• SEC and CFTC confirm registered exchanges can offer spot crypto trading under current law.
• Agencies will issue joint guidance to reduce overlap and clarify rules for digital asset transactions.
• NYSE and Nasdaq may soon list spot crypto assets under a new coordinated regulatory approach.

A collaborative statement has been issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). The agencies confirmed that existing laws do not prevent registered exchanges from offering spot crypto asset products.

This coordination marks a significant development for digital asset oversight in the U.S. It comes as part of the SEC’s Project Crypto and the CFTC’s Crypto Sprint. The initiative was facilitated by the President’s Working Group, which urged greater cooperation between agencies.

The aim is to bring clarity to the market and streamline oversight. The agencies will collaborate on guidance for leveraged, margined, or financed spot crypto transactions involving retail commodities.

Coordination Replaces Conflicting Approaches

The two regulators have already fought over jurisdiction and enforcement policies in the crypto industry. Their opposing views created confusion for platforms and investors.

The latest joint effort focuses on harmonizing regulatory frameworks instead of issuing isolated enforcement actions. The statement outlines plans to work jointly on market surveillance, settlement systems, and trade data transparency.

This move intends to support regulated innovation while maintaining oversight of digital asset markets. The agencies are encouraging registered entities to engage directly through filings or requests for guidance.

Registered Exchanges Cleared for Spot Crypto

The joint statement confirms that SEC- and CFTC-registered exchanges can now facilitate spot crypto trading under current law. This includes national securities exchanges and designated contract markets.

The new model may enable big exchanges such as NYSE, Nasdaq, and CME to provide spot crypto trading. These platforms are already controlled and have the trust of traditional investors.

Settling in actual tokens rather than cash, these products would reflect live crypto prices. This could support price accuracy and enhance market transparency.

The agencies will provide a framework to help these exchanges meet compliance expectations. Their agenda is to emphasize equity in trade, risk aversion, and investor safety.

Wider Impact on U.S. Crypto Regulation

This action happens at a time when Congress is still working on a larger crypto bill. The collaborative project might be a temporary solution on the way to more explicit national regulations.

As legislators come up with new rules, the agencies are applying the existing laws to absorb crypto into the orthodox markets. Their announcement is an indication that crypto products are able to work under the current system of regulation.

In February, the SEC and CFTC made an announcement that they considered working together on crypto regulations under new leadership. This would signal a cooperative future for digital assets.

The agencies are also addressing long-standing industry pressures to have clearer rules. Through mobilization, the SEC and CFTC are seeking to retain digital asset innovation in the United States.