CFTC Chair Appoints Veteran Crypto Lawyer Passalacqua as Senior Counsel

January 21, Michael Selig, Chairman of the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), announced the appointment of senior crypto lawyer Michael Passalacqua to join the CFTC as a Senior Advisor, bringing his extensive experience in cryptocurrency and blockchain litigation. Michael Passalacqua previously participated in drafting a letter that led to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issuing a no-action letter, allowing state-chartered trust companies to serve as cryptocurrency custodians.As the CFTC's role in cryptocurrency regulation becomes increasingly important, the appointment of a new advisor with experience in the crypto field represents the CFTC's efforts to make its regulatory approach "future-facing."