CFTC Announces Innovation Task Force Staff

WASHINGTON - The Commodity Futures Trading Commission today announced the members of the Innovation Task Force. The ITF will work with the Commission to develop a clear regulatory framework for innovators focused on crypto assets and blockchain technologies; artificial intelligence and autonomous systems; and prediction markets and event contracts.

The Innovation Task Force, led by Michael J. Passalacqua, is composed of staff from various divisions and offices throughout the Commission, as well as individuals with extensive private sector experience working on these issues.

"The Innovation Task Force brings together a leading team that exhibits deep expertise and an enthusiastic commitment to deliver clear rules of the road for American innovators," said Chairman Michael S. Selig.

The initial members of the ITF include:

• Hank Balaban, Senior Advisor: Prior to joining the ITR, Balaban practiced law at Latham & Watkins in the firm's Digital Asset and Emerging Companies practice groups. Balaban holds a J.D. from Georgetown University and a bachelor's degree from Dartmouth College.
• Sam Canavos, Senior Advisor: Canavos was previously a consultant at Patomak Global Partners, where he advised firms on U.S. regulatory matters related to innovative technologies, including crypto and prediction markets. Canavos holds a J.D. from the Antonin Scalia Law School and a bachelor's degree from the University of Virginia.
• Mark Fajfar, Senior Advisor: Fajfar joins the ITF from the CFTC's Office of the General Counsel, where he garnered over 10 years of experience working on legal matters. Before joining the CFTC, Fajfar served as special counsel at Fried Frank in the firm's financial regulatory practice. He holds a J.D. and bachelor's degree from Georgetown University.
• Eugene Gonzalez IV, Senior Advisor: Gonzalez previously practiced law at Sidley Austin in the firm's Blockchain and FinTech practice group. Gonzalez earned his J.D. from Fordham University and his bachelor's degree from Villanova University.
• Dina Moussa, Senior Advisor: Moussa joins the Task Force from the CFTC's Market Participants Division, where she serves as special counsel. Moussa previously clerked on the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia and, prior to that, worked in private practice in Cozen O'Connor's white collar defense practice group. She holds a J.D. from Georgetown University and a bachelor's degree from Wesleyan University.