From Regulator to Trailblazer: Caroline Pham Joins MoonPay as Chief Legal Officer
The revolving door between Washington and Web3 just made its most significant turn of the year. Caroline Pham, Acting Chair of the CFTC, is stepping out of government and into the private sector, joining MoonPay as its new Chief Legal and Administrative Officer.
Pham leaves behind a high-impact tenure at the CFTC, where she became one of the strongest advocates for responsible crypto innovation. She led pilot programs exploring Bitcoin as collateral and pushed for the development of spot crypto products within regulated futures markets. Her move to MoonPay isn’t just a career change—it’s a signal that regulatory expertise is now becoming a core competitive advantage in Web3.
Why This Move Matters
Pham was never a symbolic appointment. She actively shaped policy and championed practical frameworks for digital assets. Her transition highlights a few major shifts underway:
First, the talent flow has changed. Senior regulators are no longer standing on the sidelines—they’re entering the industry to help design compliant systems from within.
Second, MoonPay is clearly preparing for institutional-scale growth. Bringing in the former head of the CFTC to lead legal and administrative strategy sends a strong message to banks, funds, and global partners that MoonPay is serious about long-term regulatory alignment.
Third, regulatory clarity in the U.S. looks closer than ever. With Mike Selig confirmed as her successor, momentum is building toward the CLARITY Act and more formal oversight of spot crypto markets.
Pham’s Legacy at the CFTC
During her time at the agency, Pham:
• Launched the first-ever Digital Assets Pilot Program
• Created the CEO Innovation Council
• Updated “actual delivery” rules that had unfairly constrained crypto firms
As crypto shifts from survival mode to mainstream expansion, Pham’s experience becomes especially valuable. Her arrival at MoonPay positions the company to navigate global regulation heading into 2026 with confidence.
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