On December 22, 2025, Michael S. Selig was sworn in in Washington, officially becoming the 16th Chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). This "encryption veteran," nominated by President Trump and confirmed by the Senate, previously served as the chief lawyer for the SEC's encryption working group and possesses extensive regulatory experience across both public and private sectors, covering traditional commodities and digital assets. In his inaugural speech, Selig vowed to lead the CFTC in establishing "common-sense rules" for emerging markets at this "unique moment," ensuring America's innovative leadership and helping to achieve the President's goal of making the U.S. the "world's encryption capital." His appointment marks the entry of the U.S. encryption regulatory landscape into a new phase that emphasizes coordination, pragmatism, and innovation. Who is Selig? From encryption legal pioneer to regulatory helm.