The US Commodity Futures Trading Commission is leveraging artificial intelligence and automation to address its expanding oversight duties, according to Chairman Mike Selig's congressional testimony. Despite a significant decline in the agency's workforce under the Trump administration, with about a quarter of staff leaving since 2025, the CFTC is embracing AI tools like Microsoft's Copilot to enhance productivity and efficiency.
Selig emphasized that 'tools such as AI are going to be very helpful in surveilling and bringing investigations,' and the agency is incorporating these technologies into its workflows. The CFTC is facing increased responsibilities in regulating cryptocurrency and prediction markets, with 'numerous investigations ongoing' in the latter.
Chairman Selig assured lawmakers that the agency is committed to enforcing market regulations, with a 'zero tolerance' policy for illicit activities. However, concerns have been raised about the agency's staffing levels, with Representative Angie Craig arguing that the workforce is 'stretched too thin' and urging the need for additional staff, funding, and statutory authority to effectively regulate the rapidly growing markets.