December 11, 2018

CFTC Seeks Public Comments on Crypto-asset Mechanics and Markets

— The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is seeking public comment and feedback in order to better inform the Commission’s understanding of the technology, mechanics, and markets for virtual currencies beyond Bitcoin, namely Ether and its use on the Ethereum Network.

In a Request for Information (RFI) that will be published in the Federal Register, the CFTC is asking for public feedback on a range of questions related to the underlying technology, opportunities, risks, mechanics, use cases, and markets, related to Ether and the Ethereum Network. All comments must be received within 60 days of publication in the Federal Register. The RFI also seeks to understand similarities and distinctions between Ether and Bitcoin, as well as Ether-specific opportunities, challenges, and risks.

The CFTC expects the comments and information received will benefit LabCFTC, the CFTC’s fintech initiative, and help to inform the Commission’s understanding of these emerging technologies.

About LabCFTC

Launched in May 2017, LabCFTC is dedicated to facilitating market-enhancing financial technology (fintech) innovation, informing policy, and ensuring the agency has the regulatory and technological tools and understanding to keep pace with changing markets. LabCFTC is designed to make the CFTC more accessible to fintech innovators, and serves as a platform to inform the Commission's understanding of emerging technologies. LabCFTC will enable the CFTC to be proactive and forward-thinking as fintech applications continue to develop, and to help identify related regulatory opportunities, challenges, and, risks. Find more information at LabCFTC.