CFTC Commissioner Kristin Johnson Announces Departure
Kristin Johnson announced she will step down from her role as a commissioner at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), with her last day set for September 3, 2025. In her farewell announcement, Johnson praised the agency’s staff but also issued a strong warning about the need for increased resources and cautious regulation as financial markets evolve.
A Call for Cautious Regulation
Johnson’s departure message included a notable caution against dismantling foundational regulations in the name of growth. She emphasized that “the goals of growth and market integrity are not mutually exclusive” and that sustainable growth is built upon a resilient regulatory framework that ensures markets can withstand volatility and stress.
“In advancing an agenda in the name of growth, it is critical not to dismantle the foundational resilience that supports financial stability and protects the broader economy,” Johnson wrote. She stressed that any effort to streamline regulation should not leave customers or markets vulnerable to fraud.
Praise for a “Small-But-Mighty” Agency
Johnson’s term officially ended in April 2025. In her statement, she reflected on her three-and-a-half years at the “small-but-mighty agency,” lauding the dedication and “grit” of the CFTC staff. She described the commission as the “tireless cop on the beat,” working to surveil markets and enforce against manipulation and fraud.
She highlighted the agency’s successful navigation of recent challenges, including a global pandemic and geopolitical conflicts, as proof that the market reforms implemented after the 2010 financial crisis have worked effectively.
Focus on Future Challenges and Resources
Looking ahead, Johnson expressed concern that the agency must receive the necessary investments to keep pace with “transformative changes in markets.” She specifically highlighted the need for resources to “upskill” staff to handle innovative technologies like artificial intelligence.
This need for support is particularly acute, she noted, as the commission contemplates a potential expansion of its mandate to include supervisory oversight of emerging digital asset markets. Johnson’s tenure included a focus on these future challenges, where she proposed initiatives for evaluating cyber threats and integrating AI into financial market oversight.
A Commitment to Continued Service
Johnson thanked President Biden for her nomination and the U.S. Senate for her unanimous confirmation. While not detailing her next steps, she signaled a continued commitment to public service and market integrity.
“Having had the honor and privilege of serving our nation at one of the world’s premier financial market regulators, I do not plan to shy away from the work that we started,” she stated. “In fact, I am inspired to dig in and do more.”
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