Washington, D.C. — Commodity Futures Trading Commission Chairman Rostin Behnam has appointed Dr. Ted Kaouk as the agency's inaugural Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer. Dr. Kaouk, who currently holds the position of Chief Data Officer and Director of the Division of Data at the CFTC, will now take on the role of Chief Data & Artificial Intelligence Officer.
In response to the appointment, Chairman Behnam highlighted the significance of leveraging data analytics and artificial intelligence to enhance the CFTC's capabilities in overseeing and enforcing regulations in the derivatives markets. He stated, "Enhanced data analytics and artificial intelligence have the potential to transform the CFTC’s long-term capabilities for oversight, surveillance, and enforcement in the derivatives markets."
Dr. Kaouk brings a wealth of experience to his new position, having previously served as the Chief Data Officer and Responsible Official for AI at the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the Chief Data Officer at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Chairman Behnam expressed his confidence in Dr. Kaouk's abilities, affirming, "Ted has the requisite technical and leadership experience needed to lead and implement the CFTC’s data and AI roadmap at this critical stage to achieve the best outcomes for the CFTC and those it serves."
Prior to his roles in government agencies, Dr. Kaouk began his career as a surface warfare officer in the United States Navy. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the U.S. Naval Academy, a master’s degree from the University of Virginia, and a PhD from the University of Maryland, College Park.
