CFTC chief Selig backs domestic approval of perpetual futures, signaling a regulatory push for a new U.S. derivative asset class
Executive summary: CFTC Chair Michael Selig defended the agency's approval of perpetual futures contracts in the United States. The decision aims to foster domestic development of a new asset class, potentially reshaping market structure and competition.
Who is involved: Michael Selig, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, and market participants interested in regulated perpetual futures.
Likely next: Further regulatory scrutiny and possible expansions of approved perpetual futures products are expected in the coming weeks.
On June 15, 2026, CFTC Chair Michael Selig defended the agency's approval of perpetual futures contracts, stating that domestic development is vital to prevent incumbents from fearing only offshore growth. The move aims to create a new asset class while addressing market structure concerns. It reflects ongoing scrutiny of crypto‑related derivatives and could reshape competitive dynamics.
Timeline
- — CFTC chair Selig defends decision to approve ‘perps’ in U.S. (CNBC — Finance)
- — CFTC sues Rhode Island over actions against prediction markets (CNBC — Finance)
Analysis — what this means
Likely next events
- Potential CFTC rulemaking on perpetual futures
- Market response from incumbents and new entrants
- Legislative or congressional oversight hearings
Sectors affected
- Crypto derivatives
- Financial services
- Regulated derivatives market
Regulatory implications
- Increased oversight of crypto‑related derivatives
- Impact on offshore market competition
Historical parallels
- CFTC's earlier approach to prediction markets
- Regulation of futures in the 1970s commodity markets
- SEC approval process for new asset classes
Key entities
Sources
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