In a major move that highlights the growing convergence between blockchain innovators and U.S. financial regulators, Avery Ching, CEO and co-founder of Aptos Labs, has joined the Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s (CFTC) Global Markets Advisory Committee (GMAC). Ching will be serving on a digital asset markets subcommittee that includes major institutional players such as BlackRock, Goldman Sachs, Citadel, and other key stakeholders in finance and Web3.

This development underscores the increasing need for balanced regulatory frameworks that consider both the technological complexity of digital assets and the systemic concerns of traditional finance. Ching’s participation not only elevates Aptos’s position within the broader crypto landscape but also signals a stronger voice for blockchain-native expertise in shaping digital asset policies.

Aptos and the CFTC: A Strategic Collaboration

On June 30, Aptos Labs formally introduced its partnership with the CFTC through Ching’s involvement in the GMAC subcommittee. The collaboration is designed to advance regulatory frameworks for digital assets, stablecoins, central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), and ETFs. According to Aptos Labs, Ching will work alongside both financial industry veterans and Web3 pioneers to provide nuanced insights into the rapidly evolving crypto ecosystem.

The inclusion of Ching in this panel signals a shift toward a more holistic understanding of crypto innovation, particularly as the CFTC deepens its focus on the integration of blockchain technologies with regulated financial markets. As Aptos Labs stated in their release, “Avery will collaborate with other leaders from Web3 and financial services to help shape digital asset regulations.”

A Technologist Among Financial Giants

Ching’s role in the panel marks a notable expansion of technologist representation in federal advisory roles that have historically been dominated by banking and regulatory professionals. Before co-founding Aptos Labs, Ching played a pivotal role in the development of Meta’s Diem project, giving him extensive experience in blockchain infrastructure and digital currency development. His technical acumen, combined with a deep understanding of regulatory landscapes, gives him a unique perspective that is critical to ongoing discussions about decentralized finance (DeFi), digital asset classification, and risk management.

This blend of technical and policy expertise is especially relevant as the U.S. grapples with how to regulate crypto markets without stifling innovation. Ching’s inclusion on the panel may help create regulations that are both pragmatic and forward-looking, providing a model that other jurisdictions could follow.

Aptos Expands Its Footprint in Digital Finance

Ching’s appointment comes at a time when Aptos Labs is steadily increasing its involvement with U.S. state and federal regulators. The company was recently chosen by the state of Wyoming to support the development of its official stablecoin, known as WYST. This initiative marks a milestone in public-private blockchain collaboration and reinforces Aptos’s credibility as a partner in government-backed digital asset projects.

In parallel, investment firm Bitwise has filed for an ETF that tracks Aptos-linked products, highlighting institutional interest in the Aptos blockchain. Aptos Labs currently supports three USD-pegged stablecoins, further demonstrating the platform’s traction in the digital assets space. With its growing portfolio and now a seat at the regulatory table, Aptos is becoming a serious player in shaping the rules around stablecoins, ETFs, and CBDCs.

Shaping the Next Phase of Crypto Policy

Ching’s appointment reflects more than just Aptos’s rising profile—it could mark a pivotal point in U.S. crypto policy. With the SEC and CFTC continuing to explore how best to regulate emerging technologies, voices like Ching’s may influence how regulations are crafted for not only blockchain infrastructure but also consumer protection, capital flows, and market transparency.

As regulators and industry leaders work toward a clearer, more stable framework for digital assets, Ching’s participation offers a critical bridge between code and compliance. His perspective as a builder in the Web3 space ensures that innovation remains central to future regulations.