Heath Tarbert says that Ether falls under the jurisdiction of the CFTC.
FM
United States Commodities and Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Chairman Heath Tarbert has determined that Ether (ETH) is a commodity, and therefore that it falls under the jurisdiction of the Commission. The announcement came at came during an interview at the Yahoo! Finance All Markets Summit in New York City, where Tarbert also said that he expects to see ETH-based futures trading in the near future. Tarbert began his tenure as CFTC Chair in July.
Tarbert agrees with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)’s view that neither Bitcoin (BTC) nor Ether are securities: “we've been very clear on bitcoin: bitcoin is a commodity. We haven't said anything about ether—until now,” Tarbert said. “It is my view as chairman of the CFTC that ether is a commodity.”
The CFTC originally declared that Bitcoin and other virtual currencies were legally classified as commodities in 2015 in a filing against Coinflip, a Bitcoin ATM company.
Forked assets will most likely be legally classified the same way that the parent asset is classified
“If the original digital asset hasn’t been determined to be a security and is, therefore, a commodity, most likely the forked asset will be the same – unless the fork itself raises some securities law issues under that classic Howey Test,” Tarbert said, possibly implying that the CFTC’s classification of a cryptocurrency depends on how a coin is created.
Heath Tarbert, the 14th Chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.
He added that he believes that the Howey Test, which is used to determine whether or not an asset is a security, is still relevant: "it has stood the test of time,” he said. The text refers to a legal case that took place in 1946.
“Ultimately it goes to the fundamental question: is this something that is being used for capital raising, and are you investing in an enterprise, or are you buying something that has tangible store of value in and of itself?”
SEC's Bill Hinman: newly-created tokens are most likely to be considered as securities.
Tarbert’s comments on forked coins may not necessarily be in line with the SEC’s view on the matter. Bill Hinman, the SEC’s director of corporate finance, said last year Yahoo Finance’s All Markets Summit: Crypto in San Francisco in June of last year that newly-created tokens are most likely to be considered as securities.
Hinman explained that this is because most new tokens marketed with “the promise that the assets will be cultivated in a way that will cause them to grow in value, to be sold later at a profit,” and “typically are sold to a wide audience rather than to persons who are likely to use them on the network.”
Fintech holds tremendous promise for our country. I look forward to hosting innovators, regulators, and market participants from across the country and beyond for an insightful discussion. https://t.co/tJ6MrZUvkH
The US CFTC has a reputation for being rather crypto-friendly. Christopher Giancarlo, who served as the Commission's previous chairman, was known in the industry as “Crypto Dad.”
The CFTC’s quest to better understand Ethereum specifically began In 2018, when the CFTC put out a public request for commentary on ‘“virtual currencies beyond Bitcoin, namely here ether and its use on the Ethereum Network.”
In March of this year, CFTC commissioner Brian Quintenz delivered a speech in which he may have implied that ETH-based derivatives were on the horizon, saying that the Commission was also seeking comments on "potential new virtual currency-based futures and derivatives products." He also expressed concern that the Ethereum network’s move from a Proof-of-Work algorithm to a Proof-of-Stake algorithm could leave the network vulnerable to market manipulation.
United States Commodities and Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Chairman Heath Tarbert has determined that Ether (ETH) is a commodity, and therefore that it falls under the jurisdiction of the Commission. The announcement came at came during an interview at the Yahoo! Finance All Markets Summit in New York City, where Tarbert also said that he expects to see ETH-based futures trading in the near future. Tarbert began his tenure as CFTC Chair in July.
Tarbert agrees with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)’s view that neither Bitcoin (BTC) nor Ether are securities: “we've been very clear on bitcoin: bitcoin is a commodity. We haven't said anything about ether—until now,” Tarbert said. “It is my view as chairman of the CFTC that ether is a commodity.”
The CFTC originally declared that Bitcoin and other virtual currencies were legally classified as commodities in 2015 in a filing against Coinflip, a Bitcoin ATM company.
Forked assets will most likely be legally classified the same way that the parent asset is classified
“If the original digital asset hasn’t been determined to be a security and is, therefore, a commodity, most likely the forked asset will be the same – unless the fork itself raises some securities law issues under that classic Howey Test,” Tarbert said, possibly implying that the CFTC’s classification of a cryptocurrency depends on how a coin is created.
Heath Tarbert, the 14th Chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.
He added that he believes that the Howey Test, which is used to determine whether or not an asset is a security, is still relevant: "it has stood the test of time,” he said. The text refers to a legal case that took place in 1946.
“Ultimately it goes to the fundamental question: is this something that is being used for capital raising, and are you investing in an enterprise, or are you buying something that has tangible store of value in and of itself?”
SEC's Bill Hinman: newly-created tokens are most likely to be considered as securities.
Tarbert’s comments on forked coins may not necessarily be in line with the SEC’s view on the matter. Bill Hinman, the SEC’s director of corporate finance, said last year Yahoo Finance’s All Markets Summit: Crypto in San Francisco in June of last year that newly-created tokens are most likely to be considered as securities.
Hinman explained that this is because most new tokens marketed with “the promise that the assets will be cultivated in a way that will cause them to grow in value, to be sold later at a profit,” and “typically are sold to a wide audience rather than to persons who are likely to use them on the network.”
Fintech holds tremendous promise for our country. I look forward to hosting innovators, regulators, and market participants from across the country and beyond for an insightful discussion. https://t.co/tJ6MrZUvkH
The US CFTC has a reputation for being rather crypto-friendly. Christopher Giancarlo, who served as the Commission's previous chairman, was known in the industry as “Crypto Dad.”
The CFTC’s quest to better understand Ethereum specifically began In 2018, when the CFTC put out a public request for commentary on ‘“virtual currencies beyond Bitcoin, namely here ether and its use on the Ethereum Network.”
In March of this year, CFTC commissioner Brian Quintenz delivered a speech in which he may have implied that ETH-based derivatives were on the horizon, saying that the Commission was also seeking comments on "potential new virtual currency-based futures and derivatives products." He also expressed concern that the Ethereum network’s move from a Proof-of-Work algorithm to a Proof-of-Stake algorithm could leave the network vulnerable to market manipulation.
Rachel is a self-taught crypto geek and a passionate writer. She believes in the power that the written word has to educate, connect and empower individuals to make positive and powerful financial choices. She is the Podcast Host and a Cryptocurrency Editor at Finance Magnates.
As event contracts are set for ‘super-cycle’ growth in volumes and recognition, retail brokers simply can’t stay behind. But can regulated entities integrate a product that is awfully similar to betting?
Join builders across the ecosystemto gain insight into the industry's current and future stance on prediction markets.
Attendees will walk away with:
Better understanding of how the CME, Plus500, and prediction platforms collaborate
Assessment of 2026’s expected volumes and new ‘event’ areas ripe for contracts
Cross-industry understanding of different strategies by brokers (co-opt, partner, buy)
As event contracts are set for ‘super-cycle’ growth in volumes and recognition, retail brokers simply can’t stay behind. But can regulated entities integrate a product that is awfully similar to betting?
Join builders across the ecosystemto gain insight into the industry's current and future stance on prediction markets.
Attendees will walk away with:
Better understanding of how the CME, Plus500, and prediction platforms collaborate
Assessment of 2026’s expected volumes and new ‘event’ areas ripe for contracts
Cross-industry understanding of different strategies by brokers (co-opt, partner, buy)
As event contracts are set for ‘super-cycle’ growth in volumes and recognition, retail brokers simply can’t stay behind. But can regulated entities integrate a product that is awfully similar to betting?
Join builders across the ecosystemto gain insight into the industry's current and future stance on prediction markets.
Attendees will walk away with:
Better understanding of how the CME, Plus500, and prediction platforms collaborate
Assessment of 2026’s expected volumes and new ‘event’ areas ripe for contracts
Cross-industry understanding of different strategies by brokers (co-opt, partner, buy)
As event contracts are set for ‘super-cycle’ growth in volumes and recognition, retail brokers simply can’t stay behind. But can regulated entities integrate a product that is awfully similar to betting?
Join builders across the ecosystemto gain insight into the industry's current and future stance on prediction markets.
Attendees will walk away with:
Better understanding of how the CME, Plus500, and prediction platforms collaborate
Assessment of 2026’s expected volumes and new ‘event’ areas ripe for contracts
Cross-industry understanding of different strategies by brokers (co-opt, partner, buy)
Precious Insights: APAC's Bullion Market amid Record Volatility
Precious Insights: APAC's Bullion Market amid Record Volatility
Precious Insights: APAC's Bullion Market amid Record Volatility
Precious Insights: APAC's Bullion Market amid Record Volatility
Precious Insights: APAC's Bullion Market amid Record Volatility
Precious Insights: APAC's Bullion Market amid Record Volatility
The precious metals rally has challenged how brokers and LPs think about hedging, pricing, and physical delivery. But with regional banks eyeing physical gold retail and bullion brokers across Southeast Asia harnessing new tech, volatility is not only in 'safe havens'.
This session gathers practitioners from across the bullion ecosystem to unpack what the rally means on the ground in APAC.
Attendees will walk away with:
Insight into the physical market dynamics driving retail demand across Southeast Asia, from central bank buying to store-of-value purchases
Understanding of Singapore's distinct role as APAC's bullion gateway, and competition near and far
Perspective on operational challenges unique to APAC: kilogram pricing, local delivery, and bridging CFD and physical bullion infrastructure
The precious metals rally has challenged how brokers and LPs think about hedging, pricing, and physical delivery. But with regional banks eyeing physical gold retail and bullion brokers across Southeast Asia harnessing new tech, volatility is not only in 'safe havens'.
This session gathers practitioners from across the bullion ecosystem to unpack what the rally means on the ground in APAC.
Attendees will walk away with:
Insight into the physical market dynamics driving retail demand across Southeast Asia, from central bank buying to store-of-value purchases
Understanding of Singapore's distinct role as APAC's bullion gateway, and competition near and far
Perspective on operational challenges unique to APAC: kilogram pricing, local delivery, and bridging CFD and physical bullion infrastructure
The precious metals rally has challenged how brokers and LPs think about hedging, pricing, and physical delivery. But with regional banks eyeing physical gold retail and bullion brokers across Southeast Asia harnessing new tech, volatility is not only in 'safe havens'.
This session gathers practitioners from across the bullion ecosystem to unpack what the rally means on the ground in APAC.
Attendees will walk away with:
Insight into the physical market dynamics driving retail demand across Southeast Asia, from central bank buying to store-of-value purchases
Understanding of Singapore's distinct role as APAC's bullion gateway, and competition near and far
Perspective on operational challenges unique to APAC: kilogram pricing, local delivery, and bridging CFD and physical bullion infrastructure
The precious metals rally has challenged how brokers and LPs think about hedging, pricing, and physical delivery. But with regional banks eyeing physical gold retail and bullion brokers across Southeast Asia harnessing new tech, volatility is not only in 'safe havens'.
This session gathers practitioners from across the bullion ecosystem to unpack what the rally means on the ground in APAC.
Attendees will walk away with:
Insight into the physical market dynamics driving retail demand across Southeast Asia, from central bank buying to store-of-value purchases
Understanding of Singapore's distinct role as APAC's bullion gateway, and competition near and far
Perspective on operational challenges unique to APAC: kilogram pricing, local delivery, and bridging CFD and physical bullion infrastructure
The precious metals rally has challenged how brokers and LPs think about hedging, pricing, and physical delivery. But with regional banks eyeing physical gold retail and bullion brokers across Southeast Asia harnessing new tech, volatility is not only in 'safe havens'.
This session gathers practitioners from across the bullion ecosystem to unpack what the rally means on the ground in APAC.
Attendees will walk away with:
Insight into the physical market dynamics driving retail demand across Southeast Asia, from central bank buying to store-of-value purchases
Understanding of Singapore's distinct role as APAC's bullion gateway, and competition near and far
Perspective on operational challenges unique to APAC: kilogram pricing, local delivery, and bridging CFD and physical bullion infrastructure
The precious metals rally has challenged how brokers and LPs think about hedging, pricing, and physical delivery. But with regional banks eyeing physical gold retail and bullion brokers across Southeast Asia harnessing new tech, volatility is not only in 'safe havens'.
This session gathers practitioners from across the bullion ecosystem to unpack what the rally means on the ground in APAC.
Attendees will walk away with:
Insight into the physical market dynamics driving retail demand across Southeast Asia, from central bank buying to store-of-value purchases
Understanding of Singapore's distinct role as APAC's bullion gateway, and competition near and far
Perspective on operational challenges unique to APAC: kilogram pricing, local delivery, and bridging CFD and physical bullion infrastructure
License to Fill: Market Liquidity amid Global Turmoil
License to Fill: Market Liquidity amid Global Turmoil
License to Fill: Market Liquidity amid Global Turmoil
License to Fill: Market Liquidity amid Global Turmoil
License to Fill: Market Liquidity amid Global Turmoil
License to Fill: Market Liquidity amid Global Turmoil
Asian markets bear unique characteristics, from connectivity to asset preference. The Singapore Summit will connect global executives and local experts across the liquidity chain to discuss volatility fluctuations, diversification vs over-reliance on single assets, and the role of trust and liquidity relationships in an increasingly automated sphere.
Asian markets bear unique characteristics, from connectivity to asset preference. The Singapore Summit will connect global executives and local experts across the liquidity chain to discuss volatility fluctuations, diversification vs over-reliance on single assets, and the role of trust and liquidity relationships in an increasingly automated sphere.
Asian markets bear unique characteristics, from connectivity to asset preference. The Singapore Summit will connect global executives and local experts across the liquidity chain to discuss volatility fluctuations, diversification vs over-reliance on single assets, and the role of trust and liquidity relationships in an increasingly automated sphere.
Asian markets bear unique characteristics, from connectivity to asset preference. The Singapore Summit will connect global executives and local experts across the liquidity chain to discuss volatility fluctuations, diversification vs over-reliance on single assets, and the role of trust and liquidity relationships in an increasingly automated sphere.
Asian markets bear unique characteristics, from connectivity to asset preference. The Singapore Summit will connect global executives and local experts across the liquidity chain to discuss volatility fluctuations, diversification vs over-reliance on single assets, and the role of trust and liquidity relationships in an increasingly automated sphere.
Asian markets bear unique characteristics, from connectivity to asset preference. The Singapore Summit will connect global executives and local experts across the liquidity chain to discuss volatility fluctuations, diversification vs over-reliance on single assets, and the role of trust and liquidity relationships in an increasingly automated sphere.
Regional Focus: Thailand, Vietnam
Regional Focus: Thailand, Vietnam
Regional Focus: Thailand, Vietnam
Regional Focus: Thailand, Vietnam
Regional Focus: Thailand, Vietnam
Regional Focus: Thailand, Vietnam
Bangkok is consolidating as Southeast Asia's broker hub for CLMV access, while Vietnam's trading volumes have made it harder to ignore from any regional headquarters. Most brokers know both exist. Fewer have tested what operating there actually requires.
This session gathers practitioners with on-the-ground experience in both markets to examine what it takes to build and run operations in Thailand and Vietnam.
Attendees will walk away with:
A clear view of setup requirements in both markets: entity structures, timelines, and what first-time operators tend to get wrong
Understanding of the offshore broker model and how compliant operators work within domestic restrictions in each jurisdiction
Insight into talent acquisition, client onboarding, and distribution in markets where language, culture, and acquisition channels don't follow standard APAC assumptions
Perspective on adjacent Southeast Asian markets worth monitoring for the next regional move
Bangkok is consolidating as Southeast Asia's broker hub for CLMV access, while Vietnam's trading volumes have made it harder to ignore from any regional headquarters. Most brokers know both exist. Fewer have tested what operating there actually requires.
This session gathers practitioners with on-the-ground experience in both markets to examine what it takes to build and run operations in Thailand and Vietnam.
Attendees will walk away with:
A clear view of setup requirements in both markets: entity structures, timelines, and what first-time operators tend to get wrong
Understanding of the offshore broker model and how compliant operators work within domestic restrictions in each jurisdiction
Insight into talent acquisition, client onboarding, and distribution in markets where language, culture, and acquisition channels don't follow standard APAC assumptions
Perspective on adjacent Southeast Asian markets worth monitoring for the next regional move
Bangkok is consolidating as Southeast Asia's broker hub for CLMV access, while Vietnam's trading volumes have made it harder to ignore from any regional headquarters. Most brokers know both exist. Fewer have tested what operating there actually requires.
This session gathers practitioners with on-the-ground experience in both markets to examine what it takes to build and run operations in Thailand and Vietnam.
Attendees will walk away with:
A clear view of setup requirements in both markets: entity structures, timelines, and what first-time operators tend to get wrong
Understanding of the offshore broker model and how compliant operators work within domestic restrictions in each jurisdiction
Insight into talent acquisition, client onboarding, and distribution in markets where language, culture, and acquisition channels don't follow standard APAC assumptions
Perspective on adjacent Southeast Asian markets worth monitoring for the next regional move
Bangkok is consolidating as Southeast Asia's broker hub for CLMV access, while Vietnam's trading volumes have made it harder to ignore from any regional headquarters. Most brokers know both exist. Fewer have tested what operating there actually requires.
This session gathers practitioners with on-the-ground experience in both markets to examine what it takes to build and run operations in Thailand and Vietnam.
Attendees will walk away with:
A clear view of setup requirements in both markets: entity structures, timelines, and what first-time operators tend to get wrong
Understanding of the offshore broker model and how compliant operators work within domestic restrictions in each jurisdiction
Insight into talent acquisition, client onboarding, and distribution in markets where language, culture, and acquisition channels don't follow standard APAC assumptions
Perspective on adjacent Southeast Asian markets worth monitoring for the next regional move
Bangkok is consolidating as Southeast Asia's broker hub for CLMV access, while Vietnam's trading volumes have made it harder to ignore from any regional headquarters. Most brokers know both exist. Fewer have tested what operating there actually requires.
This session gathers practitioners with on-the-ground experience in both markets to examine what it takes to build and run operations in Thailand and Vietnam.
Attendees will walk away with:
A clear view of setup requirements in both markets: entity structures, timelines, and what first-time operators tend to get wrong
Understanding of the offshore broker model and how compliant operators work within domestic restrictions in each jurisdiction
Insight into talent acquisition, client onboarding, and distribution in markets where language, culture, and acquisition channels don't follow standard APAC assumptions
Perspective on adjacent Southeast Asian markets worth monitoring for the next regional move
Bangkok is consolidating as Southeast Asia's broker hub for CLMV access, while Vietnam's trading volumes have made it harder to ignore from any regional headquarters. Most brokers know both exist. Fewer have tested what operating there actually requires.
This session gathers practitioners with on-the-ground experience in both markets to examine what it takes to build and run operations in Thailand and Vietnam.
Attendees will walk away with:
A clear view of setup requirements in both markets: entity structures, timelines, and what first-time operators tend to get wrong
Understanding of the offshore broker model and how compliant operators work within domestic restrictions in each jurisdiction
Insight into talent acquisition, client onboarding, and distribution in markets where language, culture, and acquisition channels don't follow standard APAC assumptions
Perspective on adjacent Southeast Asian markets worth monitoring for the next regional move
Join The Club: What Premium Clients Want
Join The Club: What Premium Clients Want
Join The Club: What Premium Clients Want
Join The Club: What Premium Clients Want
Join The Club: What Premium Clients Want
Join The Club: What Premium Clients Want
High-net-worth traders account for an outsized portion of revenues for various retail brokers.
This session will gather heads of premium, acquisition, and product experts to reveal how they build their client base in Asia.
Attendees will walk away with:
Understanding of how brokers view premium clients (beyond deposit size).
Insight into which services, products, and benefits increase trust and LTV.
Examples of offerings that scale without inflating cost or operational burden.
Lessons from leading brokers on growing premium segments and what’s next.
High-net-worth traders account for an outsized portion of revenues for various retail brokers.
This session will gather heads of premium, acquisition, and product experts to reveal how they build their client base in Asia.
Attendees will walk away with:
Understanding of how brokers view premium clients (beyond deposit size).
Insight into which services, products, and benefits increase trust and LTV.
Examples of offerings that scale without inflating cost or operational burden.
Lessons from leading brokers on growing premium segments and what’s next.
High-net-worth traders account for an outsized portion of revenues for various retail brokers.
This session will gather heads of premium, acquisition, and product experts to reveal how they build their client base in Asia.
Attendees will walk away with:
Understanding of how brokers view premium clients (beyond deposit size).
Insight into which services, products, and benefits increase trust and LTV.
Examples of offerings that scale without inflating cost or operational burden.
Lessons from leading brokers on growing premium segments and what’s next.
High-net-worth traders account for an outsized portion of revenues for various retail brokers.
This session will gather heads of premium, acquisition, and product experts to reveal how they build their client base in Asia.
Attendees will walk away with:
Understanding of how brokers view premium clients (beyond deposit size).
Insight into which services, products, and benefits increase trust and LTV.
Examples of offerings that scale without inflating cost or operational burden.
Lessons from leading brokers on growing premium segments and what’s next.
High-net-worth traders account for an outsized portion of revenues for various retail brokers.
This session will gather heads of premium, acquisition, and product experts to reveal how they build their client base in Asia.
Attendees will walk away with:
Understanding of how brokers view premium clients (beyond deposit size).
Insight into which services, products, and benefits increase trust and LTV.
Examples of offerings that scale without inflating cost or operational burden.
Lessons from leading brokers on growing premium segments and what’s next.
High-net-worth traders account for an outsized portion of revenues for various retail brokers.
This session will gather heads of premium, acquisition, and product experts to reveal how they build their client base in Asia.
Attendees will walk away with:
Understanding of how brokers view premium clients (beyond deposit size).
Insight into which services, products, and benefits increase trust and LTV.
Examples of offerings that scale without inflating cost or operational burden.
Lessons from leading brokers on growing premium segments and what’s next.
