A new senior policy adviser possessing previous knowledge in crypto-asset regulation will be welcomed into the team formed by the existing CFTC commissioner.

Specifically, Caroline Pham – taking up the commissioner role for the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has reportedly disclosed details of her decision to bring aboard a former head of U.S. regulatory policy at investment banking entity Credit Suisse Securities. 

Particularly, Keaghan Ames will reportedly be taking up the new role as Pham’s counselor and senior policy adviser at the CFTC beginning May 23. 

Ames’ time at Credit Suisse reportedly lasted for over two years, operating as vice president and head of U.S. regulatory policy, with the scope of the tasks including providing advice for executives regarding digital assets regulation. 

He will be joining the CFTC from the Institute of International Bankers, where he has been the director of government affairs since July last year.

Sworn in as a commissioner in April, Pham is reportedly among the five heads currently serving at the CFTC under chair Rostin Behnam – all of whom were appointed by United States President Joe Biden. 

Pham is the most recent commissioner to become a member of the CFTC following the confirmation of Christy Goldsmith Romero, Summer Mersinger, and Kristin Johnson.

During the run of Ames at Credit Suisse, the company’s virtual asset division reportedly conducted testing for blockchain-powered end-to-end fund transactions, later piloting a settlement system between itself, Paxos, and Instinet. 

In February, the firm reportedly suffered from a major data leak related to its account holders, including sanctioned individuals and heads of state.