Donald Trump Considering Caroline Pham, Perianne Boring for CFTC Chair

President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly considering appointing Caroline Pham and Perianne Boring to lead the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), according to a December 3 Fox Business report.

Perianne Boring among contenders to lead agency involved with crypto in Trump admin https://t.co/UBseFxqThb

— FOX Business (@FoxBusiness) December 4, 2024

Sources suggest Boring is among the leading contenders for the role, competing with current CFTC commissioners Caroline Pham and Summer Mersinger, as well as former commissioner Jill Sommers.

Perianne Boring Among Top Contenders for CFTC Chair

Perianne Boring, the CEO of the Digital Chamber, has risen as a strong candidate for the CFTC Chair position.

Boring’s extensive background in finance and media, including her experience as a legislative analyst in the U.S. House of Representatives, positions her as a compelling choice.

While in Congress, she focused on tax policy, healthcare, and economic issues, earning a reputation as a well-rounded policymaker.

Her prior role as a TV anchor, sources claim, adds to her appeal, with one insider noting that her ability to be “conversant and telegenic” could be an asset in leading the federal regulator.

However, competition for the position remains fierce. Current CFTC commissioners Caroline Pham and Summer Mersinger bring substantial regulatory experience, and former commissioner Jill Sommers is also in the running for the leadership role.

Trump’s Potential Impact on CFTC and Crypto Oversight

News of Boring’s potential nomination would officially mark the end of the tenure for the outgoing CFTC Chair, Rostin Behnam.

Behnam, who has previously expressed frustration over political roadblocks in developing crypto-friendly regulations, noted during the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA) annual meeting in October that the CFTC is “handcuffed” in its ability to advance clear frameworks.

📰 CFTC Chair Rostin Behnam expressed optimism that Congress could pass crypto legislation in the U.S. following the 2024 presidential election.#RostinBehnam #CryptoLegislationhttps://t.co/XxiPFUEDBr

— Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) October 22, 2024

He shared optimism for legislative progress in the years ahead, saying, “I think as we look into 2025 – a new congress, a new president – that you’re likely going to see some legislation.”

Trump, who is set to return to the Oval Office next month, has campaigned on enacting pro-crypto regulations.

During the Bitcoin 2024 Conference, Trump emphasized his administration’s commitment to industry-friendly rules, stating, “We will have regulations, but from now on, the rules will be written by the people who love your industry, not hate your industry.”

Recent reports suggest that the Trump administration plans to give the CFTC primary regulatory oversight over digital assets, shifting authority away from the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Trump has been critical of the SEC’s “regulation-by-enforcement” approach and previously vowed to replace SEC Chair Gary Gensler.

With indications that Trump’s administration may favor pro-crypto policies, the next CFTC Chair could play a decisive role in shaping the future of digital asset regulation in the United States.