CFTC Chairman Hires Ex-White House CEA Chief of Staff Alex Titus as Chief Advisor
Commodity Futures Trading Commission Chairman Michael S. Selig has appointed Alex Titus as Chief Advisor to the Chairman, adding a senior policy figure with deep White House experience to the agency’s leadership team.
The appointment comes as the CFTC faces growing oversight demands across derivatives, digital assets, and emerging financial instruments, alongside closer coordination with the White House on economic and regulatory priorities.
Chairman Selig said Titus will play a central role in shaping the Commission’s engagement with innovation and market structure policy, particularly as the administration pushes to ensure that financial innovation remains anchored in the .
Strengthening the Chairman’s Policy Bench
Announcing the appointment, Selig highlighted Titus’ background in economic and financial policy, as well as his experience working across government.
“I am thrilled to welcome Alex to the Commission as my Chief Advisor,” Selig said. “Alex is a seasoned professional with deep expertise in economic and financial policy. He brings to the Commission a wealth of experience working with stakeholders throughout President administration on a wide range of issues from his prior perch at the White House.”
Selig added that Titus’ role will be key as the CFTC works closely with the administration on future-facing markets. “He will be a huge asset to the Commission as it works together with the of tomorrow are Made in America,” he said.
The Chief Advisor role is expected to involve strategic policy coordination, cross-agency engagement, and support for the Chairman’s agenda across derivatives regulation, market innovation, and economic competitiveness.
From the White House to Market Regulation
Titus joins the CFTC later than serving as Chief of Staff at the White House Council of Economic Advisers, where he worked under Chairman Stephen Miran and Acting Chairman Pierre Yared.
During his time at the CEA, Titus played a role in several high-profile economic initiatives, including efforts to rebalance the , advance major tax legislation, and support what the administration described as one of the most aggressive deregulatory agendas in U.S. history.
His experience at the CEA placed him at the intersection of macroeconomic policy, trade strategy, and regulatory reform—areas that increasingly overlap with the CFTC’s remit as derivatives markets evolve and new financial products emerge.
Before joining the CEA, Titus led a nationwide talent network focused on preparing individuals for public service and served in the first Trump Administration. He also worked as a Policy Advisor at America First Action, President Trump’s political organization.
Perspective on Innovation and New Instruments
In a statement, Titus said he was eager to support Chairman Selig’s vision for the agency and the broader financial system.
“I am excited to join Chairman Selig and the incredible team that he’s building at the CFTC,” Titus said. “I look forward to supporting his mission to usher in a Golden Age for America’s markets and create rules of the road for exciting new financial instruments.”
The reference to “rules of the road” reflects a growing focus at the CFTC on providing regulatory clarity for innovation, including new derivatives structures and digitally native financial instruments.
As markets continue to innovate at a rapid pace, the Commission has faced pressure from both industry participants and lawmakers to balance flexibility with investor protection and systemic stability.
Background in Policy and Research
Beyond his government roles, Titus has held fellowships with several policy and research institutions, including The Public Interest Fellowship, the Observer Research Foundation, and the Claremont Institute.
These affiliations underscore his grounding in economic thought, public policy, and regulatory philosophy—experience that may inform the CFTC’s approach as it navigates politically sensitive issues around market oversight and deregulation.
Titus holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of Oregon.
Implications for the CFTC
The appointment signals Chairman Selig’s intent to bolster the Commission’s senior advisory capacity as it engages with the White House on economic policy and regulatory coordination.
With derivatives markets increasingly intersecting with technology, geopolitics, and macroeconomic policy, the CFTC’s leadership team is expected to play a more prominent role in shaping how new products are regulated and how U.S. markets remain competitive globally.
Titus’ background suggests a focus on alignment with broader administration priorities, particularly around deregulation, innovation, and domestic market leadership.
