The Commodity Futures Trading Commission announced Mel Gunewardena as director of the Office of International Affairs and Senior Markets Advisor to Chairman Michael S. Selig. The appointment pairs leadership of the CFTC’s international engagement with a remit to provide the chairman with market structure and risk management insights, including during periods of uncertainty. Mauricio Melara, acting director of the Office of International Affairs since January 2025, will continue serving in the office. Gunewardena previously served at the CFTC as chief market intelligence officer from 2019 to 2022 and later as senior advisor for global markets to the chief executive of the UK Financial Conduct Authority. His private-sector background includes managing director roles in global markets trading at Goldman Sachs, Deutsche Bank and State Street, with leadership responsibilities across trading, prime brokerage, derivatives and risk businesses in North America, Europe and Asia. He has also held roles connected to financial stability and market infrastructure, including work with CLS Bank and CLS Services, Markit Partners, IOSCO and as the CFTC staff representative to the U.S. Systemic Risk Council, a subcommittee of the Financial Stability Oversight Council.
Commodity Futures Trading Commission 2026-03-02
Commodity Futures Trading Commission names Mel Gunewardena director of the Office of International Affairs and senior markets advisor to the chairman
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission appointed Mel Gunewardena as director of the Office of International Affairs and Senior Markets Advisor to Chairman Michael S. Selig. Gunewardena brings extensive experience from roles at the UK Financial Conduct Authority and major financial institutions, focusing on global markets and risk management. Mauricio Melara will continue serving in the Office of International Affairs.