Commodity Futures Trading Commission

Definition ∞ The Commodity Futures Trading Commission is a United States government agency responsible for regulating the derivatives markets, including futures, options, and swaps. It oversees these markets to prevent fraud, manipulation, and abusive practices, ensuring market integrity and protecting participants. The CFTC’s jurisdiction extends to certain digital assets and related derivatives, making its pronouncements significant for the cryptocurrency industry.
Context ∞ Discussions involving the Commodity Futures Trading Commission frequently revolve around its evolving stance on digital asset regulation, particularly concerning whether certain cryptocurrencies should be classified as commodities. Recent regulatory actions and statements from CFTC officials indicate a growing focus on applying existing frameworks to the digital asset space, which has direct implications for exchanges, trading firms, and the broader market. Future developments will likely involve further clarification of its oversight authority and enforcement priorities within the crypto sector.