Rostin Behnam

Rostin Behnam was born on May 31, 1971. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Georgetown University and later obtained his Juris Doctor from Syracuse University College of Law.

Career

Behnam began his legal career as an attorney at a New York law firm, focusing on regulatory and compliance issues. He later joined the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, where he served as senior counsel to Senator Debbie Stabenow. In this role, Behnam played a significant part in drafting and negotiating the 2014 Farm Bill, which included critical reforms to agricultural policy and financial market regulation.

CFTC Commissioner

In July 2017, Behnam was nominated by President Donald Trump to serve as a Commissioner of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). He was confirmed by the U.S. Senate and sworn into office in September 2017. As a Commissioner, Behnam focused on issues related to climate change and its impact on financial markets, advocating for improved risk management and transparency.

CFTC Chairman

On January 21, 2021, President Joe Biden designated Behnam as Acting Chairman of the CFTC. He was later nominated and confirmed as the official Chairman, assuming office on December 15, 2021. Under his leadership, the CFTC has prioritized regulatory oversight of the derivatives markets, with a strong emphasis on addressing emerging risks such as those posed by digital assets and climate change.

Personal Life

Rostin Behnam is married and has two children. He is known for his commitment to public service and his efforts to enhance the integrity and resilience of the U.S. financial system.

Legacy and Impact

As CFTC Chairman, Behnam has been recognized for his proactive approach to market regulation and his dedication to protecting market participants from fraud and manipulation. His tenure is marked by significant efforts to modernize the regulatory framework to better address contemporary challenges in the financial sector.

• Commodity Futures Trading Commission Chairman