Paul Atkins

Chair

The United States has indicated that a long-anticipated regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies is forthcoming, following the US Senate’s confirmation of Michael S. Selig as the new Chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).
Selig, a crypto-friendly lawyer with deep experience in both the public and private sectors, was sworn in on December 22, 2025.
<h3 id="span-style-font-weight-400-selig-takes-the-helm-at-cftc-amid-push-for-comprehensive-crypto-rules-span">Selig takes the Helm at CFTC amid push for comprehensive crypto rules</h3>
According to a Monday<a href="https://x.com/davidsacks47/status/2003127398343348396" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"> X post</a>, David Sacks noted the US was at a “critical juncture” for crypto regulation, and that Selig and Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Paul Atkins made up a “dream team to define clear regulatory guidelines.” Sacks’ comments followed Selig’s statement that the US Congress was preparing to complete work on a bill regarding the crypto market structure.&nbsp;
Selig on X that they were at a unique moment as a wide range of novel technologies, products, and platforms are emerging, retail participation in the commodity markets is at an all-time high, and Congress is poised to send digital asset market structure legislation that will cement the US as the Crypto Capital of the World to the president’s desk.
<h3 id="span-style-font-weight-400-congress-eyes-landmark-market-structure-bill-to-cement-us-crypto-leadership-span">Congress eyes landmark market structure bill to cement US crypto leadership</h3>
The market structure bill, known as the Responsible Financial Innovation Act in the Senate and building on the <a href="https://www.cryptopolitan.com/clarity-act-set-for-senate-markup-in-january/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">CLARITY Act</a> passed by the House in July, remains under consideration but has been temporarily paused during the congressional recess.
The legislation aims to create a comprehensive framework for regulating digital assets, clarifying the roles of the SEC and CFTC, and addressing emerging technologies and DeFi platforms.
The Senate Banking Committee is expected to hold a markup in early January, paving the way for a potential floor vote as lawmakers seek to finalize rules that could position the US as a global leader in the cryptocurrency market.
The Senate confirmed Selig last week in a 53-43 vote as part of a package of nominees. It’s unclear when he will take over for acting CFTC Chair Caroline Pham, who is expected to leave the commission and join crypto company <a href="https://www.cryptopolitan.com/tokenization-will-disrupt-finance-faster/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">MoonPay</a> following Selig’s confirmation. Reporters reached out to the CFTC and MoonPay for details on Pham’s departure, but had not received a response at the time of publication.
Even though the final text of the Senate’s market structure bill had yet to be finalized for a floor vote, drafts to date indicated that the legislation would give the CFTC more authority to regulate digital assets, a role previously held by the SEC. 
Although some Republican leaders have&nbsp;stated that they are moving forward with the bill, other senators have&nbsp;raised concerns over DeFi, which could potentially slow&nbsp;progress.
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US set to cement crypto rules as Selig joins CFTC

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