The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has an urgent issue at its helm as its last commissioner, Kristin Johnson, decided to step down, following her colleagues. This signifies her leaving before the new chairman appointed by President Trump gets into office.

Key Points:

• Departure Signs: The CFTC, soon to be led by a new chair, may find itself without active commissioners, as Johnson becomes the fourth commissioner to announce her exit.
• Legal Implications: Observers suggest a single commissioner may encounter significant legal challenges in formulating policy.
• Next Steps: Johnson plans to vacate her position later this year, leaving the agency with a significant leadership gap.

The CFTC’s role as a potential primary regulator of the U.S. crypto market exacerbates the urgency for swift appointments to the commission. This predicament may lead to operational difficulties as the agency navigates its regulatory responsibilities without a full panel of commissioners. Johnson had previously mentioned the importance of initiating dialogues on digital asset markets while addressing regulatory requirements.