Grygo is chief content officer for FTF
We at Financial Technologies Forum (FTF) are very sad to report that the Honorable Bartholomew (Bart) Chilton, a former CFTC commissioner, TV show host, media commentator, senior policy advisor, and a veteran of government service, died at 58 on April 27.
CNBC reported that a family member acknowledged that the cause of death was related to a pancreatic cancer diagnosis.
A man known for his flair and passion about public policy issues, Chilton had many accomplishments during his life and career. Overall, he demonstrated a pragmatic approach to public service and private pursuits.
He served on the CFTC from 2007 to 2014, and was originally nominated by President George W. Bush. Two years later, he was re-nominated by President Barack Obama and re-confirmed by the U.S. Senate.
While he worked at the CFTC, he was chairman of the regulator’s Energy and Environmental Markets Advisory Committee (EEMAC). Among the issues he championed were the: need to rein in the “cheetahs” of high frequency trading (HFT); the position limits rule on commodity exposures; and, as others have noted, the need for the CFTC to be aware of the commodity industry needs of farmers and ranchers.
He also found time to write a book: “Ponzimonium: How Scam Artists are Ripping Off America.” (The CFTC publication is available via the Government Printing Office online.)
Bart Chilton, former commissioner, CFTC
In fact, J. Christopher Giancarlo, chairman of the CFTC, mentioned Chilton’s consistent advocacy for the agriculture sector and his flair for the job:
“All of us here at the CFTC are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former Commissioner Bart Chilton,” Giancarlo says. “With his trademark flair and enthusiasm, Bart was an unceasing advocate for America’s farmers and ranchers, acting as their voice in Washington. In the aftermath of the financial crisis, Bart used his signature style of humor to draw attention to pressing issues for the agency and the markets at large, with the intent of protecting retail investors. With his passing, the commodities world has certainly lost a bit of its sparkle.”
Before his years on the CFTC, Chilton had more than two decades of experience in government service that encompassed working on Capitol Hill in the House of Representatives and for the U.S. Senate, and serving in the executive branch via the Clinton, Bush and Obama administrations.
After his departure from the CFTC, Chilton wasted no time and, among his accomplishments, he:
- Served as a senior policy adviser to the law firm DLA Piper;
- Hosted the “Boom Bust” show for RT America, a television news channel, which is part of the RT network that’s funded by the Russian government;
- and he co-founded OilCoin, which is described as a regulatory-compliant digital reserve currency.
Bart Chilton at DerivOps North America 2018
In addition, on a personal note, Bart gave great speeches such as his keynote for FTF’s derivatives processing conference, DerivOps North America, held in April 2018 in Chicago. His keynote jolted the audience via his delivery and the content of his presentation. Much has been made of his long, rock-and-roll inspired white hair and his cowboy boots. But he backed up his flair with a mastery of detail and a clear vision for the future.
We saw his strengths early on and honored Chilton with the 2014 Editor’s Choice Award.
Through his participation via FTF events, video interviews and news stories, it was clear that, unlike so many others, he spoke freely and believed in free speech. He was in a position to answer questions directly, honestly and completely – which, pardon the pun, is a rare commodity in this business.
His pragmatism, passion for retail investors, advocacy for those who needed to be heard, straightforward humanity, and vision for the industry will be sorely missed.
FTF extends its condolences to Bart’s family and friends.
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