Momentum around U.S. crypto regulation is accelerating, with Washington signaling that a long stretch of uncertainty may finally be nearing its end.
Shortly after stepping into his role at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, Michael Selig indicated that lawmakers are closing in on a long-awaited framework for digital asset markets – one that could soon reach Donald Trump for final approval.
Key Takeaways
U.S. lawmakers are close to advancing long-awaited crypto market legislation.
The bill would clarify how digital assets are regulated and define the CFTC’s role.
Regulatory clarity could reshape the U.S. position in the global crypto market.
Rather than presenting the effort as a routine policy update, Selig described the moment as a strategic pivot. After years of fragmented enforcement and regulatory overlap, Congress now appears ready to formalize how crypto markets are governed, reflecting a growing recognition that the industry has outgrown ad-hoc oversight.
Congress Moves Toward Clear Crypto Rules
At the core of the push is a market structure bill aimed at defining how digital assets are regulated in the United States. The proposal would establish clearer boundaries between the CFTC and the Securities and Exchange Commission, reducing long-standing uncertainty for exchanges, developers, and investors. Supporters argue that clearer jurisdictional lines could encourage innovation by replacing regulatory guesswork with a predictable rulebook.
The timing is notable. As other major economies roll out crypto-specific legislation, pressure has mounted on U.S. lawmakers to act or risk falling behind. According to Selig, the current legislative momentum reflects a shared view in Washington that regulatory clarity is essential for maintaining global competitiveness.
A New Phase for the CFTC
Selig also pointed to deeper shifts reshaping modern markets. Retail participation in commodities and derivatives has surged, while digital platforms continue to blur the distinction between traditional financial products and crypto-native instruments. These changes, he suggested, raise the stakes for regulators tasked with preserving stability in increasingly complex markets.
Fresh off his confirmation by the United States Senate, Selig praised both current and former officials for guiding the agency through rapid technological change. Looking ahead, he said the CFTC’s focus will be on keeping markets orderly while allowing innovation to develop within clear, practical boundaries.
If Congress delivers as expected, the shift could mark a defining moment for U.S. crypto policy – moving the industry from regulatory ambiguity toward a more structured and predictable future.
