Digital Assets

CME Group, the Chicago-based derivatives exchange operator, expanded its regulated cryptocurrency derivatives offerings through two related developments in 2026. On May 14, 2026, it announced plans to launch Nasdaq CME Crypto Index futures on June 8, pending regulatory review, describing the contract as its first market-cap-weighted futures product (Index Futures Release). About two weeks later, […]

Last updated: May 24, 2026 Editor’s note (May 24, 2026): This article describes the SEC’s January 28, 2026 Staff Statement on Tokenized Securities. On March 17, 2026, the SEC and CFTC issued a joint interpretive release establishing a broader five-part token taxonomy for crypto assets (digital commodities, digital collectibles, digital tools, stablecoins, and digital securities).

Last updated: May 24, 2026 On May 29, 2025, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) announced a whistleblower award of approximately $700,000 to a single whistleblower, underscoring the critical role of whistleblowers in enforcing regulations within commodity markets, including emerging areas like digital assets. Whistleblower Program Background The CFTC Whistleblower Program, established under Section 748

Last updated: May 24, 2026 The SEC Whistleblower Program, established in 2010, encourages reporting of securities law violations, including cryptocurrency fraud, by offering awards up to 30% of collected sanctions. A March 24, 2025, whistleblower award proceeding (Release No. 102717) involved four covered actions. Initially, claims for two actions were late, but the SEC waived