Big Exchanges Like Nasdaq Can Now List Cryptocurrencies — Here’s Why It Matters

By Emir Abyazov

Wall Street moves into crypto after SEC & CFTC Joint Statement

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) have released a joint statement clarifying the rules for trading cryptocurrencies on the U.S. spot market. 

Regulators confirmed that current laws do not prohibit regulated exchanges from listing cryptocurrency products, marking a major shift for the industry.

Today the SEC and @CFTC issued a Joint Statement clarifying staff’s views that SEC- and CFTC- registered exchanges are not prohibited from facilitating the trading of certain spot commodity products: https://t.co/stsgiQTXjf

— U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (@SECGov) September 2, 2025

What this means for traditional exchanges

In their statement, the agencies made it clear that national stock exchanges, derivatives markets, and recognized foreign trading venues are free to list spot crypto-assets.

“The Divisions provide their view that DCMs, FBOTs, and NSEs are not prohibited from facilitating the trading of certain spot crypto asset products” (quote)

This opens the door for Wall Street giants like Nasdaq, the New York Stock Exchange, CME Group, and Cboe Global Markets to step into crypto trading. Until now, U.S. investors mainly relied on specialized crypto exchanges such as Coinbase and Kraken.

Why this regulatory clarity matters

Regulators also expressed their willingness to review applications from exchanges and address questions about custody and clearing services. The key condition is that any new spot markets must meet high standards of transparency, oversight, and investor protection.

The move follows recommendations from the President’s Task Force on Digital Asset Markets, which urged regulators to provide clarity and keep blockchain innovation in the U.S. 

It aligns with Washington’s push for a more structured framework covering everything from stablecoins to jurisdiction between the SEC and CFTC.

President’s Working Group Report on Digital Assets. Source: White House

With this announcement, cryptocurrency is one step closer to mainstream Wall Street adoption — a development that could reshape the global financial landscape.

Source:: Big Exchanges Like Nasdaq Can Now List Cryptocurrencies — Here’s Why It Matters