Is the legalization of cryptocurrency perpetual contracts in the United States on the horizon? CFTC Chair: Policy announcement within a month

CFTC Chair Announces Perpetual Contract Policy to Be Released Within a Month, Collaborating with SEC on Project Crypto and Innovation Exemptions.

Foreign media reports that the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Chairman Mike Selig stated that the regulatory agency is about to pave the way for the legalization of perpetual futures contracts in the United States. The related policy is expected to be announced publicly in about a month. He emphasized that this will be part of several digital asset regulatory measures and will be coordinated with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Perpetual Contracts Coming to the U.S.? CFTC Chairman Promises Policy Within a Month

Selig pointed out at an event that crypto perpetual futures have long been developed outside the U.S., mainly due to regulatory uncertainty in the past, which led to liquidity and operators moving overseas. He straightforwardly said, “The previous administration pushed many companies and liquidity offshore.”

Perpetual futures are derivative products without an expiration date, often leveraged, and account for a significant share of global crypto trading volume. However, the U.S. has yet to establish a clear regulatory framework. Selig stated that the CFTC is working to enable truly professional futures products to land in the U.S. within the next month, and he previewed an official announcement soon.

“Project Crypto” to Explore Innovation Exemptions for Crypto and DeFi

On the same day, Selig appeared alongside SEC Chairman Paul Atkins. Their collaboration in the digital asset space is called “Project Crypto.” The two are exploring so-called “innovation exemptions,” allowing the crypto industry to conduct experimental innovations under certain conditions without excessive regulatory concerns. The CFTC will develop clearer regulatory positions for decentralized finance (DeFi) developers to end years of enforcement and uncertainty-induced chilling effects.

Market Predictions to Receive Clear Guidelines Soon

In addition to crypto derivatives, Selig also indicated that prediction markets are expected to receive clear regulatory guidance in the very near future. Meanwhile, regulators are working to establish a more comprehensive formal rulemaking process, ensuring that positions are not just administrative guidelines but have long-term stability.

Currently, regulatory authority over prediction market platforms remains contested, with both state-level gambling regulators and the federal CFTC asserting jurisdiction. Platforms like Polymarket and Kalshi, which deal with event-based contracts, are caught in multiple regulatory struggles. Selig said that different regulatory systems can coexist, but the CFTC will actively defend its leading role in the judicial arena.

• This article is reprinted with permission from: 《Chain News》
• Original Title: “Cryptocurrency Perpetual Contracts Legalization? CFTC Chair: Policy to Be Announced Within a Month”
• Original Author: Neo