Crypto Giants Unite in CFTC’s International Advisory Board – Insights Revealed

The US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) proclaimed fresh appointments to its Global Markets Advisory Committee and the Digital Asset Markets Subcommittee on September 19, 2025. This initiative introduces new representatives from both cryptocurrency and Wall Street companies into positions designed to counsel the agency on digital asset matters.

New Leadership and Their Identities

Sources have revealed that Scott Lucas, Managing Director and Head of Markets Digital Assets at J.P. Morgan, alongside Sandy Kaul, Executive Vice President at Franklin Templeton, will serve as co-chairs for the Digital Asset Markets Subcommittee.

Moreover, the CFTC appointed various industry specialists to the panel, such as Katherine Minarik from Uniswap Labs, Avery Ching from Aptos Labs, James J. Hill of BNY Mellon, and Ben Sherwin of Chainlink Labs. The announcements were made by Acting Chair Caroline D. Pham.

The roster includes a total of eight newcomers. Some hail from conventional banks and asset management firms, while others originate from decentralized finance and infrastructural initiatives.

Congratulations to @chainlinklabs General Counsel Ben Sherwin on his appointment to the @CFTC’s Digital Asset Markets Subcommittee of the Global Markets Advisory Committee! 🇺🇸 @chainlink https://t.co/aqcrasmOwb

— Caroline D. Pham (@CarolineDPham) September 19, 2025

Why This Is Significant Now

According to sources, these appointments arrive as the CFTC seeks to enhance its involvement in how cryptocurrency markets function in the US.

The agency has recently indicated that it will investigate the possibility of permitting spot cryptocurrency trading on registered futures exchanges — a measure that could alter which regulatory body supervises specific crypto products. This initiative was detailed in both agency announcements and industry reports earlier this year.

Acting Chair Pham has also positioned the advisory group as a connector between market operations and regulatory advancements. She remarked that the committee “furnishes essential insights” that assist the agency in evaluating market frameworks and the regulatory handling of digital assets.

As of this date, the cryptocurrency market cap stood at $3.98 trillion. Chart: TradingView

Interest Dynamics in the Room

Bringing together JPMorgan and Franklin Templeton with Uniswap and Chainlink underscores a fundamental conflict. Market entities desire clear regulations enabling them to operate in this space.

Consumer advocacy groups and some regulators push for enhanced protections. Advisory committees do not create legislation; they provide guidance. Yet, their perspectives can influence the subsequent regulations formulated.

Some reports also emphasize a pragmatic reason for relying on advisory committees: the agency still faces leadership voids. Reports suggest that numerous commissioner positions remain vacant, increasing reliance on staff and external consultants while these appointments await confirmation.

The appointments signify another stride in a broader campaign to integrate crypto more firmly into US markets. Whether this results in expedited approvals for new trading platforms or more stringent regulations will depend on how the committee’s recommendations are utilized by regulators.

Featured image from Jhvephotos | Dreamstime.com, chart from TradingView

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