Crypto Margin Trading Challenged by U.S. Derivatives Regulator
- CFTC explains what ‘actual delivery’ of digital currency means
- Guidance distinguishes spot trades from futures contracts
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The main U.S. derivatives regulator is taking a significant step in defining the sometimes blurry line between cryptocurrency futures and trading in the spot market.
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission on Tuesday laid out its view on what it means to take “actual delivery” of a digital asset. The long-awaited guidance is significant because it means that there could be penalties for trades that don’t let the buyer take physical possession and control of a coin within 28 days -- the cut off line for when trades in commodities like wheat and oil start to be considered futures contracts.