The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) announced on August 27, 2025, that it will adopt Nasdaq's market surveillance technology to enhance its oversight of both traditional and cryptocurrency markets. This partnership represents a significant upgrade from the CFTC's outdated '90s-era system and aims to provide automated alerts and cross-market analytics for better fraud detection and market manipulation prevention.
Acting CFTC Chair Caroline D. Pham emphasized the importance of staying ahead of market evolution, stating: "As our markets continue to evolve and integrate new technology, it's critical that the CFTC stays ahead of the curve. Nasdaq Market Surveillance will, for the first time, provide the CFTC with automated alerts and cross-market analytics that will benefit each of the CFTC's operating divisions and better protect our markets from fraud, manipulation and abuse."
The technology, which monitors over 50 global exchanges and is used by more than 20 international regulators, will provide real-time analytics and detailed transaction-level analysis. This move aligns with broader U.S. regulatory trends toward crypto-friendly approaches, including recent initiatives like the SEC's Project Crypto and the CFTC's own Crypto Sprint program.
Tal Cohen, President of Nasdaq, commented: "Today's financial markets demand advanced surveillance technology that can adapt to rapid regulatory evolution and emerging asset classes... We're proud to partner with the CFTC and support their mission to promote the integrity, resilience, and vibrancy of U.S. derivatives markets."