The US derivatives and commodities regulator, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), announced February 12 that several prominent crypto executives — including Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse and Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong — have been appointed to its newly established Innovation Advisory Committee (IAC).
The CFTC said the new committee will guide the regulator’s approach to “cutting edge” innovations, including artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain, within derivative and commodity markets.
“Today marks an important and energizing moment at the CFTC as the Innovation Advisory Committee takes shape,” CFTC Chairman Michael Selig said.
The IAC’s work will help ensure the CFTC’s decisions reflect market realities so the agency can future-proof its markets and develop clear rules of the road for the Golden Age of American Financial Markets.
The CFTC is set to play a larger role in the regulation of the crypto market if, or when, the crypto market structure bill referred to as the CLARITY Act passes the US Congress.
In addition to crypto executives, the committee features 35 leaders from a broad range of businesses, including betting firms like Draft Kings, prediction markets like Polymarket and Kalshi, venture capital firms like a16z and TradFi institutions like Cboe and Nasdaq.
The complete list of appointees is:
Related: Ripple CEO Says $1 Trillion Valuation Is Within Reach
Speaking last month shortly after his swearing in, CFTC Chair Selig said his appointment marks the “beginning of a new chapter for the CFTC.”
“We are witnessing the foundation of modern markets take shape,” the CFTC Chair said. “As this transformation unfolds, the CFTC has an opportunity to build on its historic role as a forward looking regulator.”
These comments refer to Selig’s pro-innovation stance on a number of emerging technologies, including digital assets and AI.
Related: SEC and CFTC Signal United Front on Crypto Oversight as Jurisdiction Lines Take Shape
Specifically discussing crypto, Selig said he’s keen to see the CFTC follow the SEC’s recent lead and adopt a “commonsense crypto asset taxonomy,” in order to clarify that digital commodities, collectibles and tools do not qualify as securities.
Selig said he had already instructed staff at the CFTC to cooperate with SEC staff to “consider joint codification of this framework as an interim measure while Congress finalizes legislation.”
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