The CFTC approves Bitcoin Ethereum and USDC as new financial guarantees

The United States takes a decisive step in integrating cryptos into the traditional financial system. Caroline Pham, acting chair of the CFTC, has just authorized the use of bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDC as collateral in the US derivatives markets. A decision that could well redefine the rules of the game.

The CFTC admits Bitcoin and Ethereum as collateral

Caroline Pham, acting chair of the CFTC, unveiled on Monday her “pilot program on digital assets”. 

Three cryptos make their official entry into the arsenal of accepted collateral: Bitcoin, Ethereum, and the stablecoin USDC. This decision marks a break from decades of traditional financial practices.

The regulator nevertheless imposes a strict framework. Futures brokers will have to submit a detailed weekly statement of the digital assets deposited in client accounts. They will also be required to immediately report any major technical failure affecting these guarantees. The CFTC does not play around with security.

“Adopting responsible innovation ensures that US markets remain global leaders“, stated Pham. Behind this institutional phrase hides a clear ambition: not to let Singapore, Dubai, or Hong Kong capture the financial innovation of the 21st century. The United States wants to stay in the race.

This initiative extends an approach started last September with the extension of tokenized collateral. The CFTC advances methodically, testing each innovation before expanding it. A pragmatic approach that breaks with the regulatory stagnation of previous years.

An ecosystem in full mutation

Paul Grewal, legal director of Coinbase, did not hide his enthusiasm: 

The CFTC’s decision confirms what the industry has long known: stablecoins and digital assets enable faster, cheaper, and less risky payments. 

The American exchange finally sees its lobbying efforts pay off.

The regulator has also withdrawn a former notice that limited brokers’ ability to accept virtual currencies. The GENIUS law on stablecoins, adopted this summer, made this restriction obsolete. The legislative framework is finally evolving at the pace of innovation.

This announcement comes a few days after the authorization granted to Bitnomial to offer spot crypto products. The CFTC is multiplying positive signals. Caroline Pham also leads the “Crypto Sprint”, an initiative aimed at quickly clarifying regulation. She even envisages creating a digital asset experimentation laboratory.

Coinbase, Polymarket, and Kalshi are now on the list of CFTC designated regulated markets. These platforms will soon be able to operate under full federal supervision, offering American investors an alternative to offshore exchanges. The message is clear: the United States wants to bring volumes back home.

The CFTC redefines the rules of the financial game. By accepting Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDC as collateral, it implicitly recognizes their maturity and legitimacy. This decision goes beyond simple technical innovation: it reflects a political will to embrace digital finance without sacrificing investor protection. The balance remains fragile, but the signal sent to global markets resonates loudly.