U.S. CFTC Withdraws Outdated Crypto Guidance for Modern Oversight

Lede: Acting Chairman Caroline D. Pham announced the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s withdrawal of outdated digital asset guidance on December 11, 2025, aiming to establish a more modern regulatory framework.

Nut Graph: The CFTC’s decision represents a shift towards an updated regulatory framework for digital assets, impacting market operations and oversight strategies.

Background and Implications

The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission has retracted outdated digital asset guidance and staff letters. Acting Chairman Caroline D. Pham announced the withdrawal as part of efforts to create a coherent regulatory framework for digital assets. According to CFTC’s press release 9152-25,

“Today’s withdrawal of outdated digital asset guidance clears the path for a modern regulatory framework that reflects how these markets actually operate and protects customers with clear, consistent rules.”

Caroline D. Pham, Acting Chairman of the CFTC, aims to replace older approaches with a formal rulemaking process. This step aligns with initiatives under the new Digital Assets Pilot Program announced earlier this month.

Regulatory Changes and Market Impact

The immediate effects include new expectations for tokenized collateral in derivatives markets. This regulatory change could lead to increased clarity for market participants under CFTC oversight.

The implications of this withdrawal are seen as a move toward clearer regulatory guidelines. The decision could promote faster innovation in digital assets while ensuring customer protection through consistent rules.

The withdrawal supports new frameworks for tokenized assets. These changes may influence derivatives markets and foster greater institutional involvement.

This action is poised to shape future interactions between regulated exchanges and digital assets. By establishing standards for tokenized collateral, the CFTC aims for robust oversight and safer market operations in an evolving digital landscape. The CFTC Clearing Organization Rules Document provides detailed insights into these rule changes.