CFTC Allows Offshore Crypto Exchanges to Legally Serve U.S. Customers, Paving the Way for Market Access

The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has taken a major step toward making global crypto markets more accessible to American users. In an advisory released on August 28, 2025, the CFTC clarified that offshore crypto exchanges, such as Binance, can now legally offer services to U.S. customers by registering as Foreign Boards of Trade (FBOTs).
This move ends years of regulatory uncertainty that previously pushed many American traders and crypto firms to operate overseas. Non-U.S. platforms no longer need to obtain full U.S. exchange licenses but instead can follow the well-established FBOT registration process. This framework applies not only to traditional commodities but also to digital assets, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum.
Acting CFTC Chairman Caroline Pham emphasized that this advisory restores market access and gives U.S. traders a clear legal pathway to participate on global platforms. Many American crypto companies, which had relocated offshore amid unclear regulations, now have a route back to the U.S. market.
To further enhance oversight, the CFTC announced the adoption of advanced market surveillance technology. New systems will provide real-time monitoring and fraud detection, creating a safer environment for traders and helping the agency keep pace with the rapidly evolving digital asset markets.
This regulatory shift is part of a broader effort to modernize U.S. digital asset rules and position the United States as a competitive hub for crypto innovation. Foreign exchanges that want to serve American users must still meet standards comparable to those in the U.S., ensuring consumer protections remain strong as market access expands.
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