U.S. CFTC Chairman: The derivatives market will enter a new stage of development and cannot blindly follow regulatory consensus

Michael Selig, Chairman of the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), wrote in The Economist that the global derivatives market is entering a new stage of development, where financial innovation needs to lead, rather than introduce regulatory models that may restrict market development.

Michael Selig pointed out that for decades, derivatives (including financial contracts such as futures, options, and swaps) have been important tools for businesses, farmers, investors, and financial institutions to manage risk and optimize capital allocation. Today, the nominal value of the global derivatives market has exceeded $1.2 quadrillion, with nearly half of the market regulated by the CFTC.

He stated that the United States' leadership in the derivatives field is built on generations of market competition, strong institutions, effective regulation, and an open attitude towards innovation. For a long time, global regulators have regarded the CFTC as a benchmark for efficient market regulation.

Selig said, "The new era of finance needs innovation, not consensus." The United States will not introduce regulatory measures that hinder market development but will seek a balance between innovation and market efficiency. During his tenure, the U.S. will continue to play a leading role in the formulation of derivatives market rules and financial innovation, driving the market to remain competitive.