Meet Rostin Behnam, a Distinguished Fellow at the Psaros Center for Financial Markets and Policy. Behnam served as the Chairman of the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission after serving as both acting Chairman and Commissioner from 2017 through 2025.
In his tenure as Chairman, Behnam led the CFTC through a period of transformative change, addressing the complexities of a rapidly evolving derivatives market. His work on risk management, customer protection, and fostering international cooperation has had a lasting impact on financial markets globally.
When asked why he chose to join the Psaros Center, Behnam shared with Psaros FinPolicy Scholar Kelly Grace Richardson, “What I think is so unique about the Psaros Center is the intersection of financial markets and policy, with a focus on unbiased, data-driven research. Being located in Washington, D.C., at the heart of policymaking, it provides a natural platform to bridge the gap between policymakers and real-market challenges. This is essential for both regulators and lawmakers, and it is something I am proud to be a part of as I take the next step after my time at the CFTC.”