- The US CFTC will conduct a pilot test to determine crypto integration in mainstream finance.
- Ripple Labs will play a key role amid growing ties with the pro-crypto Trump administration.
The US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) plans to launch a pilot program to assess the use of digital assets as collateral in financial markets. Scott Melker, host of The Wolf of All Streets podcast, shared the news in an X post. He noted that the pilot launch will focus on stablecoins and involve key industry stakeholders like Ripple Labs.
Key Focus of CFTC’s Proposed Pilot
In his post, Melker highlighted that acting Chair Caroline Pham announced this initiative. According to Pham, the pilot program will focus on “tokenized non-cash collateral” in trading and clearing activities, especially in stablecoins feasibility.
The CFTC plans to host a CEO Forum for the proposed initiative. This will likely involve key players in the crypto industry, such as Ripple, Crypto.com, Coinbase, and Circle. The forum will facilitate talks on the practical applications and risks of integrating digital assets into traditional financial structures.
Ripple, a blockchain-based payments company, is primarily involved in this pilot program. The firm has actively worked with regulators and policymakers to transform the crypto ecosystem. Hence, Ripple’s participation in the CFTC pilot will strengthen its position as a key contributor in crypto adoption and regulation debates.
Moreover, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has maintained close ties with U.S. President Donald Trump. Several reports suggested the CEO as a leading candidate for a role in the White House’s crypto advisory board.
In a recent study CNF reported on, Garlinghouse confirmed he had discussions with Donald Trump. Before the meeting, the CEO praised Trump’s pro-crypto policies for boosting XRP and advancing Ripple’s stablecoin RLUSD.
In another CNF update, Garlinghouse mentioned that Ripple plans to focus on real-world utility this year. He foresees Ripple seeing substantial growth and transforming the financial ecosystem with its focus on real-world utility.
Impact of CFTC’s Pilot Program
This pilot initiative is crucial to incorporating digital assets into the US financial system. In hindsight, the CFTC’s emphasis on tokenized collateral indicates that authorities are investigating how stablecoins and other digital assets can enhance market efficiency while mitigating risks.
Additionally, the involvement of the CEO Forum indicates a collaborative approach to addressing regulatory concerns. This collaboration is particularly important for Ripple with its recently launched RLUSD stablecoin. RLUSD could act as a helpful resource in CFTC’s program.
Furthermore, the initiative could pave the way for more structured guidelines on digital asset use in financial markets. This could lead to broader adoption by institutional investors. Also, the project builds on Pham’s previous proposal for a CFTC pilot program to serve as a US regulatory sandbox.
The CFTC’s move follows a recently released draft bill of the latest stablecoin regulations. This bill seeks clarity for the United States’ payment stablecoin issuing and operation.
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