Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC)
As the Public Affairs and Digital Engagement Strategist for the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, I trail-blazed a digital presence the agency has never had before. During my time at the agency, I produced and implemented branding strategies as well as high-quality digital content including a new agency-wide branded logo, style guides and templates, as well as graphics, videos and a new messaging strategy.
Agency leadership was looking to update the CFTC's brand with creation of a new logo. The official seal was outdated and they wanted something fresh and more versatile.
First, I studied the seal to identify if there were any elements I could incorporate in the new logo. There was certain symbolism I wanted to remain. The official seal is an octagon to represent the eight sides of the trading pit where open-outcry trading takes place, an element I decided to incorporate in the final logo design.
Next, I decided to focus on the American flag because the agency works largely on an international scale. This would provide immediate recognition with everyone knowing the CFTC is a United States—led agency.
The design came together with the eight stars representing the eight sides of the trading pit, the five bars representing the five Commissioners who lead the agency and the line to represent action in the markets. The logo can be manipulated two different ways—in this box format or in a long banner format below.
Shortly after we finalized the new logo, the Commission was invited to ring the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange. This photo was taken during the bell ringing ceremony and unveiled the agency's new branding.
Photo credit: NYSE
Chairman Tarbert: It has been a privilege to be the Chairman and Chief Executive of the CFTC
With the presidential administration transition on the horizon, we wanted to highlight the work Chairman Tarbert completed during an unprecedented year as a result of COVID-19. This video was released following his announcement that he was stepping down as CFTC Chairman to highlight his historic tenure.
"CFTC Chairman Heath Tarbert reflects on the milestones and challenges the agency has conquered and faced during his time as Chairman and Chief Executive."
Educating customers and market participants about trading practices and potential fraud in the markets is a large responsibility of the agency. The focus of this social media effort was to help market participants learn what to look for in the markets, while at the same time protecting themselves from fraudsters. It became the #LearnAndProtect campaign. Keeping in mind certain design limitations as it pertains to legal matters, I developed graphics for the #LearnAndProtect campaign that utilized icons and minimal verbiage to grab the viewers attention so they could then click on the linked resources to learn more. This image is a graphic used as part of the #LearnAndProtect campaign. Caption: Unregistered brokers and advisers, as well as fake testimonials and so-called trading experts are prevalent on social media platforms. Fraudsters create online profiles and use them to lure people into scams. Learn some of the common schemes: http://go.usa.gov/xwDGv
Educating customers and market participants about trading practices and potential fraud in the markets is a large responsibility of the agency. The focus of this social media effort was to help market participants learn what to look for in the markets, while at the same time protecting themselves from fraudsters. It became the #LearnAndProtect campaign. Keeping in mind certain design limitations as it pertains to legal matters, I developed graphics for the #LearnAndProtect campaign that utilized icons and minimal verbiage to grab the viewers attention so they could then click on the linked resources to learn more. This image is a graphic used as part of the #LearnAndProtect campaign. Caption: Before working with any person or firm to trade in commodity futures, commodity pools, options, forex, or other derivatives, verify that the entity is properly registered with the CFTC. Learn more: http://go.usa.gov/xpFV5
The LabCFTC is an arm of the agency that focuses on promoting responsible financial technology (fintech) innovation and fair competition for the benefit of the American public. I developed this graphic to help promoted promote Project Streetlamp– a competition to challenge innovators to deploy technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), to help the CFTC identify foreign entities that may be engaged in conduct that requires registration, but which have not registered. Caption: Project Streetlamp is a LabCFTC competition that challenges innovators to leverage AI and other technologies to identify unregistered foreign entities potentially engaging in illegal activity. Learn more about the contest and how to participate at http://go.usa.gov/xvNFy.
The LabCFTC is an arm of the agency that focuses on promoting responsible financial technology (fintech) innovation and fair competition for the benefit of the American public. The LabCFTC put on a virtual conference entitled: Empower Innovation 2020, a three-part series of interactive virtual events designed to facilitate a dialogue among innovators, regulators, market participants, and the public around cutting-edge fintech innovation. With all of these elements in mind, I developed this graphic to have an innovative and forward-looking approach, but at the same time simple to allow for versatile use. This main graphic was used to elevate the conference and encourage people to register. Caption: LabCFTC reimagines its signature #FintechForward conference with #EmpowerInnovation2020, a 3-part, virtual monthly series to convene the global financial, regulatory and innovation communities on fintech advancements. Learn more at http://go.usa.gov/xfrn7 #CFTC #Fintech
The CFTC remained active highlighting national activity on its social media. One of those events was celebrating Women's History Month. Commissioner Stump was the only women serving as a Commissioner at this time so she was the natural highlight. I developed this graphic utilizing comments she has made since being a woman in leadership. Caption: With a strong background in commodity markets and financial services policy, Commissioner Dawn Stump brings valuable experience to her role at the CFTC. In addition, she helps lead the agency’s data protection efforts. Happy #NationalWomensHistoryMonth! @CFTCstump