CFTC Rolls Out Next Phase of ‘Crypto Sprint,’ Seeks Public Input on Broader Rules

Highlights:

• CFTC launches new Crypto Sprint, giving industry participants a chance to help shape U.S. crypto rules.
• Caroline Pham stresses federal trading rules and stronger oversight as key priorities.
• Upcoming phases will tackle tax clarity, banking access, and broader crypto regulation.

The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has kicked off a new phase of its “Crypto Sprint.” The initiative invites public feedback until October 20, allowing investors, industry experts, and users to share their views on shaping U.S. crypto rules. The move shows the CFTC’s intent to take a leading role in digital asset regulation with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Together, the @SECGov’s Project Crypto and the @CFTC’s Crypto Sprint are coordinating to answer President @realDonaldTrump’s call to action for American leadership. We are going to win on crypto! https://t.co/yi74rNCK16

— Caroline D. Pham (@CarolineDPham) August 21, 2025

CFTC Kicks Off New Crypto Sprint Initiative

Acting Chairman Caroline D. Pham said the Crypto Sprint will start right away. The focus is on creating federal trading rules and improving overall market oversight. Spot crypto trading, seen as the core of the digital asset market, is now a top priority for regulators. Pham said this move works with the SEC’s “Project Crypto” to support Trump’s goal of strong U.S. leadership in crypto. She called it a “Golden Age of innovation” and urged the industry to grow responsibly. 

Pham stated:

“The Administration has made it clear that enabling immediate trading of digital assets at the Federal level is a top priority. The public feedback will assist the CFTC in carefully considering relevant issues for leveraged, margined or financed retail trading on a CFTC-registered exchange.”

The CFTC launched the first phase of its four-phase Crypto Sprint on August 4. This phase kicked off efforts to allow trading of spot crypto asset contracts on registered futures exchanges. The upcoming phases of the Crypto Sprint are expected to address remaining crypto issues, including tax clarity and banking access. They will also turn stakeholder feedback into official regulations.

.@CFTCpham Launches Listed Spot Crypto Trading Initiative: https://t.co/9xe6wj4VXB

— CFTC (@CFTC) August 4, 2025

CFTC Advances Working Group’s 18 Recommendations with SEC’s Project Crypto

The step is tied to the CFTC’s broader strategy to implement recommendations from the President’s Working Group on Digital Asset Markets and reflects its commitment to coordinate with the SEC in shaping digital asset regulations. The Working Group gave the CFTC 18 recommendations, two directly for the agency. The first asked for guidance on crypto as commodities, DeFi registration, and allowed activities for CFTC-regulated firms. The second centered on revising regulations to address blockchain-based derivatives.

The other 16 recommendations involved agencies like the Treasury and SEC. The CFTC stated it will collaborate with the SEC to develop and deliver clear regulations. Last month, the SEC launched its own “Project Crypto,” with Chair Paul Atkins stating the effort aims to “modernize securities rules and regulations to bring America’s financial markets on-chain.”

It’s a new day. Onwards #ProjectCrypto @SECPaulSAtkins @SECGov @CFTC @A1Policy pic.twitter.com/kChRm036Mg

— Caroline D. Pham (@CarolineDPham) July 31, 2025

Meanwhile, President Trump nominated Brian Quintenz for CFTC chairman, but the Senate has delayed his confirmation vote. Several crypto advocacy groups, including the Blockchain Association and Crypto Council for Innovation, are urging his quick confirmation. They argue that strong leadership is vital to move forward with the administration’s crypto plans.