US President Donald Trump has appointed Michael Selig to head the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).
Selig currently holds the position of chief counsel for the CFTC’s cryptocurrency task force, and he has previously collaborated with Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Paul Atkins.
Both Selig and David Sacks, the White House’s czar for artificial intelligence and crypto, verified the appointment in distinct posts on X (previously known as Twitter).
Sacks characterized Selig as “extremely knowledgeable about financial markets and dedicated to enhancing our regulatory framework to preserve America’s leading position in the digital asset landscape.”
In his own statement, Selig remarked that he would “work diligently to ensure Efficient Commodity Markets, encourage Freedom, Competition, and Innovation, and assist the President in positioning the United States as the Crypto Capital of the World.”
Selig’s appointment comes at a time when the digital assets sector is experiencing renewed vigor under the Trump administration. Earlier this year, two significant legislative measures—the GENIUS Act and the CLARITY Act—aimed at clarifying digital asset regulations, gained considerable support from investors.
Trump has consistently positioned himself as a supporter of cryptocurrency, promising during his campaign to establish the U.S. as a global leader in cryptocurrency. His family’s business interests increasingly involve digital assets, which includes ventures like Trump Media & Technology Group, DT Marks DEFI LLC, and various meme coins associated with both the President and First Lady Melania Trump.
This nomination also follows a setback with Trump’s previous nominee for the position, Brian Quintenz, whose appointment was reportedly stalled due to resistance from Tyler Winklevoss, co-founder of the crypto exchange Gemini. Quintenz, a former CFTC commissioner, claimed Winklevoss lobbied against his nomination.
The CFTC, responsible for regulating derivatives markets, including commodities and digital assets, is typically overseen by a bipartisan team of five commissioners. Historically, presidents have appointed members from both major political parties to ensure balanced regulation and oversight.
Selig joined the CFTC in March 2025 after a tenure as a partner at the international law firm Willkie Farr & Gallagher.