What it is
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is an independent agency of the US federal government, established in 1974. Its mandate is to regulate US commodity futures and options markets, ensuring their integrity and protecting market participants from fraud, manipulation, and abusive practices. The CFTC has jurisdiction over assets deemed "commodities," which includes Bitcoin and Ethereum.
The CFTC has been active in regulating crypto derivatives, such as Bitcoin futures, and has advocated for broader authority over the spot crypto markets for assets it considers commodities. Its stance on whether a digital asset is a commodity or security often differs from the SEC's, contributing to the ongoing regulatory debate and the need for market structure bills.
Why it matters
The CFTC's classification of digital assets as commodities impacts their regulatory treatment, market oversight, and the types of products available to investors.
Reviewed under editorial standardsUpdated September 26, 2026Not investment advice