Senate Backs Pro-Crypto Appointments at Key US Financial Regulators
The US Senate has confirmed two officials viewed as supportive of digital assets to lead key financial regulators, a move that has been welcomed by the crypto industry.
Lawmakers approved Mike Selig as chair of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and elevated Travis Hill to chair of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation as part of a broader package of nearly one hundred government nominees backed by the Trump administration. The confirmations passed in a 53–43 vote.
Key Takeaways
- Mike Selig has been confirmed as chair of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.
- Travis Hill has been elevated to chair of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
- Both officials are considered crypto-friendly and supportive of clearer regulation.
- The appointments come amid growing legislative momentum around US crypto oversight.
Selig, a lawyer with prior experience at both the CFTC and the Securities and Exchange Commission, signaled earlier this year that digital assets would be a central focus of his leadership. He was nominated in October after replacing the previous pick for the role, Brian Quintenz. His appointment comes at a time when Congress is considering legislation that could grant the CFTC clearer authority over crypto markets, potentially shifting primary oversight away from other regulators.
Confirmed, 53-43: Confirmation of the en bloc nominations provided for under the provisions of S.Res.532.
— Senate Cloakroom (@SenateCloakroom) December 19, 2025
FDIC leadership and crypto banking concerns
Hill, who had already been serving as the FDIC’s acting chair, has also taken a notably open stance toward the crypto sector. In congressional testimony, he has criticized what he described as the debanking of companies due to their ties to digital assets. Under his leadership, the FDIC is expected to play a significant role in supervising stablecoin issuers and shaping how crypto firms access the banking system.
Selig’s term at the CFTC will run until April 2029. Once sworn in, he will replace acting chair Caroline Pham, who had indicated she would step down upon confirmation of a permanent leader and move to the private sector. For now, Selig will serve as the sole commissioner at the CFTC, following multiple resignations that have left the five-member commission unusually understaffed.
Hill will lead the FDIC for the next five years, until 2030. His predecessor, Martin Gruenberg, resigned earlier this year during the transition from the administration of former President Joe Biden.
Industry figures have reacted positively to the appointments. Coinbase’s chief policy officer, Faryar Shirzad, said Selig’s regulatory background and experience with digital assets could help bring greater clarity and fairness to the US crypto market. Cody Carbone, chief executive of the Digital Chamber, also praised the confirmation, pointing to Selig’s history of engaging with the complex legal and technical issues surrounding digital assets.
Together, the appointments are being seen as a signal that US crypto regulation could enter a more defined and industry-friendly phase, particularly as lawmakers continue to debate the future framework for digital asset oversight.
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Alexander Zdravkov is a person who always looks for the logic behind things. He has more than 3 years of experience in the crypto space, where he skillfully identifies new trends in the world of digital currencies. Whether providing in-depth analysis or daily reports on all topics, his deep understanding and enthusiasm for what he does make him a valuable member of the team.
