CFTC Appoints Crypto Expert DJ Hennes to Future-Proof US Derivatives Rules

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has appointed DJ Hennes as director of its Market Participants Division. Chairman Michael S. Selig announced the hire on Monday, citing Hennes’ work on crypto assets and prediction markets.

The Market Participants Division supervises brokers, swap dealers, fund operators, and other CFTC-registered intermediaries.

A Crypto and Prediction Markets Mandate

Hennes will lead compliance examinations, registration, and coordination with self-regulatory organizations such as the National Futures Association.

Mike Selig framed the appointment as central to the agency’s push to modernize derivatives oversight.

The Trump-appointed chairman has championed clearer rules for digital assets and federally regulated prediction markets since taking office in December 2025.

“He brings a wealth of experience advising clients across the financial services industry, and his work with crypto assets and prediction markets will be of tremendous value as we seek to future-proof the CFTC’s rules and regulations,” Selig said.

The hire arrives as the CFTC pursues new rulemaking around event contracts. The agency has also pushed back against state-level restrictions on licensed prediction-market platforms.

Hennes Background

Hennes joins the CFTC from KPMG, where he advised banks and brokers on digital-asset derivatives compliance. Before that, he spent 15 years at Promontory Financial Group, eventually heading its Americas capital markets unit.

He holds a degree in history and economics from Vanderbilt University. Hennes has spoken publicly on prediction-market regulation, including in a KPMG webcast.

“I am honored to be joining the Commission. I look forward to working with Chairman Selig, his leadership team, and the dedicated staff as we continue the CFTC’s mission of fostering integrity, innovation, and liquidity in our vibrant derivatives markets,” Hennes said.

His appointment places a compliance veteran atop one of the agency’s core oversight arms during active crypto rulemaking.