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Policy

CFTC Crypto Leverage Rules: TD Cowen Flags a 2028 Problem. What Is It?

CFTC Crypto Leverage Rules May Slip to 2028 As of October 13, 2026, crypto news today is about timing, not price. TD Cowen Washington Research Group’s Jaret Seiberg said in a note on October

AnonymousCryptoCompass newsroom
October 13, 2026
3 min read
NEWS
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CFTC Crypto Leverage Rules May Slip to 2028

As of October 13, 2026, crypto news today is about timing, not price. TD Cowen Washington Research Group’s Jaret Seiberg said in a note on October 12 that CFTC crypto leverage rules may not be finalized until early 2028, and could still fail to take effect.

The Jaret Seiberg CFTC warning follows the agency’s October 5 advance notice on Regulation CTX and Regulation CAM, announced inChairman Michael Selig’s remarks.

What Is the CFTC Crypto Leverage Rule Delay?

The CFTC delay comes from a long rulemaking timeline. Seiberg expects a proposed rule draft in late Q1 or early Q2 2027, with completion in early 2028.

This TD Cowen CFTC forecast also warns that a faster push could face a court challenge over procedure.

Milestone

Expected timing

Formal proposed rule draft

Late Q1 or early Q2 2027

Rule completion

Early 2028

Legal disputes

May run beyond 2028

When Will CFTC Leverage Rules Take Effect?

No effective date exists for the CFTC crypto leverage rules. The October 5 notice is an early stage, so the CFTC crypto rule proposal 2027 window is still an estimate.

Seiberg flagged policy-change risk from the 2028 election cycle, so the CFTC rule 2028 outcome is uncertain even after completion.

Will CFTC Rules Cover Spot Crypto Trading?

The spot trading exemption stays in place for now. Seiberg said the framework will not directly cover spot trading, and Selig’s remarks back that split:

  • Ordinary spot exchanges remain under state money transmission laws.

  • The agency keeps anti-fraud and anti-manipulation authority over them.

  • Only Congress can require every exchange to register.

CFTC Margin Trading Rules for Crypto Explained

Regulation CTX covers CFTC margin crypto trading, meaning margined, financed or leveraged crypto trading for retail users. Selig’sstatement on the proposal calls it a purpose-fit option for exchanges.

  • Regulation CAM creates a new exchange category, the CAM.

  • Futures commission merchants would intermediate these trades.

  • A CFTC proof of reserve audit for crypto platforms holding customer funds in omnibus accounts is contemplated.

Seiberg described the CFTC leverage trading rules and CFTC reserve audit rules as a positive step for crypto leverage regulation, though timing is the issue. The reserve proof audit is the main safeguard.

CFTC Rules for State-Licensed Crypto Exchanges: What Changes?

Seiberg said the plan would bring state-licensed crypto platforms under federal authority. Selig, however, calls it a voluntary federal option, so state-licensed platforms could keep their licenses.

Final rule text will decide which description fits. CFTC crypto leverage rules 2028 timing keeps that question open.

Who Else Covered the Seiberg Forecast?

Wu Blockchain also covered this news in itstweet on X, summarizing the TD Cowen CFTC crypto forecast and the audit requirement.WuBlockchchain Official Tweet

Source : The Block official Blog

Expert View: What Could the Delay Mean?

Analysts following crypto regulation news today may read the timeline as a gap in federal clarity for leveraged retail products. Platforms could keep operating under current state rules meanwhile.

The CFTC crypto rules election 2028 impact may shape how firms plan. CFTC crypto leverage rules could also change in the comment stage.

Price impact, if any, stays uncertain.

Disclaimer: This article is for information only and is not financial, legal, or investment advice. Digital assets are volatile, and you can lose money. Verify details with official sources before making any decision.