CFTC chief Selig to clear path for U.S. perpetual futures in coming weeks

CoinDesk

by Jesse Hamilton

March 3, 2026

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The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Chairman Mike Selig has announced that the agency is set to introduce new regulations for crypto perpetual futures in the coming weeks. Perpetual futures, which are derivatives contracts with no expiration date and often involve leverage, have largely flourished outside of the U.S. due to regulatory uncertainty. Selig emphasized that the CFTC is working on establishing professional futures markets in the U.S., aiming to bring clarity and oversight to this growing sector. Selig made these remarks during a joint appearance with his Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) counterpart, Chairman Paul Atkins, at a Milken Institute event. The two regulators highlighted their collaborative efforts under "Project Crypto," which focuses on creating a unified approach to digital asset regulation. They also discussed the need for "innovation exceptions" to allow crypto firms to experiment without fear of regulatory crackdowns. Additionally, Selig revealed that the CFTC will soon provide guidance on how decentralized finance (DeFi) developers should be regulated after years of legal uncertainty. The regulators also addressed ongoing disputes over jurisdiction involving event-contracts firms like Polymarket and Kalshi, which are currently under scrutiny from state gambling regulators. Selig emphasized that the CFTC is prepared to defend its authority in court, while Atkins highlighted the importance of statutory certainty for federal regulators to effectively enforce their policies. However, the lack of comprehensive crypto legislation remains a significant hurdle, as agencies like the SEC and CFTC operate without clear legal authority, making their actions more vulnerable to challenges. The U.S. Senate's Digital Asset Market Clarity Act (DAMCA) seeks to establish a regulatory framework for crypto markets but has faced delays due to industry negotiations and political gridlock. With midterm elections approaching and limited Senate floor time, the bill's chances of passing in 2026 are increasingly uncertain. Selig's announcement underscores the need for clear regulations to attract businesses like

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Originally published on CoinDesk on 3/3/2026