CFTC Forms Innovation Advisory Committee to Guide Financial and Crypto Technologies

At a point when financial oversight is adjusting to technological change, the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is taking steps to ensure its regulations remain effective. Mike Selig, the CFTC Chair, has announced the creation of an innovation committee to advise the agency on emerging technologies that are transforming financial services. The initiative is intended to help the Commission develop regulatory approaches that are practical, clear, and aligned with current market conditions.

CFTC Innovation Advisory Committee Role

The Innovation Advisory Committee (IAC), rebranded from the former Technology Advisory Committee, brings together experts from industry, regulatory bodies, academia, and technology, offering a wide range of perspectives to guide the Commission.

Selig explained the committee’s role in shaping market regulations. He stated in the release that “the Commission will develop fit-for-purpose market structure regulations for this new frontier of finance.” He also noted :

The Innovation Advisory Committee will play a critical role in advising the Commission on the commercial, economic, and practical considerations of emerging products, platforms, and business models in the financial markets so that it can develop clear rules of the road for the Golden Age of American Financial Markets.

The IAC’s charter outlines its role and responsibilities, showing how the committee will support the Commission in adapting to emerging technologies such as crypto and artificial intelligence:

• The committee will provide guidance on the impact of technological developments across financial services, derivatives, and commodity markets, helping the CFTC align its rules with current market conditions.
• Members will share insights on how market participants can adopt and integrate new technologies while informing the Commission on the tools and investments it needs for effective monitoring and oversight.
• The committee will advise the CFTC on technology-related matters to ensure the agency can uphold fair, transparent, and well-functioning markets while meeting broader public objectives.

Leadership, Public Input, and Crypto Impact

The CFTC Chair will sponsor the IAC and plans to appoint 12 initial members from the CEO Innovation Council. This group brings together leaders from both cryptocurrency and traditional finance. From the crypto industry, the committee includes Tyler Winklevoss of Gemini, Shayne Coplan of Polymarket, Tarek Mansour of Kalshi, and Kris Marszalek of Crypto.com, all serving as CEOs, along with Arjun Sethi, co-CEO of Kraken.

Established financial executives are also involved, including Jeff Sprecher of Intercontinental Exchange, Craig Donohue of Cboe Global Markets, and Adena Friedman of Nasdaq, providing a balanced perspective across sectors.

The CFTC is also encouraging members of the public to get involved by putting forward nominations for the committee and proposing topics they think should be prioritized, with submissions open until January 31, 2026.

Looking at the broader picture, venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) emphasized the importance of cryptocurrency innovation for the United States’ future. The firm pointed out that falling behind in technological development could have significant consequences for the country’s economic strength and global standing, with effects reaching around the world.