CFTC Chair Rostin Behnam is set to resign on Inauguration Day, marking a significant transition for the agency, especially concerning cryptocurrency regulation. Originally appointed by Donald Trump in 2017, Behnam became acting chair under President Biden and was confirmed in December 2021. As he departs, he emphasizes the need for clearer authority regarding crypto derivatives markets, which the CFTC currently lacks. Bipartisan efforts like the FIT21 bill aimed to enhance the CFTC's oversight of crypto, illustrating its growing importance in this sector. Behnam noted the agency's significant enforcement record, highlighting over $4 billion in penalties from 82 cases. The next acting chair is likely to be one of the sitting Republican commissioners, Caroline Pham or Summer Mersinger, both of whom have shown divergent views on crypto enforcement, including dissension on the CFTC's settlement with Uniswap. Amidst this transition, there is ongoing discussion about the agency's approach to regulating crypto compared to traditional industries, illustrating the complex landscape of crypto regulation in the U.S.

Source 🔗