The US Commodity Futures Trading Commission is leveraging artificial intelligence and automation to address significant new oversight responsibilities, as stated by Chairman Mike Selig in congressional testimony. Despite a substantial 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 to enhance its regulatory capabilities.
Selig noted that AI is being incorporated into various workflows to aid in surveillance and investigations, citing the use of Microsoft's Copilot AI tool as a key productivity aid. The agency is also expanding its role in regulating cryptocurrency and prediction markets, with Selig acknowledging 'numerous investigations ongoing' in these areas.
However, concerns have been raised about the agency's capacity to effectively oversee these rapidly growing markets, with some lawmakers arguing that the CFTC requires additional staff and resources to fulfill its regulatory responsibilities.