CFTC Uses Existing Rules to Regulate Crypto and Strengthen U.S. Markets
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On September 8, 2025, acting CFTC Chair Caroline D. Pham spoke to the UK All-Party Parliamentary Group on Blockchain Technology. She explained how the U.S. will regulate digital assets like cryptocurrencies. Instead of creating completely new rules, the CFTC wants to use existing laws and learn from successful global standards, like Europe’s MiCA framework.
🚨NEW: In a recent speech, Acting CFTC Chair @CarolineDPham said the agency is exploring whether foreign crypto trading platforms that follow robust, crypto-specific rules, such as the EU’s MiCA framework, could be recognized under U.S. cross-border regulations.
It follows the… pic.twitter.com/ft1LAmpVrh
— Eleanor Terrett (@EleanorTerrett) September 9, 2025
This approach is designed to make crypto markets safer, clearer, and more attractive to investors.
Faster Clarity Through the Crypto Sprint
Pham introduced a plan called the Crypto Sprint. Its goal is to provide quick clarity for crypto trading rules. The CFTC is asking for public feedback on trading of spot cryptocurrencies and recommendations from the President’s Working Group. Comments are open until October 20, 2025. Pham believes that in the fast-changing crypto world, waiting years for new laws is not an option.
Bringing Crypto Inside Existing U.S. Rules
The CFTC and SEC recently clarified that registered exchanges can trade certain crypto products under current U.S. laws. This means digital assets can operate under rules that already protect investors and ensure market fairness. Using existing laws allows the U.S. to act faster without creating confusion or delays.
Learning from Global Standards Like MiCA
Pham also highlighted that the U.S. can use rules from other countries, like the EU’s MiCA framework. By following these standards, the U.S. can avoid duplicating work, import tested investor protections, and align with international markets. This also helps attract more institutional investors and increases liquidity in U.S. crypto markets.
Balancing Old Rules with New Technology
Digital assets are different from regular financial products. They have unique features like smart contracts, decentralized wallets, and programmable finance. The CFTC plans to use a two-step approach:
- First, bring crypto under existing rules.
- Second, monitor the markets and create new rules only when needed.
This ensures that digital assets are regulated safely while allowing innovation to continue.
Future Plans
The CFTC and SEC will hold a joint roundtable in late September to discuss possible new rules or exemptions for crypto. For now, Pham’s approach gives quick benefits: clear rules, safer markets, and investor confidence.
By using existing U.S. laws and learning from global standards like MiCA, the CFTC aims to make crypto trading clearer, safer, and stronger, while keeping the U.S. competitive in the global digital-asset market.
