Pham says CFTC can regulate crypto under existing US commodity law
Image: Crypto.newsFormer CFTC acting chair Caroline Pham stated existing US commodity law gives the regulator authority over crypto without new congressional legislation. She noted only onions and movie box office receipts are excluded from the CFTC's commodity jurisdiction. The CFTC released an advance notice of proposed rulemaking for leveraged retail crypto trading on October 5, 2026. Pham backed the proposals as protections for US retail crypto traders.
Key points
- Caroline Pham argues the Commodity Exchange Act gives the CFTC crypto oversight authority without new laws.
- Onions and movie box office receipts are the only items excluded from CFTC commodity jurisdiction.
- Pham says the CFTC's recent crypto proposals would improve protections for US retail crypto traders.
Why it matters
The CFTC's proposed rules would create a federal framework for leveraged retail crypto trading in the US. Pham's stance suggests the regulator may move forward with crypto oversight without new congressional action.
Sources · 3 publishers
Former Acting Chair Caroline Pham says CFTC can regulate almost everything except ‘onions and box office receipts’
Crypto Briefing
Tier 2
CFTC’s Caroline Pham says agency can regulate nearly all commodities
Crypto.news
Tier 2
CFTC can regulate crypto without new laws, Pham says
Coverage timeline
- First reported by The Block
- Confirmed by Crypto Briefing
- CryptoVideos brief published
How this brief was made. Our system found this event in 3 independent publications, summarised two complete reports with AI and checked every number above against the source text. Sources are linked in full. Not financial advice. Report an error
