The US Commodity Futures Trading Commission is leveraging artificial intelligence and automation to tackle its expanding oversight responsibilities, 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 to enhance its surveillance and investigative capabilities. Selig noted that the agency is incorporating AI tools, such as Microsoft's Copilot, into its workflows to improve efficiency.
The CFTC is facing increased demands to regulate the rapidly growing crypto and prediction markets, with Chairman Selig acknowledging 'numerous investigations ongoing' in these areas. However, concerns have been raised about the agency's reduced staffing, with some lawmakers arguing that the CFTC needs more resources to effectively oversee these markets. Selig emphasized that the agency is committed to enforcing market regulations and will utilize AI and automation to support its efforts.