The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has begun a public-comment period exploring the feasibility of around-the-clock trading for derivatives, which may include digital assets like Bitcoin. While Bitcoin is classified as a commodity by U.S. regulators, the CFTC's request for comments broadly addresses the impact of technological advancements and market demands on trading practices, not exclusively targeting cryptocurrency. The Commission is contemplating whether it should facilitate continuous trading across its regulated firms, similar to existing practices in crypto markets. However, any regulatory changes would require a statutory adjustment to allow the CFTC a direct role in overseeing spot-market transactions of cryptocurrencies. Acting Chairman Caroline Pham has emphasized the need for the CFTC to adapt to shifting market structures to maintain market integrity and resilience. Key considerations include governance frameworks, staffing models, and technology requirements to support operational resilience without interrupts. The interaction between conventional market dynamics and evolving digital asset trading is central to the ongoing discussions.

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