# CFTC Related Articles

HTX News Center provides the latest articles and in-depth analysis on "CFTC", covering market trends, project updates, tech developments, and regulatory policies in the crypto industry.

a16z Crypto: Marc Andreessen and Chris Dixon Explain Why the 'CLARITY Act' Is Urgently Needed

The CLARITY Act proposes a critical federal regulatory framework for the U.S. crypto market. Currently, a lack of clear rules creates uncertainty, hinders innovation, and leaves consumers exposed. The Act would clearly divide regulatory jurisdiction between the SEC and CFTC, mandate disclosures and insider restrictions for projects, and bring exchanges and other intermediaries under a comprehensive oversight system akin to traditional finance. This clarity is urgently needed as crypto has evolved from a niche interest into a major industry with institutional involvement. Clear, lasting rules would protect consumers by requiring proper audits, custody of client assets, and anti-fraud measures for registered platforms, helping prevent failures like FTX. Regulatory ambiguity currently punishes compliant U.S. firms with high costs while rewarding offshore competitors who bypass rules, creating a race to the bottom. The Act addresses national security by applying existing anti-money laundering rules to crypto intermediaries and distinguishes between legitimate privacy and illicit concealment. It also resolves banking sector concerns by prohibiting interest payments on stablecoin balances while permitting transaction-based rewards. For developers, it establishes liability based on intent and direct assistance to crime, not for unforeseeable downstream misuse of open-source software. Regarding securities law, the Act introduces a risk-based framework. Assets begin under SEC oversight when a network is centralized, transitioning to CFTC commodity regulation if it becomes sufficiently decentralized, with clear definitions to avoid constant litigation. Without the Act, regulatory uncertainty driven by shifting agency interpretations will persist, discouraging long-term investment in the U.S. and pushing development offshore, reducing American oversight and economic leadership. Support for the bipartisan bill comes from lawmakers, law enforcement (like the Fraternal Order of Police), and major financial institutions. Ultimately, the CLARITY Act is essential to establish a stable, sensible regulatory environment that fosters responsible innovation, enhances consumer protection, and ensures U.S. leadership in shaping the future of financial technology.

marsbit08/07 07:26

a16z Crypto: Marc Andreessen and Chris Dixon Explain Why the 'CLARITY Act' Is Urgently Needed

marsbit08/07 07:26

Utah State Judge Denies Kalshi's Motion to Apply Federal Protection Against Gambling Laws

A U.S. district judge in Utah, Robert J. Shelby, rejected Kalshi's motion for a federal preemption defense against Utah's gambling laws and denied the prediction market's request for an injunction. The judge ruled the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA) does not preclude Utah from enforcing its anti-gambling statutes. He found the CEA's jurisdiction provisions ambiguous and stated courts typically do not find federal preemption in such situations. He also dismissed Kalshi's key argument that the Dodd-Frank Act established federal supremacy over derivatives trading as an "implausible" reading of congressional intent, noting gambling is traditionally regulated by states. Utah's constitution strictly prohibits gambling, with online betting qualifying as a felony. A new state law adding event outcome contracts to its gambling definition prompted Kalshi's lawsuit after the governor criticized prediction markets. Utah's attorney general declared the ruling a victory, stating Kalshi "bet that clever branding would defeat Utah law. Kalshi lost, and Utah won." Kalshi's spokesperson stated the company disagrees and the fight in Utah is not over; its contracts remain available there with no enforcement action taken yet. The New York Attorney General cited this ruling in opposing a CFTC injunction request after New York sued Kalshi last week. A gaming attorney noted an expected appeal to the Tenth Circuit would bring prediction market litigation to seven federal appellate circuits, a scale often leading to Supreme Court review. Kalshi has seen mixed results, with a Washington state court recently issuing an injunction against it but securing protections in New Jersey and Minnesota.

cryptonews.ru08/06 11:06

Utah State Judge Denies Kalshi's Motion to Apply Federal Protection Against Gambling Laws

cryptonews.ru08/06 11:06

Senate to Vote on CLARITY Act Before August Recess, Lummis Says

U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), chair of the Senate's digital assets subcommittee, stated the Senate may work past Friday and through the weekend to secure a vote on the CLARITY Act before the August recess. This vote would force senators to take a public position on the bill. Over 300 pages of amendments, requested by Democrats, have been prepared after 11 months of negotiations, with final discussions ongoing regarding CFTC jurisdiction, law enforcement provisions, and ethics rules for senior federal officials. Key unresolved issues, per Democratic staff, include securities protection, illicit finance, national security, and presidential conflicts of interest. A bipartisan counterproposal, allowing state attorneys general to enforce federal crypto ethics rules, has been sent to President Trump, who reportedly agreed to broader restrictions than those applied to previous presidents. Lummis asserted that if the bill fails, it will be due to Democratic opposition. Regulators have expressed support. CFTC Chairman Michael S. Selig endorsed congressional action for clearer digital asset rules, while SEC Chairman Paul Atkins expressed optimism about the bill's passage. The CLARITY Act aims to divide oversight between the CFTC and SEC, providing distinct regulatory frameworks for cryptocurrencies and securities. Proponents argue this clarity will help retain crypto companies, capital, and innovation within the United States, preventing an exodus to jurisdictions like Switzerland or Singapore. The approaching recess deadline increases pressure to secure the 60 votes typically needed. With Republicans holding 53 seats, Democratic support is crucial. A Senate vote would lock in each legislator's stance before negotiations with the House on a final bill text.

cryptonews.ru08/06 10:41

Senate to Vote on CLARITY Act Before August Recess, Lummis Says

cryptonews.ru08/06 10:41

CLARITY or not, crypto isn’t going back in the bottle: Bitwise

Despite fading prospects for the CLARITY Act's passage this year, Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan argues the crypto industry's progress is irreversible. The landmark crypto market structure bill faces a critical August 5 Senate deadline, with analysts lowering its 2026 passage probability to around 23%. Failure would leave the bill in a "walking dead" state, though a year-end omnibus package remains a possibility. Hougan notes that if legislation fails, the industry would revert to the SEC-CFTC's existing joint interpretation classifying assets like Bitcoin as digital commodities. While this regulatory guidance is less durable than law and could be challenged, Hougan asserts "crypto will be fine," giving the industry over two years to advance before potential administrative changes. He concludes that crypto has sufficient momentum to reshape finance for decades, regardless of immediate Washington outcomes.

cointelegraph08/05 17:36

CLARITY or not, crypto isn’t going back in the bottle: Bitwise

cointelegraph08/05 17:36

U.S. Senate Could Vote on Cryptocurrency Transparency Bill Next Week

The U.S. Senate may vote next week on the Cryptocurrency Transparency Act, as announced by SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce. The bill, which has already passed the House of Representatives and cleared the Senate Banking Committee, requires 60 votes to pass the full Senate. This legislation aims to clarify regulatory jurisdiction over digital assets between the SEC and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), particularly regarding asset classification. However, its progress has been stalled by unresolved issues, including stablecoin yield rules and ethics provisions. While Peirce's statement has increased market expectations of the bill's passage, it remains speculative without high-level confirmation. Market estimates currently assign only a 16.5% probability of enactment in 2026. Key factors influencing the outcome include the Senate vote, potential presidential support, and statements from figures like Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. If passed, the law could trigger significant changes in cryptocurrency markets.

cryptonews.ru08/05 09:56

U.S. Senate Could Vote on Cryptocurrency Transparency Bill Next Week

cryptonews.ru08/05 09:56

US Senators Target Wildfire Betting in New Push Against CFTC Rules

A group of nine U.S. senators has urged the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to restrict wildfire prediction contracts, arguing they allow traders to profit from disasters. In an August 3rd letter led by Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), the lawmakers requested answers from CFTC Chair Rostin Behnam by August 14th. The senators, representing states impacted by recent wildfires, expressed concern that betting on fires' duration, spread, or property damage trivializes community suffering and creates a perverse incentive for arson. They cited over $1.2 million in trading volume on contracts related to California's Palisades and Eaton fires on the Polymarket platform as a catalyst for their inquiry. While acknowledging no confirmed cases of arson linked to such markets, the letter draws a parallel to insider trading risks. Polymarket defended its markets as sources of timely information for understanding evolving events, not causes of tragedy. The senators questioned if the CFTC, currently developing new rules, plans to ban wildfire contracts as contrary to the public interest, given its authority to prohibit contracts on terrorism, assassination, or gambling. Although wildfires aren't explicitly mentioned in law, the lawmakers seek a preemptive move, warning it's only a matter of time before U.S.-based markets offer similar contracts. This follows a prior, broader request from Merkley in April to ban election and war-related contracts, which the CFTC did not adopt, instead proposing a case-by-case review process in June.

cryptonews.ru08/05 08:50

US Senators Target Wildfire Betting in New Push Against CFTC Rules

cryptonews.ru08/05 08:50

Casino Lobby' Behind Lawsuit in New York Against Company Kalshi, Claims CEO Mansour

New York state has filed a lawsuit against prediction market platform Kalshi, alleging it operates as an unlicensed gambling platform. Kalshi CEO Tarek Mansour, in a CNBC interview, countered that the action is driven by a "casino lobby" threatened by the innovative and fast-growing prediction market industry. He emphasized Kalshi operates under CFTC oversight, not in a regulatory "Wild West," and warned that shutting it down in New York would anger its one million state-based customers. The lawsuit, filed July 31, contends Kalshi's event contracts are games of chance and that the platform illegally served New Yorkers aged 18-20. It seeks customer restitution and substantial fines. Mansour noted New Yorkers earned nearly $200 million through Kalshi in 2026. CFTC Chairman Michael Selig criticized New York's move as an attempt to force a nationwide shutdown, stating the CFTC has sued to stop it and will defend its jurisdiction.

cryptonews.ru08/04 09:41

Casino Lobby' Behind Lawsuit in New York Against Company Kalshi, Claims CEO Mansour

cryptonews.ru08/04 09:41

Coinbase CEO Urges Senate to Pass CLARITY Act This Week

Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong is urging the Senate to pass the CLARITY Act this week, calling it a critical bipartisan effort to establish clear cryptocurrency regulations in the U.S. He argues the bill would keep digital asset activity under American oversight, rather than pushing it offshore, while boosting job creation, tax revenue, innovation, and consumer protection. The updated 616-page bill, released by Senator Cynthia Lummis, defines regulatory roles for the SEC and CFTC, sets standards for exchanges and intermediaries, and includes provisions for stablecoin integration, cybersecurity, and anti-money laundering. Support extends beyond Coinbase, with former SEC Chairman Paul Atkins endorsing the framework. The "Stand With Crypto" advocacy group has mobilized significant voter outreach, highlighting that one in four Americans owns crypto and voter support favors pro-CLARITY candidates. Armstrong framed the vote as a choice for U.S. leadership in finance, technology, and national security.

cryptonews.ru08/04 09:28

Coinbase CEO Urges Senate to Pass CLARITY Act This Week

cryptonews.ru08/04 09:28

Bernstein: Failure of CLARITY Act Could Accelerate Crypto Regulation Development by SEC and CFTC

Analysts at Bernstein state that the likelihood of the CLARITY Act passing in 2026 is diminishing. They argue that its potential failure could, however, accelerate the SEC and CFTC's work on crypto-specific regulations under the Project Crypto initiative, as time for Senate approval before the congressional recess is nearly exhausted. While a short-term negative market reaction is possible, Bernstein believes regulatory reform will not halt. Instead, the SEC and CFTC may expedite guidance on token classification, DeFi, self-custody rules, and potentially introduce a temporary "innovation exemption" for certain token offerings. The firm also expects U.S. regulators to continue supporting tokenized real-world assets (RWA), perpetual futures for RWAs, and prediction markets, regardless of the bill's fate. Nevertheless, analysts view the potential failure as a disappointment, as the CLARITY Act would have provided long-term regulatory clarity and encouraged greater institutional investment. The push for a vote before Congress's August recess, supported by Grayscale Investments, faces opposition from figures like New York Attorney General Letitia James, who argues the bill would hinder state-level law enforcement efforts against crypto fraud and advocates for stricter regulations.

cryptonews.ru08/03 15:35

Bernstein: Failure of CLARITY Act Could Accelerate Crypto Regulation Development by SEC and CFTC

cryptonews.ru08/03 15:35

CLARITY Act failure could send crypto valuations lower: Bernstein

Wealth manager Bernstein warns that the declining odds of the U.S. CLARITY Act's passage could send cryptocurrency valuations lower. With the Senate's summer recess approaching, prediction markets now place only a 31% chance of the bill becoming law by end-2026. Bernstein anticipates a negative market reaction if the legislation fails but suggests it could prompt more proactive regulatory action from the SEC and CFTC under "Project Crypto." This initiative aims to create a temporary framework for digital assets. The bill faces opposition from banking groups over stablecoin yield provisions, and analysts predict the crypto market may bottom in late Q3 or early Q4.

cointelegraph08/03 12:15

CLARITY Act failure could send crypto valuations lower: Bernstein