CFTC Chairmanship: Trump Taps SEC’s Michael Selig For Top Role

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US President Donald Trump has selected Michael Selig to lead the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) in a major development on Friday. This move adds to the long list of positive actions by the Trump administration targeted at providing regulatory clarity for the crypto industry.

Pro-Crypto Selig Gets Nod For CFTC Leadership 

On Friday, Bloomberg reported that the White House is set to name Michael Selig the new Chairman of the CFTC. Selig is expected to take leadership from Caroline D. Pharm, who has been serving as acting Chairman since January 2025.

Selig is a lawyer by profession and gained prominence working as a partner specializing in crypto at Willkie Farr and Gallagher LLP. The incoming CFTC boss has also previously worked as a clerk for former CFTC commissioner and chairman Chris Giancarlo. Presently, Selig serves as chief counsel to the crypto task force of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and also a Senior Adviser to SEC Chairman Paul Atkins. 

Apparently, Trump had previously settled on Brian Quintez, a former CFTC commissioner and present policy head at a16z crypto. However, opposition from Gemini’s Tyler Winklevoss, who cited a conflict of interest, resulted in a change of direction. 

Selig’s nomination has now been submitted to the US Senate. If approved, he will assume leadership of the CFTC at a pivotal moment, as regulators and legislators work to shape a federal regulatory framework for the cryptocurrency industry. Selig’s tenure must maintain focus on the challenge of bridging regulatory approaches between the SEC and CFTC, aiming to establish clearer oversight for both traditional financial markets and digital assets.

Trump Keeps Up The Pressure On Crypto Reform

With Selig’s appointment as the new CFTC Chairman, Trump takes another step in demonstrating his commitment to the crypto industry, fulfilling one of his key campaign promises in making America the crypto capital of the world.

The ongoing regulatory shake-up, which includes Selig’s nomination and the earlier appointment of SEC Chair Paul Atkins, has ushered in initiatives such as the SEC’s Project Crypto and the CFTC’s Crypto Sprint, both aligned with the White House’s broader digital asset agenda.

Meanwhile, legislative progress continues with the recent approval of the GENIUS Act, aimed at regulating the stablecoin sector, while other pivotal proposals, including the CLARITY Act, remain under congressional consideration.

At press time, the total crypto market cap is valued at $3.74 trillion after a 0.15% gain in the past day. Meanwhile, total trading volume is down by 15.06% and valued at $130.06 billion. 

Featured image from Fox Business, chart from Tradingview

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