The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has launched a broad review of its regulatory framework, seeking public input on rules that may be slowing innovation across crypto, blockchain, and financial technology.
On Tuesday, the agency issued a Request for Information (RFI) asking market participants to identify regulations, guidance, no-action letters, and licensing requirements that unnecessarily restrict fintech firms from partnering with CFTC-regulated financial institutions or entering the U.S. derivatives market.
The initiative follows President Donald Trump’s Executive Order 14405, which directs federal financial regulators to identify rules that could be modernized to promote innovation while maintaining market integrity and consumer protection.
CFTC opens door to regulatory overhaul
The Commission said the review is intended to identify regulatory requirements that are no longer fit for purpose, particularly for fintech firms developing blockchain-based services, digital asset products, payment infrastructure, and other technology-driven financial services.
The agency is also evaluating whether existing registration and authorization processes can be streamlined for firms seeking approval to operate as futures commission merchants, swap dealers, designated contract markets, clearing organizations, swap execution facilities, commodity pool operators, commodity trading advisors, and other regulated entities.
Public comments will remain open for 21 days after the RFI is published in the Federal Register.
Crypto and DeFi firms invited to shape future rules
The consultation extends beyond traditional financial firms and specifically asks whether current regulatory categories adequately accommodate emerging technologies.
Among the questions posed by the Commission are whether decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols and blockchain-based businesses fit within existing registration frameworks, whether some registration requirements are unnecessarily broad, and which regulations create barriers to partnerships between fintech companies and regulated derivatives firms.
The CFTC also asked stakeholders to identify specific rules, guidance documents, exemptive orders, or staff no-action letters that should be amended or withdrawn.
Focus turns to registration and market access
The agency is examining whether fintech companies face unnecessary hurdles when applying for CFTC registrations or authorizations. It is seeking recommendations on how application processes can be simplified without compromising financial stability, market integrity, customer protections, or oversight of derivatives markets.
The Commission said information gathered through the consultation could inform future guidance, policy statements, interpretive letters, or formal rulemaking.
CFTC broadens regulatory agenda beyond fintech
The Request for Information comes as the CFTC is simultaneously revisiting other areas of crypto and derivatives regulation. A week ago, the Commission proposed a new framework for prediction markets that would establish a formal review process for event contracts tied to sports, elections, and other real-world outcomes.
Rather than prohibiting such products outright, the proposal would require the agency to assess contracts individually to determine whether they conflict with public interest standards set by Congress, reflecting the CFTC’s broader effort to modernize oversight while adapting to emerging financial products.
Review stems from Trump’s fintech executive order
The regulatory review was launched to comply with Executive Order 14405, signed on May 19, 2026. The order directs federal financial regulators to examine existing supervisory practices and regulations that may inhibit innovation, particularly for smaller and emerging fintech firms.
It broadly defines fintech companies to include businesses involved in digital payments, lending, brokerage services, custody, investment management, blockchain infrastructure, digital assets, and other technology-enabled financial services.
Following the review, the executive order requires regulators to take steps within 180 days to encourage innovation while preserving financial stability and consumer protections.
Potential deregulatory changes could follow
The CFTC noted that the Request for Information itself is not a rulemaking but could lead to significant regulatory changes. The document states that responses may support future amendments to regulations, updated guidance, streamlined licensing procedures, or other actions designed to reduce unnecessary barriers for fintech firms.
The agency also acknowledged that the initiative qualifies as a significant regulatory action and said it is expected to potentially result in future deregulatory measures under Executive Order 14192, which focuses on reducing regulatory burdens across federal agencies.
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