The US Commodity Futures Trading Commission is leveraging artificial intelligence and automation to address its expanded regulatory duties, according to Chairman Mike Selig's testimony, despite a significant decline in the agency's workforce under the Trump administration. With about a quarter of its staff having left since 2025, the CFTC is tasked with overseeing burgeoning cryptocurrency and prediction markets.
Selig emphasized the importance of AI tools, such as Microsoft's Copilot, in enhancing surveillance and investigations. When questioned about staffing reductions, Selig asserted that the agency is operating more efficiently. The CFTC is pursuing a preliminary rulemaking process for US prediction markets and has initiated numerous investigations into potential insider trading and market manipulation. Selig reiterated the agency's zero-tolerance policy for illicit activities, while lawmakers expressed concerns about the agency's staffing and funding, urging the White House to fill vacant commissioner positions.