For anyone building, investing in, or simply using crypto in the United States, the biggest risk has rarely been the technology. Rather, it's been regulatory uncertainty. One statement from a regulator or one surprise enforcement action can often be enough to put entire business models on pause. That context is what makes the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s (CFTC) latest move quite interesting.
On January 21, 2026, the CFTC announced a new initiative called “Future-Proof,” led by its chair, Michael Selig. The message was unusually direct. Instead of forcing crypto into existing frameworks, the agency is acknowledging that the frameworks themselves may no longer work.
Speaking about the initiative, Selig pointed out that much of the CFTC’s regulatory foundation was written decades ago, in some cases as far back as the 1930s, for agricultural commodities like wheat and corn. Those rules were never designed for always-on blockchain networks or global markets where value moves in seconds.
Oluwajeminipe Fasheun-Motesho
"We cannot regulate twenty-first century markets with twentieth-century rulebooks," Selig said, adding that forcing digital assets into these old structures creates confusion, raises compliance costs, and ultimately slows innovation. By the time companies figure out how to comply with legacy rules, the underlying technology has often already moved on.
One of the most meaningful shifts in the “Future-Proof” plan is tone. Crypto firms have long criticized US regulation for being reactive and punitive. Companies often learn what regulators consider unacceptable only after enforcement actions are announced. Selig made it clear that the CFTC wants to move away from that approach. “Clear rules upfront protect investors better than surprise enforcement after the fact,” he said.
That stance immediately drew attention across the industry, particularly because it contrasts with the more aggressive posture associated with other US regulators. The CFTC has historically been viewed as more open to innovation, especially around crypto derivatives and assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum. Formalizing an effort to modernize its rulebook reinforces that reputation.
The Takeaway
If the initiative delivers, the implications could be significant. Startups may find it easier to launch products without fearing sudden regulatory backlash. Institutional investors, many of whom have stayed cautious due to legal ambiguity, could feel more confident allocating capital. Clearer rules could also reduce the pressure on US-based crypto companies to relocate abroad in search of regulatory certainty.
The effort doesn't resolve every open question. Jurisdictional overlap, coordination with other agencies, and how different token types are classified remain unresolved. Selig himself stressed that details will take time.
Still, the signal matters. For the first time in years, a major US regulator is openly admitting that crypto isn't the problem. The rulebook is. For an industry that has spent years guessing where the lines are drawn, that acknowledgment alone marks a meaningful shift.
David Adubiina
