The SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) and the CFTC (Commodity Futures Trading Commission) issued a joint statement clarifying that SEC- and CFTC-registered exchanges are not prohibited from offering spot trading in certain crypto assets.

Regulators explained that current law does not prevent regulated U.S. or foreign exchanges — including national securities exchanges (NSEs), designated contract markets (DCMs), and foreign boards of trade (FBOTs) — from listing crypto spot products.

The move follows recommendations from the Digital Assets Market Task Force, which urged regulators to provide clarity and keep blockchain innovation within the United States.

Both agencies said they are ready to review exchange filings, address custody and clearing issues, and ensure new spot markets meet standards for transparency, oversight, and investor protection.

CFTC Acting Chair Caroline Pham stated: “Under the previous administration, our agencies sent mixed signals about digital asset regulation and compliance, making it clear that innovation was not welcome. That chapter is over.”

The announcement signals that traditional exchanges will not be barred from offering products similar to those of Coinbase, Kraken, and others.

SEC Chairman Paul Atkins added: “Market participants should have the freedom to choose where they trade spot crypto assets.”

Under the new guidance, major regulated venues such as Nasdaq, the New York Stock Exchange, CME Group, and Cboe Global Markets — along with certain CFTC-recognized foreign platforms — may be eligible to list crypto spot products.

The step marks a milestone in the agencies’ “Project Crypto” and “Crypto Sprint” initiatives, designed to coordinate oversight while expanding trading venue options.