FINRA Adds Rostin Behnam, Dan Gallagher to Board

Former CFTC Chair Rostin Behnam and Dan Gallagher, a senior legal executive at Robinhood Markets, have joined FINRA's Board of Governors. These appointments add significant regulatory and industry expertise to the self-regulatory body. Behnam previously led the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, while Gallagher serves as a top legal official at the trading platform Robinhood. The move highlights the growing intersection of traditional finance, cryptocurrency policy, and digital trading platforms.

FINRA has expanded its Board of Governors with the addition of two high-profile industry figures. The appointments include Rostin Behnam, the former Chair of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), and Dan Gallagher, who holds a senior legal position at Robinhood Markets. These changes were confirmed as part of the organization's ongoing governance updates.

The Board of Governors serves as the primary governing body for FINRA, overseeing its policies and strategic direction. The inclusion of Behnam and Gallagher brings diverse perspectives to the board. Behnam offers deep experience in federal regulatory frameworks, particularly regarding digital assets. Gallagher provides insight into the operational and legal challenges facing modern retail trading platforms.

Rostin Behnam brings extensive regulatory experience from his time leading the CFTC. During his tenure, he was a vocal advocate for bringing cryptocurrency markets under federal oversight. His expertise is expected to be valuable as FINRA navigates the complexities of digital asset regulation within the securities industry.

Dan Gallagher serves as a senior legal executive at Robinhood Markets. He has been a prominent voice in discussions regarding market structure and retail investor access. His perspective represents the interests of fintech platforms that have reshaped how individual investors engage with financial markets.

The appointments arrive at a time of significant evolution in financial markets. With the rise of cryptocurrencies and new trading technologies, regulatory bodies are adapting their oversight strategies. The addition of Behnam and Gallagher suggests a strategic move to bolster the board's knowledge of these emerging sectors.

FINRA operates as a self-regulatory organization responsible for overseeing broker-dealers. The new board members will play a role in shaping policies that affect thousands of firms and millions of investors. Their combined experience in both traditional regulation and modern trading platforms positions them to help guide the organization through current market challenges.

As FINRA moves forward with its newly constituted board, the focus will likely remain on regulatory efficiency and adaptation to new technologies. The expertise of Rostin Behnam and Dan Gallagher will be tested as the organization addresses ongoing questions about market integrity and investor protection in a rapidly changing financial landscape. Their presence on the board underscores the importance of cryptocurrency policy and digital trading infrastructure in the future of securities regulation.