The US Commodity Futures Trading Commission is increasingly relying on artificial intelligence and automation to fulfill its growing regulatory responsibilities, according to Chairman Mike Selig's testimony before Congress, despite a substantial decline in the agency's workforce under the Trump administration. With approximately a quarter of the CFTC's staff having departed since 2025, the agency is leveraging AI tools, such as Microsoft's Copilot, to enhance productivity and support investigations.
Selig emphasized the importance of efficient operations, stating that the agency is 'running more efficiently and effectively' despite staffing reductions. The CFTC is tasked with overseeing the rapidly expanding cryptocurrency and prediction markets, with Chairman Selig acknowledging 'numerous investigations ongoing' in the latter.
The agency is adopting a 'zero tolerance' policy towards illicit market activities, with Selig asserting that those engaging in such behavior will face the full force of the law. However, concerns have been raised regarding the agency's capacity to effectively regulate these markets, given its reduced workforce and limited resources.
Representative Angie Craig argued that the CFTC's staff is 'stretched too thin,' emphasizing the need for adequate funding, personnel, and statutory authority to fulfill its regulatory duties.