The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has appointed DJ Hennes as the new director of its Market Participants Division, according to an announcement on Monday.

Chairman Michael S. Selig confirmed the appointment, emphasizing Hennes' background in crypto assets and prediction markets.

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New Leadership for Oversight

The Market Participants Division oversees compliance examinations, registration, and coordination with self-regulatory organizations such as the National Futures Association.

Hennes will supervise brokers, swap dealers, fund operators, and other intermediaries registered with the CFTC.

This appointment is part of a broader effort by Chairman Selig, a Trump appointee who has pushed for modernized derivatives oversight and clearer digital asset rules since December 2025.

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The CFTC is currently drafting new rules regarding event contracts and challenging state restrictions on licensed prediction-market platforms.

Experience and Background

Hennes joins the CFTC from KPMG, where he advised banks and brokerages on digital-asset derivatives compliance.

He previously spent 15 years at Promontory Financial Group, leading the Americas capital markets unit.

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Hennes holds a degree in history and economics from Vanderbilt University.

“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.

“I am honored to be joining the Commission.

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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.