Trump Reportedly Set to Nominate SEC’s Pro-Crypto Counsel Michael Selig as CFTC Chair

U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly planning to nominate Michael Selig, senior adviser to SEC Chair Paul Atkins and head counsel for the SEC’s crypto task force, as the next Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) chair — a move widely seen as favorable for the digital asset industry.Key TakeawaysPresident Donald Trump is expected to nominate Michael Selig as CFTC chair, according to Bloomberg.Selig, a “pro-crypto” policy figure, currently serves as senior adviser and chief counsel to the SEC’s crypto task force.The nomination follows Trump’s decision to withdraw Brian Quintenz’s candidacy in September.The appointment could shift crypto oversight more decisively toward the CFTC under Trump’s Working Group on Digital Assets framework.Selig’s Nomination Marks Shift Toward Pro-Crypto RegulationThe reported nomination comes as Trump’s administration redefines its approach to digital asset regulation.According to Bloomberg, citing an unnamed administration official, Selig is the top candidate for CFTC chair, though no official confirmation has been released.Selig has been described by analysts and crypto community figures as “pro-crypto”, with a track record of supporting digital asset innovation and balanced oversight.As chief counsel for the SEC’s crypto task force, Selig has played a key role in internal policy coordination and enforcement guidance related to token classifications and exchange supervision.CFTC Leadership Race Reignites After Quintenz WithdrawalThe CFTC nomination process stalled in September when former nominee Brian Quintenz, a former CFTC commissioner, faced political headwinds and was ultimately withdrawn.Reports suggest pressure from Gemini co-founders Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss contributed to the reversal.Quintenz, who served at the CFTC from 2017 to 2021, confirmed afterward that he planned to return to the private sector.Trump’s renewed push to fill the CFTC leadership vacancy reflects his broader plan to expand the agency’s jurisdiction over digital assets, potentially balancing regulatory authority between the CFTC and the SEC.Trump’s Working Group Targets Coordinated Crypto OversightSince 2024, Trump has indicated his preference for the CFTC to take a lead role in crypto market regulation, particularly regarding spot Bitcoin and Ethereum products.Under his Working Group on Digital Assets policy framework — outlined in a July 2025 report — both the SEC and CFTC would share oversight responsibilities, aiming to reduce regulatory overlap and streamline market approvals for crypto ETFs and derivatives.Selig’s potential appointment could accelerate this policy alignment and signal greater institutional support for U.S.-based digital asset innovation.