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Selig Faces CFTC Hurdles: Balancing Crypto Progress and Divided Regulations

Selig Faces CFTC Hurdles: Balancing Crypto Progress and Divided Regulations

Bitget-RWA2025/10/24 19:32
By:Bitget-RWA

- Trump appoints Michael Selig as CFTC chair to oversee crypto regulation amid industry growth. - Selig, former SEC crypto task force counsel, advocates for blockchain innovation and criticized SEC's strict enforcement. - DraftKings acquires CFTC-registered Railbird to expand into prediction markets, facing state regulatory scrutiny over sports bets. - Selig's leadership may shape federal crypto policy, balancing innovation with fragmented state regulations and consumer protection.

Trump Names Michael Selig as CFTC Chair Amid Crypto Sector Expansion

President Donald Trump has tapped Michael Selig, a well-known authority in crypto regulation, to lead the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). This decision, part of a larger overhaul of digital asset oversight, places Selig—a former general counsel for the SEC’s crypto task force—at the helm of the agency that supervises derivatives and commodities markets, including those involving cryptocurrencies, according to a

. Selig’s credentials include serving as a partner at Willkie Farr & Gallagher and working under ex-CFTC Chair Chris Giancarlo during Trump’s previous administration. His selection could mark a change in the CFTC’s stance on crypto, as Selig has openly challenged the SEC’s strict enforcement policies under former Chair Gary Gensler, as highlighted by BitcoinSistemi.

Selig Faces CFTC Hurdles: Balancing Crypto Progress and Divided Regulations image 0

This leadership change comes as the prediction market and crypto derivatives sectors gain momentum.

, a leading sports betting company, has recently purchased Railbird Technologies Inc.—a CFTC-approved prediction market operator—to broaden its reach into event-based contracts, as . This acquisition enables to provide federally regulated bets on real-world events spanning finance, entertainment, and culture. While the financial terms remain confidential, this move speeds up DraftKings’ entry into a market where rivals like Kalshi and Polymarket have already faced regulatory challenges for offering sports bets in states where such wagering is not allowed.

Under Selig’s guidance, the CFTC may shape how these new markets evolve. His previous support for blockchain-driven capital markets, including collaboration with SEC Chair Paul Atkins on the “Project Crypto” deregulation effort, points to a possible alignment with industry expansion, as noted by BitcoinSistemi. Still, the CFTC’s jurisdiction over prediction markets is a contentious issue. State officials, such as those in Ohio and Nevada, have cautioned that sports event contracts could be classified as illegal gambling, which may result in enforcement against operators, according to

. DraftKings has yet to reveal if its new DraftKings Predictions platform will feature sports contracts, though market observers believe such offerings are probable.

The prediction market industry is expanding rapidly, with Kalshi and Polymarket posting record trading activity. DraftKings’ acquisition of Railbird mirrors similar moves by competitors, such as FanDuel’s alliance with CME Group and Underdog’s partnership with Crypto.com, as reported by an

. These trends underscore the mounting pressure on traditional gaming firms to adapt to federal licensing models that differ from state-level sports betting laws. Following the Railbird deal, DraftKings’ stock jumped nearly 7% in after-hours trading, though it is still down more than 37% for the year, according to .

Selig’s appointment arrives as the crypto sector seeks clearer regulatory direction amid a patchwork of rules. His background at both the SEC and CFTC, along with his public opposition to excessive enforcement, could encourage a more innovation-friendly climate for derivatives and digital assets. Nevertheless, significant hurdles remain, especially in harmonizing federal and state regulatory approaches to prediction markets and crypto trading. The CFTC’s challenge under Selig will be to strike a balance between fostering innovation and ensuring consumer protection, particularly as firms like DraftKings and Kalshi continue to test regulatory limits, as reported by Bloomberg and referenced by Legal Sports Report.

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Disclaimer: The content of this article solely reflects the author's opinion and does not represent the platform in any capacity. This article is not intended to serve as a reference for making investment decisions.

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