David Sacks Praises Crypto Regulation ‘Dream Team’

Key Takeaways

White House crypto czar David Sacks hailed Michael Selig (CFTC) and Paul Atkins (SEC) as a “dream team” for defining US crypto guidelines.

Michael Selig was recently confirmed as CFTC Chair in a 53-43 Senate vote, signaling a shift toward more crypto-friendly oversight.

The administration is pushing for the passage of a major market structure bill in early 2026 to cement the US as a global “Crypto Capital.”

Selig and Atkins: The New Faces of Crypto Regulation

White House AI and crypto czar David Sacks has expressed immense confidence in the future of US digital asset policy, calling the new leadership at the SEC and CFTC a “dream team.”

Extraordinarily excited to have the leadership of @MichaelSelig as Chair of CFTC at this critical juncture for digital assets. Along with SEC Chair @SECPaulSAtkins, President Trump has created a dream team to define clear regulatory guidelines for the 21st century. https://t.co/HqeFnFSJcH
— David Sacks (@davidsacks47) December 22, 2025

Following the Senate confirmation of Michael Selig as Chair of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), Sacks noted that the US is at a “critical juncture.” Alongside SEC Chair Paul Atkins, Selig is expected to move the industry away from “regulation by enforcement” and toward a set of clear, predictable rules.

I am honored to be confirmed as the 16th Chairman of the @CFTC.

I want to again express my gratitude to President Donald J. Trump @POTUS for placing his trust and confidence in me to lead the agency during this historic time. I also want to thank @SenateAgGOP and the U.S. Senate…
— Mike Selig (@MichaelSelig) December 22, 2025

Michael Selig, who previously served as chief counsel of the SEC’s Crypto Task Force, was sworn in as the 16th CFTC Chairman on December 22, 2025. His confirmation marks the departure of acting chair Caroline Pham, who is reportedly joining the crypto firm MoonPay. Selig has already signaled his commitment to supporting innovation, stating that the current rise in retail participation in commodity markets makes this a “unique moment” for American finance.

The Market Structure Bill: Defining the SEC and CFTC’s Roles

The primary goal for this new leadership is the successful implementation of the Responsible Financial Innovation Act. This market structure bill, which draws on the CLARITY Act passed by the House, seeks to clarify which digital assets fall under the jurisdiction of the SEC and which are overseen by the CFTC. Drafts of the bill suggest a significant expansion of the CFTC’s authority, giving it primary oversight over many digital commodities that were previously in a regulatory “gray zone.”

While David Sacks and Senate leadership are pushing for a markup in early January 2026, some lawmakers remain concerned about the risks associated with Decentralized Finance (DeFi). Despite these hurdles, Selig has emphasized that the goal is to finalize legislation that will “cement the US as the Crypto Capital of the World.” With the “dream team” now in place at the federal level, the industry is anticipating a wave of new guidelines that could spark a significant influx of institutional capital.

Final Thoughts

The confirmation of Michael Selig completes a strategic realignment of US financial regulators. With Sacks, Atkins, and Selig at the helm, the path toward a unified and innovative crypto regulatory framework has never been clearer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Michael Selig?
Michael Selig is the newly confirmed Chairman of the CFTC and former chief counsel of the SEC’s Crypto Task Force.

What is the “dream team” David Sacks mentioned?
Sacks refers to the combination of Michael Selig (CFTC) and Paul Atkins (SEC) as the ideal duo to lead US crypto regulation.

When will the new crypto market structure bill pass?
The Senate Banking Committee is expected to hold a markup in early January 2026, with a potential floor vote to follow.