Key Takeaways:
CFTC and SEC initiate joint effort to implement Trump’s executive order on crypto.
“Project Crypto” will fast-track rules for commodities, DeFi, and crypto derivatives.
18 formal recommendations issued by Trump’s Working Group on Digital Assets.
Trump administration aims to make the U.S. “the crypto capital of the world.”
Brian Quintenz, a16z policy chief, nominated to lead the CFTC.
The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has officially launched a “crypto sprint” in collaboration with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to implement sweeping digital asset recommendations set forth by the Trump administration.
Announced by Acting Chair Caroline Pham, the CFTC’s new initiative—Project Crypto—aims to deliver on President Donald Trump’s January executive order, which called for the U.S. to lead in global crypto innovation.
“The CFTC is wasting no time in fulfilling President Trump’s vision to make America the crypto capital of the world,” Pham stated.
18 Key Recommendations for U.S. Crypto Regulation
The President’s Working Group on Digital Asset Markets, led by the White House, issued 18 recommendations for crypto market oversight—two of which apply directly to the CFTC:
Commodity and DeFi Oversight: The CFTC is tasked with issuing guidance on crypto commodity classification, registration pathways, and DeFi-related rules.
Crypto Derivatives Rules: The agency is instructed to revise existing frameworks to accommodate blockchain-based derivatives.
The remaining 16 recommendations require inter-agency collaboration with the SEC, Treasury Department, and other regulators.
CFTC and SEC to Coordinate Rulemaking, Regulatory Sandbox
As part of the sprint, the CFTC and SEC will jointly develop a rulemaking process, coordinate on regulatory clarity, and explore the creation of a crypto sandbox for innovation.
Longer term, the agencies are expected to allow registrants to offer integrated crypto services through unified user interfaces. Meanwhile, Congress has been asked to legislate a clearer division of responsibilities between the CFTC and SEC, including granting the CFTC full oversight of spot markets in non-security digital assets.
CFTC Already Taking Action Toward Crypto Clarity
Chair Pham noted the CFTC has already begun implementing reforms, including:
Withdrawing outdated staff advisories on crypto assets.
Holding direct consultations with industry leaders.
Exploring 24/7 derivatives trading and perpetual contracts.
Brian Quintenz Nominated to Lead the CFTC
President Trump has nominated Brian Quintenz, a former CFTC commissioner and current global head of policy at Andreessen Horowitz’s crypto venture arm, to serve as the agency’s next permanent chair.
Quintenz’s confirmation hearing was scheduled for this week but has been delayed following a Senate Agriculture Committee request tied to White House coordination.
What’s Next
As the CFTC–SEC “crypto sprint” gains momentum, market participants are watching for formal guidance on:
DeFi regulation
Commodities vs. securities classification
Stablecoin frameworks
Cross-agency enforcement coordination
With major institutional figures and the White House aligned on pro-crypto policy, the regulatory landscape for digital assets in the U.S. is poised for transformation in the coming months.