CFTC to review crypto, AI and prediction-market rules Aug. 20

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission will convene its Innovation Advisory Committee on Aug. 20 to discuss policy for crypto assets, artificial intelligence and prediction markets and to consider regulatory options in the absence of new federal law. The agency said the agenda will include areas where regulatory action could complement future congressional legislation.

CFTC Chair Michael Selig, the agency’s only Senate-confirmed commissioner, is scheduled to attend and will be joined by other CFTC staff. The agency currently lacks a full five-member bipartisan commission, and there is no public indication that the White House will announce additional nominations before Congress’ August recess. Several members of Congress have urged the president to nominate commissioners to fill the vacant seats.

The CFTC announcement follows a separate Securities and Exchange Commission agenda that focuses on rulemaking to create a tailored offering regime for certain investment contracts tied to crypto assets. The SEC wrote that it supports Congress’ work on market-structure legislation but, until lawmakers act, will move forward “within [its] authority” to advance crypto-related regulation.

Neither agency published final rule text in their notices. The CFTC agenda lists topics for discussion and consultation with the advisory committee rather than specific regulatory proposals. The advisory meeting is set to provide technical and policy input on potential agency responses and on where agency measures could align with eventual statutes.

The timing of the meetings follows the Senate’s failure to advance the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act before Congress adjourned for recess. With the bill stalled, both regulators have signaled they will use internal rulemaking and advisory processes to address market issues while lawmakers remain at an impasse.

The CFTC session and the SEC discussion are scheduled to take place later this week and next week, respectively, and are intended to help agency officials weigh policy choices, gather expert views and determine next steps for oversight of digital asset markets.