Amanda Olear

Primary Focus & Experience

Amanda is a recognized expert in commodities and derivatives law having spent over 17 years in various roles at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), including most recently as Acting Director of the Division of Market Oversight. Prior to this role, Amanda served as the Director of the Market Participants Division from 2021-2024.

As a member of the senior leadership at the CFTC, Amanda was known for her pragmatic, solutions-focused engagement with federally regulated derivatives markets, dealers, and asset managers facing issues regarding registration, compliance, and other regulatory matters. At the CFTC, Amanda played a pivotal role in the development and issuance of numerous letters, regulations and orders related to all aspects of the derivatives markets in the United States. Amanda brings this deep regulatory experience to the advice she provides to her clients.

As the Acting Director of the CFTC’s Division of Market Oversight, Amanda led the CFTC’s staff in overseeing all regulated derivatives marketplaces in the United States. In her prior role as Director of the CFTC’s Market Participants Division, Amanda led the supervision of the 3,300-plus banks, intermediaries, and asset managers registered with the agency to engage in derivatives on US markets, including the CFTC’s examination, registration, and enforcement referral programs. Amanda was also responsible for the oversight of the National Futures Association (NFA), the self-regulatory body for CFTC-registered firms and individuals, and the CME in its role as a self-regulatory organization.

Prior to joining the CFTC, Amanda served as a law clerk to the Honorable Lynne A. Battaglia on the Maryland Court of Appeals (now the Maryland Supreme Court).

Recognition & Accomplishments

She holds a J.D., with honors, from the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law, where she was inducted into the Order of the Coif, and a B.A., summa cum laude, from McDaniel College. She is a member of Phi Beta Kappa.

In 2018, Amanda received the Chairman’s Excellence Award, which is the highest award at the CFTC, for her consistent outstanding contributions furthering the CFTC’s mission to promote the integrity, resilience, and vibrancy of the US derivatives markets.

In 2020, Amanda received the CFTC Chairman’s Award for Excellence in Management, in recognition of her development of more junior staff.

Most recently, Amanda received the Excellence in Serving the Markets award at the CFTC’s 50th Anniversary Awards Ceremony, which recognized her exceptional contributions to promoting market integrity, liquidity, and responsible innovation while ensuring fair competition and protecting market participants.

Not yet admitted to practice in D.C. Admitted to practice in Maryland only. Practice in D.C. will be supervised by one or more D.C. Bar Members until admitted.