US CFTC Seeks Public Opinions on AI Computing Power Futures

Comparatively, as industry giants begin to accept computing power (compute) as a tradable asset, the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is publicly seeking comments on computing power futures contracts. A number of exchanges, including CME (CME), Intercontinental Exchange, and the emerging fintech company Architect Financial Technologies, have announced plans to launch relevant contracts after receiving regulatory approval. According to these exchanges, the establishment of a futures market with computational power will help end users and speculators hedge against energy shortages or other issues that may affect the technological progress of AI developers.

CFTC Chairman Michael Selig said in a statement on Wednesday: “Without a strong computing power derivatives market, the US cannot win the AI race. This consultation is the first step in establishing clear rules for the US computing power market.” One of the issues covered by the CFTC in this consultation is how computing power futures differ from other types of derivatives or underlying products currently regulated by the agency. If hashrate futures are allowed to be listed on exchanges regulated by the CFTC, it may be necessary to further unify the variables affecting the price of computing power, including the price index used as a reference for settlement.