Commodity Regulator

Definition ∞ A Commodity Regulator is a governmental authority tasked with overseeing markets for physical commodities and certain financial instruments classified as commodities. This body establishes rules to ensure fair trading practices, prevent market manipulation, and protect market participants. Its jurisdiction typically covers futures contracts and other derivatives based on underlying assets. Such regulators play a crucial role in maintaining market integrity.
Context ∞ In cryptocurrency news, the debate over whether digital assets like Bitcoin should be classified as commodities or securities often places them under the potential purview of a commodity regulator. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) in the United States, for instance, asserts jurisdiction over certain digital assets it considers commodities. This classification significantly impacts how these assets are traded, regulated, and reported on in financial news.