CFTC plans AI tools for crypto registration reviews, faster approvals, and market surveillance while handling staff cuts in 2026.
The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission, or CFTC, is turning to artificial intelligence to improve crypto oversight. The CFTC will apply AI to process applications for registering cryptocurrency and to track trading. This will help the agency work faster while dealing with recent staff cuts.
The CFTC Chairman Michael Selig announced the plan in an interview. He noted the CFTC lost over 20% of its workforce during the Trump administration’s government downsizing. So the CFTC is looking for new ways to remain efficient and effective.
As Chairman of the @CFTC, I established an Innovation Task Force to engage directly with innovators in the digital asset space to support innovation, not stifle it. ITF works with industry stakeholders and other government officials to build a durable and collaborative foundation… pic.twitter.com/LT0w1HBP7p
— Mike Selig (@ChairmanSelig) April 28, 2026
Selig will address Consensus 2026 in Miami next week. He said AI and automation can automate some processes. The agency wants to be more efficient, not hire more people.
AI to Speed Up Crypto Applications
Currently, CFTC registration is largely paper-based. Applicants need to provide documents that are reviewed individually. This can be slow, particularly if there are a lot of applications.
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The CFTC is developing tools to address this issue. These systems will rapidly review documents and ensure they contain all necessary information. As a result, regulators can concentrate on serious applications.
According to Selig, AI can identify incomplete forms, empty fields or vague descriptions. The system may even reject applications if they are clearly incomplete. So, applicants may have to be more diligent in preparing their documents.
The chairman said AI will not replace human workers. It will assist workers and make their work easier. Employees will still be involved in critical decisions and sign-offs.
Market Surveillance and Fraud Detection
The CFTC also wants AI for market surveillance. That is, using computers to monitor trading for fraud and manipulation. Crypto markets can be fast, so speedy surveillance is needed.
The agency has already signed off on using Microsoft 365 Copilot. This could assist staff with data organisation, report review and other tasks. This may boost productivity.
Regulators are also creating tools to identify insider trading and other suspicious activity. For instance, AI can analyse large volumes of market data faster than humans. So, anomalies can be detected sooner.
This could lead to greater confidence in cryptocurrency markets. People want fair markets and good rules. Improved surveillance could cut bad behaviour.
Innovation Task Force Supports New Rules
Chairman Selig also announced that he had formed an Innovation Task Force. The group will engage with digital asset companies. The unit will foster innovation and market protection.
Michael Passalacqua is heading the task force. It will assist in drafting clearer regulations for digital assets, AI and prediction markets. As many new products emerge rapidly, new rules are needed.
Selig wants digital asset innovation to stay in the U.S., so it wants to provide a safe and collaborative environment for innovators and investors.
The CFTC appears ready to become a leading U.S. crypto regulator. The CFTC hopes to use AI to speed up applications and keep an eye on markets. This could affect how crypto companies deal with regulators.
In conclusion, the CFTC’s approach is tech and regulation. AI could play an important role in regulating the future of crypto.
