CFTC and SEC Launch Joint 'Crypto Sprint'

The United States is moving rapidly to establish regulatory clarity in the digital asset space. On August 2, 2025, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) announced the beginning of a “crypto sprint” in partnership with SEC. This joint initiative follows a series of recommendations made by President Donald Trump’s Working Group on Digital Asset Markets and aims to strengthen America’s position as the global leader in crypto innovation.

CFTC Acting Chair Caroline Pham confirmed the agency’s commitment to executing President Trump’s crypto vision, emphasizing that the sprint is part of Project Crypto—a coordinated effort to modernize regulatory frameworks for digital assets in the U.S.

Read Also: Is the SEC Bullish on Crypto?

Key Takeaways

• The CFTC and SEC are launching a crypto sprint to implement the White House’s recommendations on digital assets
• The initiative is part of a larger roadmap under Project Crypto led by CFTC Acting Chair Caroline Pham
• Two major CFTC priorities include defining how cryptocurrencies are treated as commodities and updating rules for blockchain-based derivatives
• Coordination with the SEC is aimed at crafting joint rulemaking processes and establishing a regulatory sandbox
• Trump’s administration wants to make the U.S. the global hub for crypto through a pro-growth regulatory environment

What Is the CFTC and SEC ‘Crypto Sprint’?

The term “crypto sprint” refers to a focused, accelerated effort by both agencies to implement specific digital asset regulatory recommendations outlined in a recent report from the White House. 

These recommendations stem from an executive order issued by President Trump in January 2025, which laid the foundation for a comprehensive federal strategy on digital asset markets.

According to CFTC Chair Caroline Pham, the agency is “wasting no time in fulfilling President Trump’s vision to make America the crypto capital of the world.” 

This aligns with the broader objective of positioning the U.S. as a leader in blockchain innovation and financial modernization.

What Are the White House Recommendations?

The President’s Working Group delivered 18 recommendations to the CFTC, two of which fall squarely under its jurisdiction:

Guidance on Digital Commodities and DeFi Registration

The CFTC is tasked with clarifying how various digital assets may be classified as commodities and how registration requirements would apply to decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols.

Blockchain-Based Derivatives

The agency is also reviewing its existing rules to accommodate new forms of derivatives built on blockchain infrastructure.

The remaining 16 recommendations are to be implemented in collaboration with the SEC, the U.S. Treasury, and other financial regulators.

Read Also: Details of the SEC's Crypto Project Launch – Today's Focus

Joint Tasks for the CFTC and SEC

Many of the proposed actions require joint regulatory work between the CFTC and the SEC. These include:

• Coordinating a shared rulemaking framework
• Creating a regulatory sandbox for startups and new projects
• Exploring pathways to allow multi-service digital platforms under a unified registration process
• Clarifying spot market oversight, especially in non-security digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum

One of the more urgent goals is to define how responsibilities between the two agencies should be split, a task that will also involve legislative input from Congress.

CFTC’s Progress and Internal Reforms

Chair Caroline Pham noted that the CFTC has already begun aligning with the administration’s crypto goals. Key developments include:

• Hosting industry consultations with crypto executives earlier this year
• Withdrawing “outdated staff advisories” related to crypto
• Finalizing consultations on 24/7 derivatives trading and perpetual contracts, which were well-received by crypto-native platforms

These steps are part of a broader modernization agenda aimed at adapting the CFTC to emerging asset classes without compromising investor protection.

A New Era for U.S. Crypto Regulation?

If successfully executed, the crypto sprint could mark a historic shift in U.S. digital asset regulation. For years, ambiguity between the roles of the SEC and CFTC has created friction and confusion for crypto projects and investors. 

The Trump administration’s executive order aims to put an end to that uncertainty by assigning clear responsibilities and aligning regulatory frameworks with 21st-century technologies.

Importantly, the CFTC is expected to take the lead in regulating spot markets for non-security tokens like Bitcoin, a role currently in legal limbo. Meanwhile, the SEC will likely retain authority over security tokens and ICO-like offerings.

Read Also: CFTC is Considering New Regulation for Derivative Trading

Final Thoughts

The CFTC and SEC’s crypto sprint represents a significant step forward in crafting a unified, innovation-friendly regulatory environment for digital assets in the U.S. With clear support from the White House and a detailed roadmap in hand, both agencies are moving quickly to execute President Trump’s vision for crypto leadership.

By removing outdated policies and coordinating with other agencies, the U.S. may finally be setting the stage for transparent and effective regulation—one that enables growth while protecting market integrity.

FAQs 

What is the CFTC and SEC crypto sprint?

It’s a joint regulatory initiative to implement the White House’s digital asset strategy, focusing on rules for crypto commodities, DeFi, and derivatives.

What did the Trump administration propose for crypto?

Trump’s executive order in January 2025 led to 18 regulatory recommendations, including granting the CFTC more authority over spot crypto markets.

Will this help regulate crypto in the U.S.?

Yes. The plan aims to end confusion between the SEC and CFTC by assigning clearer roles and launching joint rulemaking frameworks.

What is Project Crypto?

Project Crypto is the CFTC’s internal program to lead crypto policy changes in line with the White House’s recommendations.

Who will lead the CFTC?

Trump nominated Brian Quintenz, a former commissioner and crypto policy expert at Andreessen Horowitz. His confirmation is pending Senate approval.