CFTC Chairman Selig Announces Senior Staff Appointments

WASHINGTON - Commodity Futures Trading Commission Chairman Michael S. Selig today announced two senior staff appointments.

Donald Battle as Chief Data Innovation Officer

Don Battle joins the CFTC as chief data innovation officer, serving in the Division of Data and as a member of the Innovation Task Force.

"I am thrilled to welcome Don Battle to the CFTC," Chairman Selig said. "Don brings a wealth of expertise in data science, blockchain forensics, programming interfaces, and cutting-edge AI solutions. His contributions will be instrumental in driving the agency forward in fostering innovation and ensuring we continue to adapt to the evolving technological landscape."

"I was lucky enough to work for Chairman Selig on the SEC's Crypto Task Force, and to be asked to follow him to the CFTC is a true honor," Battle said. "We are living in the age of data, and I could not be more driven to help the Chairman and talented CFTC staff to be a force multiplier for integrity and innovation in the United States."

Battle joins the CFTC from the Securities and Exchange Commission, where he most recently served as a senior advisor to Commissioner Hester Peirce on the agency's Crypto Task Force and on detail from his role as assistant director in the Enforcement Division's Data Science Group. At the SEC, he helped develop various programming and data science solutions to analyze large datasets, leading complex investigations involving novel technologies. He has led teams that have won the SEC Chair's award for Investor Protection, the Paul R. Carey Award, and the Arthur F. Mathews Award.

Prior to the SEC, Battle served as a virtual currency enforcement officer at the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) at the U.S. Department of Treasury. He brings expertise heavy in data science, blockchain forensics, programming interfaces, emerging integrated AI solutions, and the statutory obligations around anti-money laundering and counterterrorism under the Bank Secrecy Act.

Battle received his B.A. from George Mason University, graduating cum laude.

J Matthew Haws as Senior Advisor and Chicago Regional Administrator

J Matthew Haws joins the CFTC as senior advisor in the Office of the Chairman and as the Chicago Regional Administrator.

"I'm pleased Matt Haws is joining the Commission," Chairman Selig said. "Matt will be a vital addition to our Chicago office as the agency continues to staff up throughout the country. His extensive background in derivatives markets will help drive forward the agency's mission to protect our markets and market participants from fraud, manipulation, and other abuses."

"I am honored to join the CFTC at this exciting time in its history," Haws said. "At this critical moment for innovation in American financial markets, I look forward to contributing to the Commission's efforts to support responsible innovation and ensure market integrity."

Haws brings more than 13 years of experience advising global financial institutions. He most recently served as senior legal counsel at Marex, advising the firm's U.S. derivatives and capital markets businesses on critical regulatory risks, governance, and compliance frameworks. He previously was a partner at Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP, where he represented Futures Commission Merchants, broker-dealers, and swap dealers, among others, in complex regulatory enforcement and litigation matters.

Haws earned his J.D., magna cum laude, from the University of Illinois College of Law and his B.S. from Boise State University. He is admitted to practice in Illinois.