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Trump’s CFTC Pick Aims to Close SEC Gap in Cryptocurrency Regulation

Trump’s CFTC Pick Aims to Close SEC Gap in Cryptocurrency Regulation

Bitget-RWA2025/10/24 20:14
By:Bitget-RWA

- Trump nominated SEC crypto task force chief Michael Selig to lead the CFTC, signaling a strategic shift toward unified crypto regulation. - Selig's expertise in bridging SEC-CFTC oversight gaps positions him to accelerate regulatory harmonization for digital assets and derivatives. - The appointment follows failed attempts to appoint industry-linked candidates and aligns with bipartisan efforts to clarify the CFTC's authority over crypto markets. - Selig's confirmation would advance Trump's agenda to est

Donald Trump has selected Michael Selig, who currently serves as chief counsel for the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) crypto task force, as his nominee to chair the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). This move marks a significant change in the administration’s stance on cryptocurrency regulation. Bloomberg first reported the nomination, which was also confirmed by a

and a , placing Selig in charge of an agency that is increasingly responsible for overseeing digital asset markets. Lawmakers are currently working to define the CFTC’s responsibilities as the sector evolves. Selig’s experience in coordinating regulatory efforts between the SEC and CFTC has made him instrumental in attempts to unify oversight of crypto derivatives and tokenized assets.

The urgency of the CFTC’s role in digital asset regulation has grown as federal agencies strive to create unified regulatory structures. Both the SEC and CFTC are working toward coordinated regulatory milestones by the end of 2025, which include clarifying rules for spot crypto trading and incorporating tokenized collateral into regulated markets, according to a

. Acting CFTC Chair Caroline Pham has highlighted the importance of updating oversight as blockchain-based financial products become more prevalent, a goal Selig is expected to pursue. His nomination comes after an unsuccessful effort to appoint a16z’s Brian Quintenz, which was halted due to concerns about conflicts of interest, as reported by The Block.

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Selig’s selection coincides with increasing bipartisan initiatives to establish clear regulatory boundaries for digital assets. Congress is currently considering legislation to reinforce the CFTC’s jurisdiction over crypto futures and swaps, while the SEC remains focused on investor protection and securities law compliance, as noted by CryptoBriefing. The agencies’ collaboration, including a joint roundtable on regulatory alignment, marks a rare moment of unity in a sector often divided by jurisdictional disagreements. Experts say Selig’s background in harmonizing SEC and CFTC policies—shaped by his time as an aide to SEC Chair Paul Atkins and as a partner at Willkie Farr & Gallagher—makes him especially qualified to address these challenges, according to The Block.

This development also highlights Trump’s strategic focus on digital asset policy. Earlier this year, the president reaffirmed his plan to impose 155% tariffs on China, a decision that has impacted markets, according to

. Nevertheless, his attention to crypto regulation is becoming more targeted as he aims to establish the U.S. as a leader in digital asset innovation. Senate confirmation of Selig would be a significant milestone in this strategy, with industry figures expressing strong support for his nomination. Amanda Tuminelli of the DeFi Education Fund described Selig as “a highly regarded attorney and industry authority,” while Jake Chervinsky of the Variant Fund commended his “demonstrated leadership” in a field that requires both progress and responsibility.

The CFTC’s growing influence in crypto regulation is expected to intensify in 2026, as major banks and exchanges ramp up tokenization pilots and blockchain adoption, according to CryptoBriefing. Selig’s guidance will be crucial in maintaining a balance between strict regulation and the encouragement of innovation—a challenge that has tested previous leaders. With the CFTC now playing a central role, the confirmation process will be closely monitored by both industry stakeholders and government officials.

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