The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has issued an open invitation for nominations to establish a new CEO Innovation Council, designed to help shape the agency’s regulatory strategy for digital assets and emerging technologies. Acting Chair Caroline Pham introduced the council, which will address topics including digital asset trading, blockchain advancements, and tokenized collateral, with
nominations accepted until December 8, 2025
. Pham highlighted the importance of industry collaboration with the CFTC to "move quickly and effectively" in developing responsible policies that foster innovation while protecting market stability
as recent updates indicate
.
This initiative is part of a larger push to update the CFTC’s oversight as the cryptocurrency sector continues to evolve. The council will bring together CEOs from both finance and tech sectors,
who will provide guidance on regulations for prediction markets
, around-the-clock trading, and perpetual futures. The council’s launch is timely,
with the Senate anticipated to vote
on a crypto market structure proposal in January 2026. Pham has previously supported projects such as the Crypto CEO Forum and has worked to broaden digital asset trading, including for tokenized collateral and stablecoins
as noted by industry observers
.
Although Pham’s term is ending soon—her tenure concludes as the Senate prepares to confirm President Donald Trump’s nominee, Michael Selig—the CFTC is determined to continue these initiatives. The agency’s future direction will depend on Selig’s confirmation, but for now, Pham is focused on completing the council’s formation before she steps down
as reported by Blockonomi
. The leadership change at the CFTC highlights the need to quickly establish a regulatory structure that encourages innovation while maintaining oversight.
The council’s objectives reflect the CFTC’s growing responsibilities in crypto oversight, spurred by legislative proposals in both chambers of Congress.
These proposals seek to expand the agency’s powers
over digital assets, though progress has been slow. Meanwhile, the CFTC has initiated a "Crypto Sprint" to clarify regulations for spot crypto products, including those with leverage
as part of its efforts to modernize oversight
. The CEO Innovation Council is expected to offer valuable insights as the agency addresses these changes.
To nominate someone for the council, submissions must include the candidate’s name, position, company, relevant experience, and suggested areas of focus. While submitting a nomination does not ensure selection, Pham underscored the value of industry participation to keep the CFTC at the cutting edge of market innovation
according to industry sources
.
