Rostin Behnam, chairman of the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), has announced his resignation effective January 20, with his departure set for February 7, according to a CFTC statement.

Behnam’s tenure included efforts to expand the CFTC’s authority over Bitcoin and cryptocurrency exchanges and overseeing reviews of US election betting platforms.

Appointed commissioner in 2017, Behnam became acting chairman in 2021 and assumed the official role in 2022, addressing challenges in regulating emerging markets and digital assets.

Under his leadership, the agency engaged in legal disputes with Kalshi Inc., a political event betting exchange, but faced court setbacks.