The exchange challenges the CFTC’s regulatory stance on perpetual futures, calling the agency’s complaint frivolous amid broader industry pushback.
CME Group has sued the Commodity Futures Trading Commission over its oversight of crypto perpetual futures contracts. The lawsuit follows comments from CME CEO Terrence Duffy, who argued the contracts trade similarly to traditional futures and that the Commodity Exchange Act lacks a clear definition for them.
The CFTC responded by accusing CME of engaging in lawfare against the agency’s crypto policies, labeling the complaint frivolous. The dispute comes as exchanges like ICE and CME lobby regulators to address energy trading platforms like Hyperliquid, while Kraken expands perpetual futures access for U.S. users.
The CFTC currently operates with only one commissioner, Rostin Selig, after the Senate confirmed him in December 2025. President Trump has yet to nominate additional commissioners despite congressional pressure.