Aptos CEO Takes Center Stage at CFTC Roundtable Alongside BlackRock, Citadel, and Goldman Sachs Titans

Aptos makes institutional power play as CEO Mo Shaikh joins regulatory heavyweights in landmark CFTC discussion.

Wall Street meets Web3 in high-stakes crypto regulation showdown

The move signals growing institutional acceptance of layer-1 blockchains - though skeptics note traditional finance only embraces innovation after extracting favorable terms. When BlackRock, Citadel and Goldman sit at the table, they're rarely the ones being served.

TLDR

• Avery Ching, CEO and co-founder of Aptos Labs, has joined the CFTC’s Digital Asset Markets Subcommittee.
• He will work alongside representatives from major financial firms, including BlackRock, Goldman Sachs, and Citadel.
• Ching brings a technical background to the subcommittee, having previously led engineering efforts at Meta’s Diem project.
• His appointment reflects the CFTC’s growing effort to include blockchain developers in digital asset regulation.
• The panel is currently working on frameworks for stablecoins and central bank digital currencies.

Aptos Labs CEO and co-founder Avery Ching has been appointed to the CFTC’s Digital Asset Markets Subcommittee. The appointment places Ching alongside members from BlackRock, Goldman Sachs, and Citadel in shaping digital asset regulation. The CFTC continues expanding oversight by adding technologists to its advisory groups, reinforcing its growing focus on digital markets.

Ching Brings Builder Expertise to CFTC Panel

Avery Ching joins the CFTC panel at a time of shifting dynamics in U.S. crypto regulation. While the SEC enforces compliance through lawsuits, the CFTC builds frameworks by involving stakeholders across sectors. Ching’s inclusion adds technical insight to a subcommittee heavily populated by traditional finance representatives.

His past role at Meta’s Diem project provides critical experience in both engineering and regulatory navigation. At Aptos, he helped develop a LAYER 1 blockchain infrastructure, making him a rare technologist with leadership experience. That background sets him apart on a panel long dominated by finance professionals.

• @wyostable has placed Aptos as the highest-scoring blockchain candidate for WYST—the first fiat-backed stablecoin issued by a U.S. State.
• @BitwiseInvest recently filed an amendment to the Aptos ETF, moving one step closer toward the offering of an ETF linked to Aptos in the…

— Aptos (@Aptos) June 30, 2025

The CFTC aims to bridge gaps between decentralized protocols and institutional finance by incorporating blockchain builders. Ching’s presence highlights this shift and marks Aptos’ growing recognition in regulatory conversations. The panel began developing digital asset frameworks in March 2024, setting the stage for policy influence.

Stablecoins and Wyoming’s WYST in Regulatory Spotlight

The CFTC subcommittee is currently working on stablecoin frameworks and central bank digital currency (CBDC) considerations. Ching’s insights may shape outcomes as Aptos engages with U.S. states and federal regulators. Wyoming’s selection of Aptos for its WYST stablecoin shows the platform’s increasing governmental relevance.

WYST is the first state-issued, fiat-backed stablecoin in the U.S., and Aptos is its primary infrastructure partner. This development strengthens Aptos’ profile at a time when stablecoin regulation is a growing concern. With multiple stablecoins already launched on Aptos, the CFTC may evaluate its ecosystem closely.

Ching’s input could inform how stablecoin mechanisms integrate with federal policy, especially under emerging standards. The CFTC has shown interest in maintaining oversight while avoiding heavy restrictions. Including Aptos in this discussion allows for technical accuracy in developing scalable regulatory solutions.

Institutional Interest Builds Around Aptos Blockchain

Bitwise has filed to amend its ETF proposal to include Aptos-linked assets, drawing further attention from federal regulators. The filing coincides with the CFTC expanding its engagement with crypto-native platforms. Ching’s appointment reinforces this development and signals broader market integration.

The Aptos blockchain’s support of USD-pegged stablecoins aligns with the CFTC’s goal of market stability. The inclusion of leaders from Nasdaq and Franklin Templeton adds depth to discussions around market structure. Ching now sits among top financial figures as the CFTC builds a regulatory blueprint.