April 12, 2017

CFTC Announces N. Charles Thornton III as Director of the Office of Legislative Affairs

Washington, DC — U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission Acting Chairman J. Christopher Giancarlo today announced that N. Charles “Charlie” Thornton III has been named the Commission’s Director of the Office of Legislative Affairs. Mr. Thornton comes to the CFTC from the United States Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee where he served as Senior Professional Staff and Counsel. Mr. Thornton will assume his duties on April 17, 2017.

“Charlie brings significant experience from Capitol Hill to his relationships with market participants and self-regulatory organizations that make him well suited to serve as an advisor as well as an intergovernmental liaison,” said Acting Chairman Giancarlo. “I look forward to working with Charlie and to provide the CFTC with a forceful advocate on Capitol Hill.”

“I greatly appreciate the honor that Acting Chairman Giancarlo and the Commission have given me to serve as the Director of the Office of Legislative Affairs,” said Mr. Thornton. “It is crucial that the CFTC maintain and build upon the invaluable relationships it has with Congress, the Administration, and other independent agencies as well as other regulatory and governmental bodies. I intend to make it my duty to assist in any way possible to ensure that the Commission is well regarded as a 21st century financial regulator.”

While at the Senate Agriculture Committee, Mr. Thornton was responsible for executing the objectives of the Chairman and the Committee’s jurisdiction over the derivatives markets as well as the Committee’s role in overseeing the CFTC and its policies. Prior to his service in the Senate, he was Counsel for Delta Strategy Group focusing on the derivatives markets and CFTC rulemakings, guidance, and no-action letters as well as derivatives related legislation and hearings.

Mr. Thornton received his undergraduate degree from the University of Mississippi and his law degree from Mississippi College School of Law. Originally from New Orleans, he now lives on Capitol Hill with his wife Rheana and their two black Labrador Retrievers.

Last Updated: April 12, 2017