The Commodity Futures Trading Commission has updated its regulatory guidance to streamline how regulated firms handle cryptocurrency assets and official recordkeeping. Under the new rules, firms may use a public blockchain as their system of record for mandatory filings without being required to maintain a separate offchain copy. The agency's updated frequently asked questions also clarify that regulated entities are permitted to invest customer funds into tokenized versions of investments that are already allowed under existing rules.

Chairman Michael Selig stated the changes are intended to provide regulatory clarity for the cryptocurrency industry. The guidance follows a July request for clarity from Hyperliquid and Phantom and includes new instructions on using digital assets as collateral in derivatives markets. According to the agency, using a public blockchain for records ensures entries are transparent, tamper-evident, and verifiable by any party.