a16z wrote to the CFTC: supporting the listing of computing power derivatives in the United States, stating that the existing regulatory framework can cover it

a16z recently submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) in response to the CFTC's request for comments on the listing of computing power derivative contracts, expressing support for establishing a regulated computing power derivatives market in the United States. The related derivatives would help AI startups and cloud service providers hedge against computing power price, utilization, and duration risks, and reduce the financing costs of AI infrastructure.

a16z stated that the CFTC does not need new statutory authority, as the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA), Part 38 core principles, and Part 40 self-certification process are sufficient, and no new rules are needed before listing. The letter suggested that the CFTC rely on the existing regulatory framework to support the adoption of computing power price benchmarks that comply with the principles of the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO), and allow exchanges to launch cash-settled computing power futures, including fixed-term futures and perpetual contracts. a16z crypto is an investor in Ornn, and ICE announced in May plans to launch GPU computing power futures based on the Ornn Computing Power Price Index (OCPI).