how such contracts fit within securities and commodities laws. The CFTC’s recent approval for a U.S. operations model for a prediction platform underscores the need for clear rules.

Perpetual contracts may be considered for regulated U.S. exchanges if they meet investor protection benchmarks. The agencies are exploring coordinated exemptions and guardrails to permit innovation within supervised markets rather than pushing activity offshore or into unregulated venues.

How will alignment affect DeFi innovation?

Coordinated exemptions and consistent standards can give DeFi builders a pathway to operate within U.S. markets. Regulators emphasized balancing innovation with consumer protection. Clear rules reduce legal uncertainty and can encourage firms to design compliant, transparent DeFi protocols.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the joint SEC and CFTC roundtable taking place?

The roundtable will take place on September 29 and will convene officials and stakeholders to discuss coordinated frameworks for crypto regulation and market structure enhancements.

How might coordinated exemptions support DeFi?

Coordinated exemptions could create controlled windows for DeFi projects to test products under supervision. This approach balances innovation with consumer safeguards and aims to reduce regulatory uncertainty.

Key Takeaways

• Cooperation over conflict: The SEC and CFTC are pursuing harmonization to cut redundant rules and improve regulatory clarity.
• Product focus: Discussions target product definitions, capital and margin rules, and reporting standards for tokens and derivatives.
• Innovation with safeguards: Regulators will evaluate 24/7 trading and coordinated exemptions to support DeFi while prioritizing investor protection.

Conclusion

This joint roundtable marks a practical step toward coherent U.S. crypto oversight. By harmonizing definitions and testing guardrails for novel products, the SEC and CFTC aim to protect investors without stifling innovation. Expect further guidance after the Sept. 29 session; COINOTAG will report updates and analysis as details emerge.