US CFTC Chair: Derivatives Market Will Enter New Development Stage, Should Not 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, and financial innovation needs to lead, rather than introducing regulatory models that may limit 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 notional value of the global derivatives market has exceeded $1200 trillion, with nearly half of the market regulated by the CFTC. He stated that U.S. leadership in the derivatives field is built upon generations of market competition, strong institutions, effective regulation, and an open attitude towards innovation. For a long time, global regulators have viewed the CFTC as a benchmark for efficient market regulation. Selig stated, "Finance in the new era 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 United States will continue to play a leading role in derivatives market rulemaking and financial innovation, driving the market to maintain competitiveness.