CFTC hires SEC adviser for blockchain role

• The US Commodity Futures Trading Commission appointed SEC crypto task force adviser Donald Battle as chief data innovation officer.
• Battle brings experience in blockchain forensics, crypto enforcement and financial crime investigations.
• The appointment comes as Congress considers legislation that could reshape digital asset oversight between the CFTC and SEC.

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) appointed Donald Battle, an adviser to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) crypto task force, as its new chief data innovation officer.

The appointment comes as US lawmakers debate the CLARITY Act, a proposed market structure bill that could redefine regulatory responsibilities for digital assets between the CFTC and SEC.

Battle previously served as a blockchain data adviser at the CFTC and worked as a crypto enforcement specialist at the Treasury Department's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network.

CFTC Chair Michael Selig cited Battle's experience in "data science, blockchain forensics, programming interfaces, and cutting-edge AI solutions" when announcing the appointment.

The hire adds blockchain and digital asset expertise to the agency as it continues overseeing crypto-related enforcement and regulatory matters; following the announcement there was no immediate market reaction tied to the appointment.

The CFTC has recently asserted authority over prediction market platforms including Kalshi and Polymarket, leading to legal disputes with some state regulators over sports and event-based contracts.

The agency last week opened a 45-day public consultation on a proposed framework for sports event contracts, while Congress continues considering broader reforms to US digital asset regulation through the CLARITY Act.