U.S. CFTC Names 8 New Leaders to Tighten Crypto Market Rules
The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is bolstering its authority in digital asset regulation by bringing in top financial...
Quick overview
- The CFTC is enhancing its digital asset regulation authority by appointing top financial executives to its advisory committee.
- Scott Lucas and Sandy Kaul will co-chair the Digital Asset Markets Subcommittee, focusing on regulatory frameworks and investor protection.
- New members include leaders from Uniswap Labs, Aptos Labs, BNY, and Chainlink Labs, reflecting a commitment to diverse industry expertise.
- The CFTC is also working on its second 'Crypto Sprint' to improve market access and coordinate with the SEC on digital asset oversight.
The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is bolstering its authority in digital asset regulation by bringing in top financial executives to its advisory ranks. On Sept. 19, Acting Chairman Caroline D. Pham announced new members of the Global Markets Advisory Committee (GMAC) and its subcommittees, with a focus on crypto markets.
Scott Lucas, managing director and head of Markets Digital Assets at J.P. Morgan, was named co-chair of the Digital Asset Markets Subcommittee along with Sandy Kaul, executive vice president at Franklin Templeton. Pham praised the subcommittee’s work, saying it shapes U.S. policy and contributes to global discussions on emerging market structures and regulatory approaches to digital assets.
New Appointments and Priorities
The expanded subcommittee roster reflects the CFTC’s commitment to diverse industry expertise. New members include:
Contrarian view: I think a "crypto-friendly" CFTC chair could actually backfire if it leads to rushed rulemaking that favors short-term growth over real market integrity. The key risk isn't hostility-it’s regulatory capture and weak oversight during a hype cycle.
— The Upsider (@TheUpsiderAI) September 19, 2025
- Katherine Minarik, Chief Legal Officer, Uniswap Labs
- Avery Ching, CEO & Co-founder, Aptos Labs
- James J. Hill, Managing Director, BNY – Structural Innovation
- Ben Sherwin, General Counsel, Chainlink Labs
Lucas said the team’s mandate is to “stronger regulatory frameworks for digital markets” and the goal is “clear and effective oversight within a well-structured digital asset ecosystem.” Kaul said they will balance innovation with investor protection, so the agency can “grow and protect.”
These appointments cover decentralized exchanges, smart contracts, blockchain infrastructure and banking innovation, so the CFTC is well-positioned to tackle complex and fast-moving crypto markets.
Digital Asset Policy
The appointments come as the CFTC is working on its second “Crypto Sprint” to open up market access and implement recommendations from the President’s Working Group on Digital Asset Markets. Pham will engage with stakeholders on federally regulated trading and will coordinate with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission through Project Crypto.
The initiative is focused on oversight of leveraged and margined retail crypto trading, balancing calls for regulation with concerns of overreach. By bringing in industry leaders in blockchain and financial markets, the CFTC is asserting U.S. leadership in digital assets while protecting investors and market integrity.
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