Bitnomial, a Chicago-based derivatives exchange, has received approval to offer spot cryptocurrency trading directly under the supervision of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). The move marks the first time that U.S. retail traders can buy and sell digital assets on a federally regulated commodities exchange.

Bitnomial’s self-certified rules, which took effect Friday, allow it to list both leveraged and non-leveraged spot crypto products, Coindesk reported. Customers will be able to trade digital assets and access financing options on a platform fully recognized by federal authorities.

Regulatory Clarity for Crypto Exchanges

The approval comes as the CFTC moves to clarify its role in supervising spot crypto commodities. Both the CFTC and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) recently confirmed that existing laws allow exchanges registered with either agency to offer certain crypto products, including those with leverage, provided there is proper coordination with regulators.

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Bitnomial’s approval could set a precedent for other exchanges holding designated contract market (DCM) status. Platforms such as Coinbase, Kalshi, and Polymarket may follow suit, bringing additional spot crypto offerings under federal supervision. The development represents a significant step toward integrating digital assets into regulated U.S. financial markets.

CFTC-Regulated XRP Futures

Early this year, Bitnomial launched the first CFTC-regulated XRP futures in the United States. The move followed the company’s voluntary decision to dismiss a lawsuit against the SEC.

The Chicago-based firm said that its physically settled XRP futures will be available to existing users starting March 20. This marked the first time such XRP derivatives traded under federal oversight in the U.S., and represented a milestone for the country’s cryptocurrency derivatives market.

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Bitnomial explained that improved regulatory clarity was a key reason for dropping its legal action against the SEC. The lawsuit had previously challenged the SEC’s attempts to block the exchange from listing XRP futures.

Source: Finance Magnates