The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has appointed Tyler S. Badgley as its new General Counsel, effective January 28, 2026. Chairman Michael S. Selig highlighted Badgley’s extensive legal expertise, emphasizing his potential to contribute significantly as the Commission develops regulatory frameworks for emerging markets and asserts its authority over derivatives markets. ([cftc.gov](https://www.cftc.gov/PressRoom/PressReleases/9175-26?utm_source=openai))
Badgley transitions to the CFTC from the U.S. Department of the Treasury, where he served as Deputy General Counsel and previously as Executive Secretary. His tenure at the Treasury Department involved providing legal and policy advice to senior officials, overseeing the Treasury Legal Division, and managing legal counsels across various Treasury bureaus. ([cftc.gov](https://www.cftc.gov/PressRoom/PressReleases/9175-26?utm_source=openai))
Prior to his roles at the Treasury, Badgley was Senior Counsel at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Litigation Center, focusing on complex litigation and regulatory issues related to capital markets. His legal career also includes positions at Sullivan & Cromwell LLP and as Special Counsel to the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary. He began his legal journey clerking for Judge Edith H. Jones of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. ([cftc.gov](https://www.cftc.gov/PressRoom/PressReleases/9175-26?utm_source=openai))
Badgley holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Virginia School of Law, where he was an Articles Editor for the Virginia Law Review, and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Government from the University of Virginia. ([cftc.gov](https://www.cftc.gov/PressRoom/PressReleases/9175-26?utm_source=openai))
In his new role, Badgley will lead the CFTC’s Legal Division, providing counsel on regulatory and enforcement matters. His appointment follows the tenure of Acting General Counsel Meghan Tente, who will continue to serve the Commission as a Senior Advisor within the Chairman’s office. ([cftc.gov](https://www.cftc.gov/PressRoom/PressReleases/9175-26?utm_source=openai))
This leadership change comes amid a period of significant transition at the CFTC. In April 2025, former General Counsel Rob Schwartz departed the agency to join Morgan Lewis as a partner in their investment management practice. ([morganlewis.com](https://www.morganlewis.com/news/2025/04/cftc-veteran-and-general-counsel-rob-schwartz-joins-morgan-lewis?utm_source=openai)) Additionally, in January 2025, Acting Chairman Caroline D. Pham announced several leadership changes within the Commission. ([cftc.gov](https://www.cftc.gov/PressRoom/PressReleases/9037-25?utm_source=openai))
Badgley’s appointment reflects the CFTC’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its leadership team as it navigates the evolving landscape of financial markets and regulatory challenges.