CFTC’s Pham to start tackling digital assets with new public roundtables

Acting Chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Caroline Pham unveiled plans to launch a series of public roundtables aimed at addressing emerging challenges and opportunities in market structure and innovation.

The initiative will focus on key areas such as affiliated entities, conflicts of interest, prediction markets, and the burgeoning field of digital assets, underscoring the agency’s commitment to adapting its oversight to the rapidly evolving financial landscape.

Pham, who has been an advocate for transparency and public engagement, stressed the importance of preparing the US derivatives markets for the future while ensuring resilience and fairness.

She stated in the Jan. 27 press release:

“As I have long said, the CFTC must take a forward-looking approach to shifts in market structure to ensure our markets remain vibrant and resilient while protecting all participants.”

She highlighted how technological innovation has created a “renaissance in markets” that brings new opportunities accessible to more people but also introduces risks that demand careful consideration. Pham noted that the roundtables will serve as a foundation for crafting a robust regulatory framework informed by studies, expert analysis, and public input.

The CFTC intends to develop a comprehensive administrative record from these discussions, incorporating data, expert reports, and recommendations to establish a “holistic approach to evolving market trends.” This approach aims to promote U.S. economic growth and competitiveness while maintaining clear rules that safeguard market integrity.

Over the next several months, the CFTC will engage with a wide range of stakeholders, including industry leaders, market participants, regulatory experts, and public interest groups. The roundtables will facilitate open and transparent dialogue, providing the agency with up-to-date information and insights necessary to address complex challenges in the derivatives markets.

This initiative follows Pham’s calls last year for greater public engagement and increased transparency in the CFTC’s policymaking processes. Observers view this as a proactive move to address the growing influence of digital assets and technological advancements on market conditions.

Specific dates and details for the roundtable sessions will be announced in the coming weeks. The agency has encouraged stakeholders to participate, reinforcing its dedication to building a collaborative regulatory environment that fosters innovation while mitigating risks.