Commodity Futures Trading Commission Chairman Selig appoints Michael Passalacqua and Cal Mitchell as senior advisors

Commodity Futures Trading Commission Chairman Michael S. Selig announced two senior staff appointments in his office, naming Michael Passalacqua and Cal Mitchell as senior advisors. Passalacqua previously practiced at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, focusing on financial regulatory matters involving crypto assets and blockchain technologies, including work to obtain industry-wide no-action relief related to the use of state-chartered trust companies as crypto asset custodians. His prior experience also includes roles at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP and as assistant general counsel at a crypto asset capital markets firm. Mitchell previously served as special advisor in the Office of Legislative Affairs at the U.S. Department of the Treasury, leading the nominations portfolio for confirmations through the U.S. Senate, and earlier worked in U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty’s office as personal aide with responsibilities including communications strategy and external affairs.