Heath Tarbert

Heath Tarbert comes from a professional legal background with degrees from Mount St. Mary’s University, University of Pennsylvania Law School and Oxford University. He has held various prestigious government job titles, including special counsel to the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, acting U.S. executive director of the World Bank Group and various roles in the U.S. Department of Treasury.He is the current head of the CFTC, following Christopher Giancarlo. Tarbert is also known as “Crypto Dad” in the industry for his positive stance on cryptocurrencies.

Heath P. Tarbert is a prominent American lawyer, public servant, and financial regulator who served as the 14th Chairman and Commissioner of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). His distinguished career in law and finance has made a significant impact on the regulation and oversight of the derivatives and commodities markets in the United States.

Heath Tarbert was born in 1974 and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. He graduated magna cum laude from Mount St. Mary's University in 1996, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Philosophy. He continued his academic journey at the University of Pennsylvania Law School, where he earned his Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree in 1999.

Following law school, Tarbert pursued a legal career with prestigious law firms, including the prominent New York-based law firm, Allen & Overy LLP, where he specialized in international finance and corporate law. He also worked as a partner in the Financial Institutions Group at the law firm Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, where he advised major financial institutions and corporations on a wide range of legal and regulatory matters.

In addition to his private sector experience, Heath Tarbert served in various significant roles within the U.S. government. Prior to joining the CFTC, he served as the Acting Under Secretary for International Affairs at the U.S. Department of the Treasury. In this capacity, he represented the United States in international financial and economic matters, including interactions with the G7, G20, and Financial Stability Board.

Tarbert's tenure as Chairman and Commissioner of the CFTC began on July 15, 2019, when he was nominated by President Donald Trump and confirmed by the U.S. Senate. As Chairman, he led the CFTC, overseeing the regulation and supervision of the U.S. derivatives and commodities markets. During his time at the CFTC, he worked to promote market integrity, enhance regulatory transparency, and foster innovation while safeguarding investors and market participants.

Throughout his career, Heath Tarbert has been a strong advocate for responsible regulation that balances the need for market efficiency and innovation with robust investor protections. He actively engaged with industry stakeholders, market participants, and international counterparts to address the evolving challenges and opportunities in the rapidly changing financial landscape.

Tarbert's leadership and expertise in financial regulation have earned him recognition within the industry and the respect of his peers. His commitment to maintaining the integrity and resilience of the derivatives markets has contributed to ensuring the stability and competitiveness of the U.S. financial system.

Beyond his regulatory role, Heath Tarbert's contributions to the field of financial law and public service have solidified his place as a prominent figure in the U.S. financial community. With his extensive background in law, finance, and government, he continues to make a lasting impact on the financial sector's regulatory landscape and shape the future of financial markets in the United States.

As the 14th Chairman and Commissioner of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), Heath Tarbert demonstrated a clear vision for the regulation and oversight of the derivatives and commodities markets. His vision centered around striking a delicate balance between fostering innovation and market efficiency while ensuring robust investor protections and market integrity.

One of Tarbert's key priorities was to enhance regulatory transparency and clarity. He recognized the importance of providing clear and predictable rules for market participants, enabling them to navigate the complex financial landscape with confidence. By promoting regulatory certainty, Tarbert aimed to encourage greater participation and investment in the derivatives markets, bolstering market liquidity and stability.