The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) have announced coordinated efforts to support the launch of spot bitcoin and digital asset trading on regulated U.S. exchanges.

This initiative, detailed in a joint statement, seeks to reinforce U.S. leadership in blockchain technology while providing investors with additional choices.

Agencies signal openness to spot bitcoin products

According to the regulators, existing laws do not prohibit stock or commodity exchanges from listing spot bitcoin and other digital asset products.

The agencies emphasized that they are prepared to review applications from trading platforms and encouraged market participants to consult on registration and proposal processes.

Coordination is expected to address key issues such as margin requirements, clearing, settlements, market monitoring, and public disclosure of trade data.

focus on innovation and investor protection

The agencies stated that their goal is to balance technological innovation with investor protection, ensuring fair and transparent markets.

SEC Chairman Paul Atkins called the joint statement a major development, stating:

“Market participants should have the freedom to choose trading platforms, and the agencies are ready to support innovation.”

major exchanges may join spot bitcoin market

Matthew Sigel of VanEck suggested that platforms like the NYSE, Nasdaq, and CME could soon introduce spot trading for bitcoin and other assets.

This follows recent CFTC initiatives to legalize spot digital asset trading on registered exchanges and updates from the SEC regarding stablecoin accounting rules.