CFTC Welcomes New Chairman: Michael S. Selig Sworn In as 16th Leader

Michael S. Selig was sworn in today as the 16th Chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). Nominated by President Donald J. Trump on October 27, 2025, and confirmed by the U.S. Senate on December 18, 2025, Selig succeeds acting Chair Caroline Pham.

Chairman Selig’s Vision for the CFTC

“I’m grateful for the confidence President Trump has placed in me and for the opportunity to lead the CFTC at this pivotal time,” Chairman Selig stated. “Today begins a new chapter for the CFTC. We are at a unique moment as novel technologies, products, and platforms emerge, retail participation in commodity markets reaches all-time highs, and Congress prepares to send digital asset market structure legislation to the President’s desk—cementing the U.S. as the Crypto Capital of the World.”

Selig emphasized the CFTC’s role in overseeing stable, secure commodity derivatives markets amid rapid transformation. “No agency is better suited to pioneer commonsense rules for America’s new financial markets than the CFTC,” he said. “Under my leadership, we will conquer these frontiers and ensure tomorrow’s innovations are Made in America.”

Selig’s Extensive Background

Chairman Selig brings broad public and private sector expertise across agriculture, energy, finance, and digital assets—sectors deeply tied to CFTC-regulated markets.

Most recently, he served as chief counsel for the SEC’s Crypto Task Force and senior advisor to SEC Chairman Paul S. Atkins. In this capacity, Selig helped craft clear regulatory frameworks for digital asset securities, harmonize SEC and CFTC regimes, modernize rules for emerging technologies, and shift away from regulation by enforcement.

He also contributed to the President’s Working Group on Digital Asset Markets and its report, “Strengthening American Leadership in Digital Financial Technology.”

Before government service, Selig was a partner at an international law firm specializing in derivatives and securities regulation. He advised diverse clients—including end users, futures merchants, swap dealers, exchanges, clearing organizations, and digital asset firms—on Commodity Exchange Act compliance, registrations, enforcement, and complex transactions.

Selig holds a law degree from The George Washington University Law School (articles editor, Law Review) and an undergraduate degree from Florida State University.