US CFTC FinTech specialist returns to private sector following crypto work

Daniel Gorfine, the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s first Chief Innovation Officer and Director of its FinTech initiative LabCFTC, is departing in mid-August.

Gorfine also served as the Designated Federal Officer of the CFTC’s Technology Advisory Committee. “We are sad to be losing Dan. He is a thought leader in the federal government on financial technology issues,” says CFTC Chairman Heath P. Tarbert.

“With his vision and the support of the Commission, LabCFTC has established itself as a model for regulatory engagement with emerging technologies. I am fully committed to building on the firm foundation Dan has built to further elevate, advance, and modernise how we think about applying a sound, principles-based approach to promising new technologies.”

“As a firm believer in the dynamism and benefits of innovation, markets, and well-calibrated regulation, I am incredibly grateful to Chairman Tarbert, former Chairman Giancarlo, and all of our Commissioners for the opportunity to serve the agency and lead LabCFTC,” says Gorfine, who is returning to the private sector.

“I am proud of the work we have done, inspired by the innovators we have met, and excited for the future of LabCFTC and regulatory innovation offices across the government.  I am also very appreciative of having had the chance to work closely with Commissioner Quintenz, our General Counsel, Dan Davis, and the entire LabCFTC team.”

Under Gorfine’s leadership, LabCFTC held innovator office hours across the US and internationally and developed CFTC primers on virtual currencies and smart contracts. It also analysed and sought public feedback on crypto asset markets and mechanics in order to help inform the Commission.