Michael Selig confirmed as CFTC Chairman, goals to spice up crypto innovation and make the U.S. the worldwide hub for digital belongings.
Michael Selig has formally been confirmed because the fifteenth Chairman of the Commodity Futures Buying and selling Fee (CFTC). His appointment comes at a time when digital asset regulation is changing into a prime precedence in Washington.
Selig has made it clear that considered one of his key targets is to assist innovation in crypto markets. He stated he intends to assist make america the “Crypto Capital of the World.”
Selig Helps Clear Crypto Guidelines and Market Progress
Michael Selig takes cost because the CFTC prepares for brand spanking new duties in crypto market oversight. Congress is engaged on laws that might give the CFTC extra authority on this house.
Selig stated clear and honest guidelines will assist assist innovation and shield customers. He additionally needs laws that work for each massive platforms and small builders.
🚨𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆: 𝐏𝐑𝐎-𝐂𝐑𝐘𝐏𝐓𝐎 𝐌𝐈𝐊𝐄 𝐒𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐆 𝐓𝐀𝐊𝐄𝐒 𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑 𝐀𝐒 𝐂𝐅𝐓𝐂 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐈𝐑 — “𝐎𝐍𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐃𝐒.” 🚀🇺🇸
Mike Selig (@MichaelSelig) formally begins as @CFTC Chair at this time and his first message is evident: “𝒂 𝒏𝒆𝒘 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒄𝒓𝒚𝒑𝒕𝒐 𝒊𝒏… pic.twitter.com/u98x0Mwht4
— Diana (@InvestWithD) December 22, 2025
Selig brings expertise from the Securities and Alternate Fee, the place he suggested on crypto compliance and enforcement. His work there gave him an in depth view of how crypto markets function.
Now, he goals to make use of that background to form CFTC insurance policies that meet present market wants. He additionally stated digital belongings shouldn’t be held again by unclear or outdated guidelines.
Throughout his affirmation listening to, Selig defined his method to rulemaking. He stated the CFTC ought to concentrate on sensible requirements that assist markets run effectively. He added that clear guidelines will enable U.S. companies to develop with out being pressured to maneuver abroad.
That message is prone to attraction to crypto firms searching for readability and stability.
Associated Studying: CFTC Engages Exchanges on Leveraged Crypto Buying and selling Plans
Plans for Cross-Company Coordination and Good Enforcement
Selig is predicted to proceed the company’s current efforts to work carefully with different monetary regulators.
These embody the SEC, banking companies, and the Treasury Division. He stated that higher coordination will assist create a constant method to crypto coverage throughout the federal government. This may increasingly additionally assist keep away from regulatory gaps and confusion.
I’m honored to be confirmed because the sixteenth Chairman of the @CFTC.
I need to once more specific my gratitude to President Donald J. Trump @POTUS for putting his belief and confidence in me to steer the company throughout this historic time. I additionally need to thank @SenateAgGOP and the U.S. Senate…
— Mike Selig (@MichaelSelig) December 22, 2025
Current CFTC initiatives underneath Performing Chair Caroline Pham might proceed underneath Selig’s management. These embody a crypto pilot program for tokenized collateral and plans for listed spot crypto buying and selling.
Selig has proven curiosity in these efforts and should transfer to increase them additional. This might open extra alternatives for crypto buying and selling underneath CFTC supervision.
On the similar time, Selig stated enforcement stays a core a part of the company’s job. He defined that enforcement ought to concentrate on fraud, manipulation, and defending customers.
He doesn’t assist heavy penalties for small technical violations that don’t hurt markets.
This shift in focus might assist firms really feel extra comfy working with regulators.
A Push for Less complicated Guidelines and Decrease Compliance Burdens
One in every of Selig’s most important targets is to cut back the regulatory burden on registered corporations. He stated many guidelines are too complicated and troublesome to observe. He additionally raised considerations about casual steerage and no-action letters that act like hidden guidelines.
Selig stated laws must be straightforward to know and apply.
He famous that some compliance steps take an excessive amount of time and supply little worth. For instance, reporting errors that don’t hurt anybody should result in enforcement.
Selig stated this isn’t the very best use of company assets. As a substitute, he plans to focus consideration on the highest-risk points.
The CFTC has already began modernizing its inner processes. Below Pham, the company adjusted enforcement procedures and added extra transparency.
Selig is predicted to proceed these updates whereas additionally reviewing older insurance policies. His purpose is to make the CFTC extra environment friendly, open, and prepared for brand spanking new market challenges.