CFTC staff detail crypto-collateral pilot rules and 20% BTC/ETH capital charge

CFTC staff issued a Friday notice answering FAQs on the agency's crypto-collateral pilot launched last year, outlining how futures commission merchants should begin accepting crypto margin. The guidance says participating firms must notify the Market Participants Division of their start date and, for the first three months, may take only Bitcoin, Ether, or stablecoins, with weekly reporting of total crypto held. It also sets capital charges at 20% for BTC and ETH positions and 2% for stablecoins, while limiting certain stablecoin uses and excluding crypto from uncleared swap collateral.