CFTC Seeks Public Input on AI Computing Power Derivatives Market

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is actively seeking public input regarding the development of derivatives markets associated with AI computing power. This initiative comes as the demand for AI infrastructure continues to surge, prompting the agency to better understand the compute markets and establish a regulatory framework for derivatives linked to this resource.

CFTC Chairman Michael S. Selig emphasized the importance of a robust derivatives market for computing power, stating, “America cannot win the AI race without a robust derivatives market for compute.” He likened the potential role of US derivatives markets for computing to that of commodity markets in supporting the industrial economy.

The CFTC's request for comments will focus on various aspects, including the size and liquidity of compute cash markets, market oversight, risks of manipulation, customer protections, and the concept of perpetual compute futures. The agency is inviting feedback on these topics as it evaluates how to regulate derivatives tied to computing resources. Public comments will be accepted for 60 days following the publication of the request in the Federal Register.