Commodity Futures Trading Commission Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission has 4 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, technology, and legal oversight.

Driven by a commitment to market integrity, Commodity Futures Trading Commission safeguards U.S. derivatives markets, fostering transparency and protecting participants from manipulation while promoting financial sector innovation.

Leadership Roles at Commodity Futures Trading Commission

  • Chief Executive Officer - Francisco Riordan
  • Chief of Staff - Amir Zaidi
  • Deputy Chief Information Officer - Charlie Dunn
  • Chief of Staff & Senior Counsel - Joseph Cisewski
  • Francisco Riordan - Chief Executive Officer

    Francisco Riordan, the Chief Executive Officer at Commodity Futures Trading Commission, directs the agency's overarching strategy and operational framework. Riordan guides the commission's mission to promote transparent, competitive, and financially sound derivatives markets. This leadership involves setting policy direction, ensuring regulatory effectiveness, and fostering innovation within the financial sector. Overseeing the agency's engagement with market participants and stakeholders, Riordan ensures alignment with the core objectives of protecting market users from fraud and manipulation. The Chief Executive Officer's role is critical in maintaining the integrity of futures, swaps, and options markets, thereby contributing to overall financial stability. Francisco Riordan's executive decisions shape the regulatory landscape for a diverse range of clients, including traders and clearing organizations, providing essential oversight and guidance.

    Amir Zaidi - Chief of Staff

    Amir Zaidi, the Chief of Staff at Commodity Futures Trading Commission, manages the day-to-day operations and strategic initiatives supporting the agency's regulatory functions. Zaidi coordinates efforts across various departments, ensuring efficient execution of policies aimed at promoting market transparency and integrity. This role involves facilitating communication between the executive leadership and operational teams, streamlining workflows, and driving key projects forward. The Chief of Staff plays a pivotal part in implementing the commission's mandate to protect market participants from fraud and manipulation. Amir Zaidi's oversight extends to resource allocation and operational planning, ensuring the agency effectively serves traders, clearing organizations, and the public. By optimizing internal processes, Zaidi enhances the CFTC's capacity to foster innovation while mitigating systemic risks.

    Charlie Dunn - Deputy Chief Information Officer

    Charlie Dunn, the Deputy Chief Information Officer at Commodity Futures Trading Commission, spearheads the technological infrastructure and digital strategy essential for regulatory oversight. Dunn directs the implementation and maintenance of secure, scalable IT systems that support the agency's mission of promoting market transparency and protecting participants. This leadership involves overseeing cybersecurity measures, data management, and the adoption of advanced technologies to enhance regulatory capabilities. The Deputy Chief Information Officer's responsibilities are crucial for ensuring the integrity of the financial markets by providing robust technological solutions. Charlie Dunn's focus on innovation within the IT domain enables the CFTC to effectively monitor derivatives markets, including futures, swaps, and options. By managing the agency's technological resources, Dunn ensures operational efficiency and supports the protection against systemic risks.

    Joseph Cisewski - Chief of Staff & Senior Counsel

    Joseph Cisewski, the Chief of Staff & Senior Counsel at Commodity Futures Trading Commission, provides critical legal guidance and operational support to the agency's leadership. Cisewski integrates legal expertise with strategic planning to ensure all regulatory actions and operational decisions align with federal law and the CFTC's mandate. This dual role involves advising on complex legal matters related to derivatives markets and overseeing initiatives that promote transparency and protect market participants. The Chief of Staff & Senior Counsel's influence is vital in navigating the intricate legal landscape of futures, swaps, and options regulation. Joseph Cisewski's counsel is instrumental in safeguarding market integrity and fostering innovation while upholding stringent protections against fraud and manipulation. By bridging legal strategy and operational execution, Cisewski reinforces the agency's commitment to financial market stability.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Commodity Futures Trading Commission Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Commodity Futures Trading Commission?
    Commodity Futures Trading Commission is led by Francisco Riordan (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Amir Zaidi (Chief of Staff) and Charlie Dunn (Deputy Chief Information Officer).
    Who is part of Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s executive team?
    The executive team of Commodity Futures Trading Commission includes leaders such as Francisco Riordan (Chief Executive Officer), Amir Zaidi (Chief of Staff), Charlie Dunn (Deputy Chief Information Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Commodity Futures Trading Commission have?
    Commodity Futures Trading Commission has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Commodity Futures Trading Commission includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief Information Officer, Chief of Staff & Senior Counsel.