TLDR
- The CFTC created a new Innovation Advisory Committee to replace the Technology Advisory Committee and guide regulation of blockchain and AI technologies.
- Tyler Winklevoss from Gemini, Kris Marszalek from Crypto.com, and other crypto CEOs will serve as charter members on the 12-person committee.
- CFTC Chairman Mike Selig will sponsor the committee to help develop practical rules for emerging financial technologies and markets.
- The committee includes executives from traditional finance firms like Nasdaq, Intercontinental Exchange, and Cboe Global Markets alongside crypto leaders.
- Applications for additional committee membership are open until January 31, with the CFTC seeking input from regulatory bodies, academia, and public interest groups.
The US Commodity Futures Trading Commission established a new Innovation Advisory Committee on Monday to help shape regulations for blockchain and artificial intelligence technologies. CFTC Chairman Mike Selig announced the committee will replace the previous Technology Advisory Committee.
Innovators are harnessing technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and cloud computing to modernize legacy financial systems and build entirely new ones. Under my leadership, the Commission will develop fit-for-purpose market structure regulations for this new… https://t.co/puzntxnkvf
— Mike Selig (@MichaelSelig) January 12, 2026
The new committee aims to guide the CFTC on commercial and practical considerations of emerging products and platforms in financial markets. Selig said the group will help develop clear rules for what he called the “Golden Age of American Financial Markets.”
Twelve crypto and finance executives will serve as charter members of the committee. Tyler Winklevoss, CEO of Gemini, will join the group. Other crypto leaders include Kris Marszalek from Crypto.com, Arjun Sethi from Kraken, Shayne Coplan from Polymarket, and Tarek Mansour from Kalshi.
The committee also includes executives from traditional financial firms. Jeff Sprecher from Intercontinental Exchange, Craig Donohue from Cboe Global Markets, and Adena Friedman from Nasdaq received nominations. The mix of crypto and traditional finance leaders reflects the CFTC’s approach to regulation.
Selig stated that innovators are using artificial intelligence, blockchain, and cloud computing to modernize old financial systems and create new ones. He said the commission will develop regulations suited for this new frontier of finance under his leadership.
Technology Impact on Markets
Blockchain technology enables faster and cheaper transactions in markets that can operate around the clock. The technology provides more transparent financial operations compared to traditional systems.
AI helps traders and risk managers analyze large data sets more efficiently. These technologies are changing how financial markets function and operate.
The Innovation Advisory Committee replaces the CEO Innovation Council that former Acting Chairman Caroline Pham assembled in her final days at the agency. Selig took over as chairman about a month after that council was announced.
Committee Structure and Input
The CFTC is accepting nominations for additional committee members until January 31. The agency plans to consider viewpoints from regulatory bodies, academia, and public interest groups.
The committee becomes one of five external advisory groups that help guide the CFTC. These committees provide expertise in specific areas to inform the agency’s decisions.
Selig will sponsor the new committee directly. This structure gives the chairman direct involvement in shaping the committee’s work and recommendations.
The CFTC’s approach follows similar moves by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Both agencies are adopting more technology-friendly regulatory approaches to attract innovators.
The committee will advise on regulations for emerging products and business models. This includes guidance on how new technologies fit within existing market structures.
Venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz said crypto innovation is critical to securing America’s future. The firm stated that alignment between government and private sector is crucial for defending American interests.
Applications for committee membership close at the end of January. The CFTC is seeking diverse perspectives to inform its regulatory approach to new financial technologies.
Get 3 Free Stock Ebooks
Discover top-performing stocks in AI, Crypto, and Technology with expert analysis.
- Top 10 AI Stocks - Leading AI companies
- Top 10 Crypto Stocks - Blockchain leaders
- Top 10 Tech Stocks - Tech giants
