CFTC Names Top Crypto Executives to Newly Formed Innovation Advisory Committee

Key Takeaways

• The CFTC has officially launched its Innovation Advisory Committee (IAC), replacing the former Technology Advisory Committee.
• The committee includes 35 members from crypto, traditional finance, and related sectors.
• Chairman Michael S. Selig announced the appointments on February 12, 2026.
• Prominent crypto executives from Coinbase, Ripple, Gemini, Solana, Uniswap, Kraken, and others are part of the panel.

The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has named the members of its newly formed Innovation Advisory Committee (IAC). The committee includes 35 participants from the cryptocurrency industry, traditional finance, and related sectors.

Chairman Michael S. Selig announced the appointments on February 12, 2026. The IAC replaces the former Technology Advisory Committee and aims to provide input on how new technologies, such as blockchain and artificial intelligence, affect derivatives and commodity markets. The goal is to help the CFTC develop regulations that match current market conditions and support innovation while maintaining oversight.

I'm excited to announce the members of the @CFTC Innovation Advisory Committee. The IAC’s broad financial sector insights will help the CFTC future-proof its markets and develop clear rules of the road for the Golden Age of American Financial Markets.https://t.co/vv0sC8Mr1v?

— Mike Selig (@ChairmanSelig) February 12, 2026

Chairman Selig stated: “Today marks an important and energizing moment at the CFTC as the Innovation Advisory Committee takes shape. The IAC’s work will help ensure the CFTC’s decisions reflect market realities so the agency can future-proof its markets and develop clear rules of the road for the Golden Age of American Financial Markets.”

He added: “America is home to the most transparent and well-regulated financial markets in the world, but we cannot assume that this will always be the case. By bringing together participants from every corner of the marketplace, the IAC will be a major asset for the Commission as we work to modernize our rules and regulations for the innovations of today and tomorrow.”

Among the members are several leaders from the cryptocurrency sector, including:

• Brian Armstrong, CEO, Coinbase
• Brad Garlinghouse, CEO, Ripple
• Tyler Winklevoss, CEO, Gemini
• Anatoly Yakovenko, CEO, Solana Labs
• Hayden Adams, CEO, Uniswap Labs
• Shayne Coplan, CEO, Polymarket
• Sergey Nazarov, CEO, Chainlink Labs
• Arjun Sethi, Co-CEO, Kraken
• Kris Marszalek, CEO, Crypto.com
• Peter Smith, CEO, Blockchain.com
• Chris Dixon, Managing Partner, a16z crypto

The committee also includes executives from established financial institutions and exchanges, such as:

• Terry Duffy, Chair & CEO, CME Group
• Craig Donohue, CEO, Cboe Global Markets
• Jeff Sprecher, CEO, Intercontinental Exchange

Other members come from prediction markets, venture capital firms, and sports betting companies, including representatives from Kalshi, FanDuel, and DraftKings.

Michael Passalacqua has been named the designated federal officer for the committee.

The formation of the IAC follows recent changes in policy, including the withdrawal of certain prior restrictions on event-based futures contracts. Industry observers see this as a step toward clearer regulations for digital assets and emerging technologies under CFTC oversight.

The full list of members is available on the CFTC website. The committee is expected to meet periodically to advise on regulatory approaches to innovation in financial markets.