CFTC hires SEC crypto task force adviser with blockchain forensics chops
The CFTC appointed Donald Battle as chief data innovation officer, signaling a stronger focus on crypto and blockchain-related oversight. Battle has worked on blockchain forensics and crypto enforcement, including roles with the SEC crypto task force, the CFTC, and FinCEN. CFTC Chair Michael Selig highlighted his experience in data science, programming interfaces, and AI. The move comes as Congress considers the CLARITY Act, which could reshape SEC and CFTC roles in digital asset regulation. Under Selig, the CFTC has also asserted jurisdiction over prediction markets such as Kalshi and Polymarket. Separately, the agency recently proposed a rule that could separate sports event contracts from gambling-style “games of random chance,” opening a 45-day public comment period.
