CFTC Unveils Innovative Task Force: What This Means for Cryptocurrency Regulation in 2026

[DigitalToday AI Reporter] On April 11 (local time), the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) disclosed the five initial members of an innovation task force charged with clarifying regulation of the cryptocurrency market, Cointelegraph reported.

The task force aims to establish clear rules for U.S. innovators. CFTC Chairman Mike Selig launched the group on March 24 and appointed his chief counsel, Michael Pasalacqua, to lead it.

The initial members joining the team are Hank Bellerban, a cryptocurrency attorney formerly at Latham & Watkins; Sam Kenavos, a crypto and prediction-market adviser from Patomak; Mark Paifa, a veteran of the CFTC's legal division; Eugene Gonzalez IV, a blockchain lawyer from Sidley; and Dina Musada, special counsel in the CFTC's Market Participants Division. Selig said the team will develop clear rules for U.S. innovators based on deep expertise and strong resolve.

The move is part of a broader push under the Trump administration for the CFTC and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to clarify regulatory standards for digital assets. In mid-March, the SEC said it does not regard most crypto assets as securities subject to its jurisdiction, raising the possibility that the CFTC could emerge as the industry's primary regulator, the outlet said.