Rostin Behnam & Patrick McHenry
Regulating the Future: Markets, Innovation, and the New Financial Order
In a rapidly evolving financial landscape, Rostin "Russ" Behnam and Patrick McHenry stand at the forefront of shaping the rules that will define the next generation of global markets. Behnam, Chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), is a leading voice on market integrity, climate risk disclosure, and digital asset regulation. McHenry, former Chair of the House Financial Services Committee and a key Republican strategist on Capitol Hill, has been instrumental in crafting bipartisan fintech, crypto, and capital markets policy.
Together, Behnam and McHenry deliver an insightful and timely conversation on the intersection of innovation, regulation, and economic competitiveness. From digital currencies and decentralized finance to risk oversight and the role of government in fostering growth, they offer a rare bipartisan perspective grounded in real-time policymaking. With deep institutional experience and a shared focus on the future, their dialogue equips audiences with the knowledge to navigate disruption, compliance, and opportunity in today’s complex financial environment.
Rostin Behnam
EXCLUSIVE
- Chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC)
- Distinguished Fellow at the Psaros Center for Financial Markets and Policy at Georgetown University
Rostin "Russ" Behnam served as the 15th Chairman of the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission from 2021 to January 2025. Behnam was nominated by President Biden and unanimously confirmed by the Senate in December 2021. Before serving as Chairman, Behnam served as a CFTC Commissioner from 2017-2021, having been nominated by President Trump in July 2017 and unanimously confirmed by the Senate the following month.
Since leaving the CFTC in February 2025, Behnam continues to be a sought after voice among global financial market experts both in the United States and globally. As CFTC Chairman, during a time of significant technological transformation and disruption in financial markets, Behnam focused on implementing rules and dedicating agency resources to enhancing risk management and resilience, strengthening customer protections, improving data policy, and promoting international comity.
While Chairman, Behnam was at the center of the crypto policy debate in the U.S., directly influencing multiple legislative efforts to authorize the regulation of digital assets, and also overseeing the expansion of CFTC licensed crypto exchanges, intermediaries, and new financial derivatives products directly within the agency’s authority.
Behnam is also globally recognized for his work on climate finance and examining the relationship between climate change and financial market risk. Behnam led the publication of the Managing Climate Risk in the U.S. Financial System report in September 2020, and subsequently led the passage of the CFTC’s Guidance in the voluntary carbon markets, in September 2024.
Behnam now serves as a Distinguished Fellow at the Psaros Center for Financial Markets and Policy at Georgetown University. In his new role, he is expected to leverage his extensive experience in financial regulation to contribute to academic discussions and policy development related to financial markets.
Patrick McHenry
EXCLUSIVE
- United States House of Representatives – North Carolina’s 10th District (2005-2025)
- Chief Deputy Republican Whip (2014-2019)
- Chair of the House Financial Services Committee (2023-2025)
- Speaker Pro Tempore (October 2023)
With a pragmatic approach to governance and a reputation for fostering bipartisan dialogue that leads to bipartisan results, U.S. Congressman Patrick McHenry (R-NC) has been instrumental in shaping policies that drive innovation and economic growth. McHenry gained national prominence as Acting Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives during a critical period of legislative transition in 2023.
McHenry served as Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee’s Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee, providing oversight of the Federal Reserve, Treasury Department, Securities and Exchange Commission and other federal financial regulators. He was also previously a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. As a senior member of the House Financial Services Committee, McHenry has focused on modernizing financial regulations to keep pace with technological advancements. He introduced the landmark "FIT (Financial Innovation and Technology) for the 21st Century Act" and "Clarity for Payment Stablecoins Act" to create a balanced regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology. McHenry’s leadership in this space reflects his dedication to ensuring the United States remains at the forefront of global financial innovation while safeguarding investors and maintaining market stability.
Congressman McHenry is a seasoned legislator and a leading voice in U.S. economic and financial policy, with expertise spanning key areas such as banking, financial regulation, and Crypto-currency, bitcoin, and other technologies, making him a sought-after voice on the future of economic policy. With years of experience navigating complex economic and legislative challenges, McHenry offers strategic advice on leading during a crisis, connecting business and finance with Washington policymakers, and addressing fiscal policy issues.
