CFTC plans crypto CEO forum focused on digital assets pilot

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission has announced plans for a crypto CEO Forum aimed at bringing industry leaders together to discuss a pilot program for digital asset markets.

Specifically, the CFTC is seeking input from leading crypto companies on the agency’s regulatory sandbox for tokenized non-cash collateral. The pilot program will focus on assets such as stablecoins, the CFTC said in a press release.

The CEO Forum will involve executives from several crypto firms, including USDC (USDC) stablecoin issuer Circle and top U.S.-based crypto exchange Coinbase.

Ripple, the company behind XRP (XRP) and the stablecoin RLUSD and crypto exchange Crypto.com will also be part of the forum.

Acting CFTC chair Caroline Pham noted:

“I’m excited to announce this groundbreaking initiative for U.S. digital asset markets. The CFTC is committed to responsible innovation. I look forward to engaging with market participants to deliver on the Trump Administration’s promise of ensuring that America leads the way on economic opportunity.”

President Donald Trump picked Pham as the acting CFTC chair to replace Rostin Behnam, who resigned on Jan. 20. This came as Trump’s pro-crypto stance also showed in the nomination and appointment, in acting capacity, of a new chair at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. 

On Jan. 27, Pham emphasized that the CFTC is going “back to basics,” with roundtable discussions involving crypto industry leaders playing a key role in shaping the regulator’s next steps.

This latest announcement aligns with Pham’s previous push for a CFTC pilot program aimed at enhancing regulatory clarity in crypto markets. In November 2024, a CFTC advisory committee recommended the use of tokenized assets as collateral in financial markets.