Rostin Behnam, chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, has announced his departure after steering the agency through a transformative period in digital and derivative asset regulation as well as market oversight.
Behnam, who will leave his position on January 20 with his final day at the commission set for February 7, led the CFTC during a period that saw landmark enforcement actions, including a $4.3bn settlement with crypto exchange Binance as well as climate risk focus with the establishment of the Climate-Related Market Risk Subcommittee.
“Since 2017, it has been an honor and a privilege to serve the American public and the CFTC, first as a commissioner, then as Chairman,” Behnam said in his resignation statement. “Over the past several years, a multitude of domestic and global events tested the resilience of all financial markets. I am proud that the Commission consistently made deliberate and intentional decisions to ensure continued strength.”
The timing of Behnam’s exit coincides with the broader transition to the Trump administration, potentially signalling a shift in the regulatory landscape for digital assets and derivatives markets. His departure leaves open questions about the future direction of crypto and derivatives regulation in the US.
“I will work closely with President Trump’s team to ensure a smooth and orderly transition,” Behnam noted, reflecting on his legacy of consensus-building and risk management at the agency.
A former senior counsel to Senator Debbie Stabenow and proprietary equities trader, Behnam’s departure concludes more than seven years at the CFTC, where he championed both market innovation and robust oversight.
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