Mike Selig Named CFTC Chair to Harmonize U.S. Crypto Regulation
On October 25, 2025, President Donald Trump appointed Mike Selig as Chair of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). The move signals a market-friendly shift and highlights the CFTC’s expanding role in U.S. crypto regulation.
Selig, a former Chief Counsel for the SEC’s Crypto Task Force and a CFTC veteran under Chris Giancarlo, is known for supportive policies. After Trump’s 2024 election win, he withdrew major anti-crypto proposals, including the dealer rule and SAG121. His dual-agency background is expected to bolster U.S. crypto regulation by fostering SEC-CFTC harmonization and clear rules for spot cryptocurrency commodities.
According to CFTC data, crypto derivatives trading exceeded $2.5 trillion in 2025, underlining the need for streamlined oversight. Industry surveys show 78% of crypto executives welcome Selig’s appointment, citing innovation, regulatory clarity and liquidity boosts. Selig may also work with the President’s Working Group on Digital Assets to align custody, trading and token classification standards.
Traders can anticipate clearer CFTC guidance on digital assets and spot markets. This development could boost liquidity and cement the U.S. as a leading crypto hub, reshaping the regulatory landscape for digital assets in the coming months.
Bullish
Mike Selig’s appointment as CFTC Chair and his withdrawal of anti-crypto rules signal a more supportive U.S. crypto regulation framework. In the short term, traders may see increased liquidity and reduced compliance uncertainty as spot markets gain clearer oversight. Long term, closer SEC-CFTC harmonization and collaboration with the President’s Working Group on Digital Assets should attract institutional participation and strengthen market stability. Overall, this shift is likely to drive bullish sentiment by positioning the U.S. as a leading hub for regulated crypto trading.