CFTC Taps Crypto Experts as Advisors, Key Seats Still Vacant

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Hold your horses! The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has just announced its newest additions to the Global Markets Advisory Committee (GMAC) on September 19. And guess what? They’re bringing in crypto experts to keep up with the rapidly changing digital asset world. 🏃💨

But here’s the kicker: there’s only one active commissioner left – Caroline Pham, who’s holding the fort as acting chair. Talk about keeping the seat warm! 🔥

CFTC Grabs Crypto Bigwigs from Uniswap, Chainlink and More

Now, for the juicy bit: The Digital Asset Markets Subcommittee (DAMS) has welcomed some of the industry’s biggest names. We’re talking Katherine Minarik from Uniswap Labs, Avery Ching from Aptos Labs, James J. Hill from BNY Mellon, and Ben Sherwin from Chainlink Labs. A dream team if you ask me. 👩‍💻💼

As if that wasn’t enough, Scott Lucas from JPMorgan and Sandy Kaul from Franklin Templeton have been tapped as co-chairs. They’re on a mission to bridge traditional finance with the world of decentralized finance (because why not?). 💰⚡

Scott Lucas, co-chair of DAMS, said, “We look forward to collaborating with the Commission and industry partners to ensure a balanced, clear framework for digital assets.” Yawn, just what we needed… another committee. 🙄

Sandy Kaul, in all seriousness, emphasized the need to foster innovation while keeping investors safe. Sounds like a fairytale, doesn’t it? 🌟

Pham herself weighed in, “The GMAC continues to provide invaluable expertise, shaping policy decisions and adding global context to the regulatory treatment of digital assets.” Well, that’s a relief, Pham! 🙌

Congrats to @chainlinklabs General Counsel Ben Sherwin on his appointment to the @CFTC’s Digital Asset Markets Subcommittee of the Global Markets Advisory Committee! 🇺🇸 @chainlink

– Caroline D. Pham (@CarolineDPham) September 19, 2025

Busy CFTC Faces Challenges, But Acting Leadership Struggles On

And now, the not-so-glamorous reality check: Despite the impressive team, four out of the five commissioner seats are still up for grabs. So yeah, Pham’s still sitting pretty as the acting chair. How long can one person keep this circus running, though? 🦁🎪

Oh, and let’s not forget about the “crypto sprint” program and the hopes of approving spot crypto trading on registered futures exchanges. Spoiler alert: It’s been a bit of a waiting game. ⏳

There’s also this wild ride of legislation called the Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century Act, which could give the CFTC more power over spot and derivatives markets. But with no permanent chair? It’s like trying to steer a ship with no captain. ⛵

As for the whole chair vacancy drama, the plot thickens. Industry moguls like the Winklevoss twins are said to be behind the delay. They’ve managed to stall the confirmation process. Talk about a plot twist! 😱

But hey, the CFTC is still plugging away, trying to make moves in the crypto world. Once they get a permanent chair, things might just speed up. Hold tight! 🎢

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2025-09-20 04:03