CFTC grants Phantom Wallet no-action relief, allowing self-custody users to access regulated derivatives markets without broker registration.
The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission has taken a new step in crypto policy by granting relief to Phantom Wallet.
The decision allows the self-custodial platform to connect users with regulated derivatives markets under defined conditions.
The move signals a shift in how regulators view wallet-based access to financial services.
CFTC Grants Relief to Phantom Wallet
The CFTC’s Market Participants Division issued a no-action letter to Phantom. The letter states the agency will not pursue enforcement action under specific conditions.
These conditions define how Phantom can operate within regulated markets.
Phantom can enable users to access derivatives trading through registered entities. These include futures commission merchants and designated contract markets.
Users place trades directly with these regulated platforms. The regulator clarified that Phantom must remain non-custodial.
The company cannot hold user funds or execute trades on their behalf. It acts only as a software interface that connects users to trading venues.
Non-Custodial Model Gains Regulatory Clarity
The decision focuses on Phantom’s role as a non-custodial wallet provider. The platform does not act as a broker or intermediary. This distinction formed the basis for the CFTC’s position.
Phantom stated that it engaged with regulators before launching the feature. The company said this approach helped define compliance standards early.
“Rather than building first and seeking forgiveness later, we took a different approach,” the team said.
Phantom CEO Brandon Millman also commented on the outcome.
He said, “A critical part of making crypto safe and easy to use is building products that are governed by clear, common-sense regulations.” He added that the decision may guide similar efforts in the sector.
Related Reading: CFTC Chief Urges Congress to Quickly Pass the CLARITY Act
Broader Access to Regulated Trading
The approval allows Phantom to integrate regulated derivatives and event contracts into its app.
These services will be offered through registered partners. Users can access trading tools without moving assets to a traditional broker.
The development supports direct interaction between self-custody wallets and regulated financial systems.
It also reflects growing coordination between crypto firms and regulators. More platforms may adopt similar models under defined rules.
Phantom, which is widely used in the Solana ecosystem, continues to expand multi-chain support.
The CFTC’s action enables new use cases for wallet infrastructure. It also creates a path for combining self-custody with regulated market access.
Source: https://www.livebitcoinnews.com/cftc-clears-path-for-self-custody-wallets-in-regulated-trading-access/
