Crypto leaders join CFTC panel as U.S. pushes ‘pro-innovation’ rules

ambcryptoPubblicato 2026-02-13Pubblicato ultima volta 2026-02-13

Introduzione

The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has formed an Innovation Advisory Committee (IAC) under the Trump Administration, comprising leaders from both crypto and traditional finance sectors. Members include executives from Coinbase, Uniswap, Ripple, Chainlink, and Solana, as well as representatives from prediction markets and major financial institutions like Nasdaq and the London Stock Exchange. CFTC Chair Mike Selig stated the committee aims to develop adaptive regulations to keep pace with innovations in blockchain and AI, ensuring the agency’s rules reflect market realities. The move is seen as a shift from the previous administration’s enforcement-heavy approach. Industry leaders, including Uniswap’s Hayden Adams and Chainlink’s Sergey Nazarov, welcomed the initiative as a positive development for DeFi, tokenization, and the broader crypto ecosystem.

The Donald Trump Administration has formed a new advisory team, the Innovation Advisory Committee (IAC), filled with crypto and traditional finance leaders to help drive American innovation.

On the 13th of February, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) unveiled the members of the Innovation Advisory Committee (IAC).

Players from the crypto industry include Coinbase’s Brian Armstrong, Uniswap’s CEO Hayden Adams, Ripple’s Brad Garlinghouse, Chainlink Labs’ Sergey Nazarov, and Solana’s Anatoly Yakovenko, among others.

On the prediction markets segment, Polymarket founder Shayne Coplan and Kalshi’s Tarek Mansour. Additionally, leaders from sport betting platforms FanDuel and DraftKings were tapped.

On the traditional finance side, Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation (DTCC) CEO Frank LaSalla, London Stock Exchange CEO David Schwimmer, Nasdaq CEO Adena Friedman, and others.

CFTC’s end-game

Academic and interest group representatives are also part of the team to provide a balance on tech updates and breakthroughs. According to CFTC chair Mike Selig, this was an ‘energizing moment’ for the regulator, adding that,

“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.”

Selig added that the committee will help CFTC formulate adaptive regulations for new breakthroughs in blockchain and AI that are transforming financial markets. He added,

“By bringing together participants from every corner of the marketplace, the IAC will be a major asset for the Commission as we work to modernize our rules and regulations for the innovations of today and tomorrow.”

Great for DeFi and broader crypto?

It’s worth noting that Selig first signaled the move in late January, calling for ‘fit-for-purpose’ regulation of new technologies disrupting financial markets.

Interestingly, the update also comes at a crucial time for prediction markets. The regulator recently withdrew a Biden-era rule that banned event contracts tied to sports and political activities.

Selig said the move was the agency’s ‘commitment to lawful innovation,’ underscoring the pro-crypto and pro-innovation pivot under the Trump Administration.

Reacting to the latest IAC update, Uniswap’s Hayden Adams said,

“Last admin’s CFTC only wanted to talk via subpoenas and enforcement. And lots of builders on this IAC! A great sign for the future of the agency.”

Similarly, Chainlink Labs’ Nazarov echoed Adams’ enthusiasm and expected the move to be bullish for tokenization, DeFi, and crypto overall.

Final Thoughts

CFTC chair forms an advisory team to help prepare the agency to form adaptive regulations.
Crypto leaders viewed the move as positive for the industry and a U-turn from the previous administration’s enforcement actions.

Domande pertinenti

QWhat is the name of the new advisory committee formed by the CFTC, and what is its purpose?

AThe new advisory committee is called the Innovation Advisory Committee (IAC). Its purpose is to help the CFTC drive American innovation, ensure its decisions reflect market realities, and develop adaptive regulations for new technologies like blockchain and AI.

QName at least three crypto industry leaders who are members of the newly formed CFTC committee.

AThree crypto industry leaders on the committee are Brian Armstrong (Coinbase), Hayden Adams (Uniswap), and Brad Garlinghouse (Ripple).

QAccording to CFTC Chair Mike Selig, what two key technologies is the committee tasked with helping to formulate regulations for?

AThe committee is tasked with helping to formulate regulations for blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI).

QWhat recent action did the CFTC take regarding prediction markets, and how did the chairman describe this move?

AThe CFTC withdrew a Biden-era rule that banned event contracts tied to sports and political activities. Chairman Selig described this move as a demonstration of the agency's 'commitment to lawful innovation'.

QHow did Uniswap CEO Hayden Adams characterize the difference between the current CFTC's approach and that of the previous administration?

AHayden Adams said that the previous administration's CFTC 'only wanted to talk via subpoenas and enforcement,' contrasting it with the new committee which includes many builders, calling it a 'great sign for the future of the agency.'

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