Ripple CEO Calls New CFTC Committee an Olympics Crypto Roster

TLDR

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CFTC creates Innovation Advisory Committee with top crypto and finance leaders.
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse calls the committee an “Olympics crypto roster.”
Committee includes Coinbase, Kraken, Crypto.com, and Uniswap executives.
CFTC will focus on blockchain and AI technologies for market guidance.

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has announced its new Innovation Advisory Committee (IAC). The committee gathers executives from top crypto companies and traditional finance firms. Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse described the committee as an “Olympics crypto roster,” emphasizing its high-profile composition.

CFTC Chairman Michael S. Selig shared the list of members on February 12. The committee is designed to advise the agency on emerging technologies such as blockchain and artificial intelligence.

Committee Includes Leading Crypto and Finance Executives

The IAC features prominent figures from the cryptocurrency industry. Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong, Gemini co-founder Tyler Winklevoss, Crypto.com CEO Kris Marszalek, and Kraken CEO Arjun Sethi are all members.

Leaders of major blockchain and decentralized finance platforms are also included. Hayden Adams of Uniswap Labs, Anatoly Yakovenko of Solana Labs, and Sergey Nazarov of Chainlink Labs will participate in discussions on market developments.

In addition, executives from traditional finance companies will serve on the committee. Terry Duffy from CME Group, Adena Friedman from Nasdaq, Jeff Sprecher from Intercontinental Exchange, and Frank LaSalla from DTCC are part of the IAC.

Focus on Blockchain and AI

The CFTC stated that the committee will provide guidance on technological innovations in finance. Chairman Selig said, “The IAC’s work will help ensure the CFTC’s decisions reflect market realities.”

The committee aims to prepare the agency for rapid changes in financial markets. Selig added that clear rules are needed to support innovation and maintain orderly markets.

Inclusion of Prediction Market and Betting Leaders

The IAC also includes executives from prediction markets and sports betting platforms. Shayne Coplan of Polymarket, Jason Robins of DraftKings, and Christian Genetski of FanDuel will join the committee.

Their presence reflects the CFTC’s interest in understanding emerging online financial markets. This group will contribute insights into market trends that combine finance, technology, and user participation.

Industry Response

The formation of the committee received praise from the crypto industry. Galaxy CEO Mike Novogratz said on X that Chairman Selig is a “strong leader” and “pro-innovation.”

Novogratz also noted that the US Securities and Exchange Commission is collaborating with the CFTC more closely. He added, “This administration has been wonderful for the crypto industry.”

The IAC is expected to meet regularly to advise the CFTC on policies and regulations. Its work may help shape the rules governing blockchain and AI-driven markets in the United States.