Michael Selig Picked to Lead US CFTC, Industry Leaders React

Key notes

• President Donald Trump has nominated Michael Selig to become Chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).
• Selig is the current lead counsel for the SEC’s crypto task force.
• If confirmed, Selig will replace Carolyn Pham, acting chair of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).

In a recent report, Bloomberg noted that US President Donald Trump has nominated Michael Selig to lead the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). This comes at a pivotal time, as lawmakers work to put the agency at the helm of cryptocurrency regulation. The nomination is still subject to Senate approval.

From the SEC’s Crypto Task Force to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).

On October 24, President Donald Trump selected Matthew Selig to lead the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) under his administration, according to Bloomberg report.

It is worth noting that Selig is the current lead advisor to the SEC’s Cryptocurrency Task Force. He also served at the CFTC under former Chairman Chris Giancarlo. At one point, he worked as a partner specializing in cryptocurrencies at the law firm Willkie Farr & Gallagher.

The timing of this nomination is notable, given that lawmakers in the region are on the verge of strengthening the agency’s oversight of digital assets. Several bills in the House and Senate would give the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) broader authority over the booming digital asset industry.

Following CFTC Chairman Rustin Behnam’s departure from the agency, which coincided with Trump’s inauguration, Carolyn Pham served as acting CFTC Chair of the agency. The president once nominated Brian Quintenz of a16z, but faced opposition from Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss of Gemini, who raised concerns about conflicts of interest.

Industry experts react to Trump’s nomination to head the CFTC

For now, Selig has been sent to the Senate for nomination hearings and approval, after which he can fully assume the position of CFTC Chairman. And based on what industry experts are saying about him, there is a high probability that Selig will receive the required confirmation. In a statement, Amanda Tominelli, CEO of the DeFi Education Fund, acknowledged his expertise and experience.

He described Selig as a highly respected attorney and industry expert who understands technology as well as the need to allow room for innovation.

Tominelli also noted that the man cares about arriving at the correct legal answer. Likewise, David Sachs, the White House’s AI and cryptocurrency czar, believes Trump made a great choice in nominating Selig.

President Trump has made an excellent choice of Mike Selig to lead @Koftak.

As those who know him attest to this. @MikeSeligEsq He has deep knowledge of the financial markets and is passionate about modernizing our regulatory approach in order to maintain America’s…

– David Sacks (@davidsacks47) October 25, 2025

His opinion comes from recognition of Selig’s contribution to the president’s cryptocurrency agenda. Like Tominelli, Sachs noted that the candidate is very knowledgeable about the financial markets. In addition to his knowledge, there is his passion for modernizing the regulatory approach “in order to maintain America’s competitiveness in the age of digital assets.”

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