The CFTC Observer Podcast: An Agency-Outsider's Perspective of the Derivatives Industry

• Directing a Sprinting Enforcement Division with Brian Young

  In this episode, Brian Young shares some observations of what it was like to be the CFTC’s most recent Director of Enforcement, his time leading the CFTC’s Whistleblower’s program, early entry into the derivatives space from his time at the DOJ, and more!Brian’s tenure as Director of Enforcement overlapped with the CFTC’s recent enforcement sprint, and Brian shares some observations about how the DOE actioned on the CFTC priorities to make that sprint successful and industry’s response. Tune in to hear how the ‘crucible of trial,’ early mentors, and experiences as an Acting Director at the Department of Justice helped solidify Brian’s view that a successful enforcement action was one that led to just results, with no winners or losers. Along the way, Brian discusses the importance of appreciating where you are in the moment, the importance of the Whistleblower program, and some tips of how to conquer the learning curve into this space. Enjoy the discussion and as always - Follow, like, share, and subscribe for more great CFTC or derivatives related content. If there is someone you’d like to see featured on the Podcast or a specific topic you want discussed, send your comments and suggestions our way!

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• The CFTC's Pivotal Moment and What to Expect, featuring Carl Kennedy

  In this episode, Carl Kennedy shares his observations about the recent Futures and Derivatives Law Report Digital Asset Leadership Summit that he helped put together, his work as the managing editor for the 2025 Chambers Global Overview on Derivatives, and more!  Listen in to hear some perspectives and reflections from Carl’s initial entry to this space, from learning an almost new language while working with ISDA to leading the CFTC’s cross-border jurisdiction guidance in the wake of the Dodd-Frank Act and moving to private practice. Digital assets and what to expect next from the CFTC at this pivotal moment in its history are top of mind as Carl also shares some candid observations gleaned from his fireside chat with Acting Chairman Pham at the recent leadership summit. Enjoy the discussion and as always - Follow, like, share, and subscribe for more great CFTC or derivatives related content. If there is someone you’d like to see featured on the Podcast or a specific topic you want discussed, send your comments and suggestions our way!

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• CFTC and SEC Harmonization with Rob Schwartz

  In this episode, Rob Schwartz shares his take on recent CFTC and SEC regulatory harmonization. Along the way, the 16th General Counsel of the CFTC describes his first foray into the derivatives industry, milestone moments during his tenure at the agency, and excitement for the future for our favorite agency (#CFTC). Newcomers to the derivatives space - this may be your time to join and learn up quickly! Listen in to hear Rob's take on why and how.Enjoy the discussion and as always - Follow, like, share, and subscribe for more great CFTC or derivatives related content. If there is someone you’d like to see featured on the Podcast or a specific topic you want discussed, send your comments and suggestions our way!

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• Operational Resilience with Pamela Geraghty

  In this episode, we sit down with Pamela Geraghty of MPD fame to talk about her background, some of the exciting parts of her tenure at the CFTC, and specifically focus on the Operational Resilience Framework for Futures Commission Merchants, Swap Dealers, and Major Swap Participants that she had a large part in putting together and has recently been withdrawn by the CFTC, and what that means to the industry now.Pamela also shares some early career memories, impactful mentors, and appreciation for the close-knit derivatives bar.Enjoy the discussion and as always - Follow, like, share, and subscribe for more great CFTC or derivatives related content. If there is someone you’d like to see featured on the Podcast or a specific topic you want discussed, send your comments and suggestions our way!

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• Keeping up with the New Normal, with Renato Mariotti

  In this episode, Renato Mariotti shares parts of his journey from working on the first spoofing case as an AUSU, the Flash Boys, and bunking in at an FIA conference to learn more about the derivatives space, to now being on the front lines of advising industry participants on “getting used to the new normal” at the CFTC as it undergoes a “reconceptualization of priorities” under Acting Chairman Pham. Enjoy the discussion of advice received and dispensed to early entrants to the derivatives space, including the quick hit list of areas to focus on and the need for a growth mindset, the crypto sprint, and what recent CFTC press releases may be signaling to the industry beyond the page. Enthusiasm for the CFTC as an agency certainly abounds now as it seems poised to expand its remit, and hopefully its resources as well, in the near future. As always - Follow, like, share, and subscribe for more great CFTC or derivatives related content. If there is someone you’d like to see featured on the Podcast or a specific topic you want discussed, send your comments and suggestions our way!

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