News

Aptos CEO Avery Ching Joins CFTC Digital Assets Subcommittee

Jamie Larson

Jul 1, 2025 — 2 min read

Avery Ching, CEO and co-founder of Aptos Labs, has been appointed to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission's Global Markets Advisory Committee Digital Asset Markets Subcommittee. According to CoinSpot, the appointment positions Ching among industry leaders shaping federal digital asset regulations.

The GMAC Digital Asset Markets Subcommittee includes executives from Polygon Labs, CoinFund, Nasdaq, and Franklin Templeton. The 34-member advisory body provides recommendations to the CFTC on regulatory frameworks for digital assets. Ching will collaborate with Web3 and traditional financial services leaders to develop policy guidance.

At the time of the announcement, APT traded at $4.79 with a daily trading volume of $200 million. Aptos maintained a market capitalization of $3.1 billion.

Regulatory Impact on Digital Asset Markets

The appointment comes as federal agencies refine their approach to cryptocurrency oversight. The GMAC Digital Asset Markets Subcommittee created unified terminology for central bank digital currencies, stablecoins, and other crypto assets in spring 2024. According to CFTC, this framework provides foundational guidelines for regulatory clarity and promotes stakeholder engagement.

The subcommittee's work extends beyond terminology. It examines digital finance, asset tokenization, and Web3 technologies to inform international standards. The group's recommendations receive extensive vetting from regulatory authorities, financial institutions, asset managers, and market infrastructures.

Commissioner Caroline Pham established the subcommittee in February 2023 as part of broader GMAC restructuring. The advisory committee addresses integrity and competitiveness challenges in global markets while managing regulatory complexities of interconnected financial systems.

Institutional Blockchain Adoption Accelerates

Aptos Labs has positioned itself as a bridge between Web3 and traditional finance through institutional partnerships. The company launched Aptos Ascend, a customizable blockchain platform for financial institutions requiring enhanced security and compliance capabilities. Partnership agreements include Microsoft, SK Telecom, and Brevan Howard for institutional-grade solutions.

The Move programming language and AptosBFT consensus mechanism enable Aptos to process over 160,000 transactions per second. These technical capabilities attract institutional investors seeking alternatives to existing blockchain networks. CoinJournal reports that Ching's regulatory role could increase investor confidence in APT tokens.

Financial institutions increasingly integrate digital assets into trading, custody, and payment systems. Traditional banks view regulatory clarity as essential for expanding cryptocurrency services. Aptos benefits from this trend through partnerships that demonstrate blockchain scalability for enterprise applications.

Broader Cryptocurrency Regulation Trends

Federal cryptocurrency regulation continues evolving in 2025 as agencies establish clearer frameworks. The SEC launched a new Crypto Task Force to craft collaborative regulatory approaches, while the CFTC expands advisory committee engagement with industry stakeholders. According to Coincub, regulatory refinements aim to clarify token classifications and streamline enforcement actions.

Institutional adoption accelerates as compliance requirements become more predictable. Enhanced regulatory clarity reduces operational risks for institutional funds while maintaining consumer protections. The CFTC's advisory committee structure facilitates dialogue between regulators and market participants.

International coordination efforts continue through organizations like the Financial Action Task Force and Bank for International Settlements. The U.S. regulatory approach increasingly influences global digital asset policies as institutional investment grows. Clearer guidelines enable traditional financial institutions to expand cryptocurrency offerings while meeting regulatory expectations.