December 22, 2010 CFTC Names “Flash Crash” Expert as Chief Economist The CFTC has promoted Andrei Kirilenko, an economist known for his role in the review of the May 6 "flash crash," as chief economist for the agency. Kirilenko, who has worked on research into how high-frequency and algorithmic trading affects markets, has been highly sought after by commissioners seeking opinions on how to use new authority to rein in computer-driven trading, and how to try to prevent another flash crash. Kirilenko joined the CFTC in 2008 after 12 years at the International Monetary Fund, where he worked on global capital markets issues. He has a PhD in economics from the University of Pennsylvania. Kirilenko was a co-author of an academic report that concluded high-frequency traders did not trigger the events of May 6, but "exacerbated" volatility. The agency's former chief economist, Jeffrey Harris, faced skepticism from lawmakers after oil prices spiked to record highs in 2008 when he testified that speculators were not behind the surge. Harris left the agency to return to academia in February. Date December 20, 2010 Tags Regulated Activities Trading Sub-Activity Algo / Electronic Trading Body of Law CEA Regulation Jurisdiction US - Federal Organization CFTC, NFA, CFTC Markets Sub-Author CFTC
Regulated Activities Trading Sub-Activity Algo / Electronic Trading Body of Law CEA Regulation Jurisdiction US - Federal Organization CFTC, NFA, CFTC Markets Sub-Author CFTC