CFTC Updates Crypto and Blockchain FAQs for Registrants and Registered Entities
Key Takeaways
- 01The CFTC released updated staff FAQs on September 24, 2026, addressing crypto-asset and blockchain-related activities by regulated firms.
- 02The FAQs cover customer-fund investments in tokenized permitted investments.
- 03They also address the use of blockchain-based systems for required recordkeeping.
- 04CFTC registrants and registered entities should assess whether relevant tokenization and blockchain arrangements comply with their existing regulatory obligations.
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) published updated staff FAQs on September 24, 2026, covering how CFTC registrants and registered entities may use crypto-asset and blockchain technologies in certain regulated activities.
The updates address two areas: investments of customer funds in tokenized forms of permitted investments, and recordkeeping using blockchain-based systems. “Tokenized” investments are digital representations of assets or instruments that may be held or transferred using distributed-ledger technology.
The guidance is relevant to CFTC-regulated firms and market infrastructure, including registrants and registered entities that handle customer funds or maintain required books and records. They will need to consider whether their proposed tokenized investment arrangements and blockchain recordkeeping practices meet the applicable CFTC requirements.
The FAQs are staff guidance rather than a new CFTC rule. Their practical effect will depend on the specific regulatory obligations applicable to each firm, including customer-fund protection and recordkeeping rules.