Overview
- Bloomberg and Reuters report President Trump has chosen Michael Selig to chair the CFTC, a move that still requires Senate confirmation and has not been formally announced by the White House.
- Selig serves as chief counsel to the SEC’s crypto task force and has worked closely with SEC Chair Paul Atkins, after earlier private practice at Willkie Farr & Gallagher.
- The selection follows the withdrawal of Brian Quintenz after public opposition from Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss, underscoring industry influence on appointments.
- The CFTC is operating with limited leadership under Acting Chair Caroline Pham as Congress advances crypto market-structure legislation such as the CLARITY Act and the previously enacted GENIUS Act.
- The nomination fits a broader pro‑crypto policy shift that includes accelerating legislative efforts and a White House–confirmed pardon of Binance founder Changpeng Zhao.