Watcher.Guru: CFTC signals tougher U.S. stance on crypto as it moves to set market rules

The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) said the United States is "no longer sitting back while crypto moves overseas, and other countries set the standard," adding that "America's leading the way." Over the past month, the CFTC has outlined and taken a series of steps after Congress failed to pass the Clarity Act: • CFTC Chair Mike Selig directed staff to move forward with a formal framework for crypto market structure. • The agency said developers can build passive derivatives software, including for crypto, without registering as brokers. • The CFTC initiated new rulemaking aimed at establishing regulatory oversight for crypto trading and transactions. • Selig said the regulator is preparing for a future built around "onchain systems, mass tokenization, 24/7 trading, and agentic finance." • The CFTC issued updated guidance covering crypto, tokenized assets, and blockchain-based technologies. • The agency proposed what it described as its first set of rules to regulate the U.S. crypto industry. • The CFTC advanced additional investor protection measures designed to prevent fraud, manipulation, and abusive practices in crypto markets. • The regulator said it intends to establish clear crypto rules regardless of whether Congress ultimately passes legislation.