Overview
Bartholomew Hamilton "Bart" Chilton (May 1, 1960 – April 27, 2019) was an American public official best known for his work at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and later as a financial media host. He served as a CFTC commissioner from 2007 until 2014 and became a recognizable figure in Washington for both his policy positions and distinctive personal style, including long hair and cowboy boots. He was sometimes described in media accounts as "the modern-day Eliot Ness" because of his vocal push to treat fraud and manipulation in commodity markets as a central enforcement priority.
Career and role at the CFTC
As a commissioner the CFTC, the federal agency that oversees futures, options and certain derivatives markets, Chilton advocated for greater transparency, stronger enforcement tools, and limits on speculative positions to protect market integrity. He supported rules emerging after the 2008 financial crisis intended to bring more derivatives trading onto regulated platforms and into cleared arrangements, and he repeatedly urged the agency to pursue cases against alleged manipulation in energy and agricultural markets. His tenure covered a period of significant regulatory change in over-the-counter and exchange-traded derivatives.
Policy positions and public image
Chilton was known for a populist tone that emphasized consumer protection and fair prices for ordinary buyers and sellers. He frequently spoke about the need for practical rules that reduced opportunities for manipulation while preserving liquidity for commercial users. Outside policy debates he became widely noted for his informal appearance and plainspoken commentary, traits that helped him communicate complex regulatory issues to broader audiences.
Media work and later life
After leaving the commission, Chilton continued to appear publicly as an analyst and host. He was a presenter on the business and economics program "Boom Bust," broadcast on the RT network at the time of his death. His transition to media allowed him to remain engaged in debates about markets, regulation and enforcement.
Background and legacy
Chilton was born in Wilmington, Delaware, and raised in Ogden Dunes, Indiana. He died of pancreatic cancer on April 27, 2019, at age 58. Remembered for his advocacy of stronger market oversight and his unconventional public persona, Chilton left a mark on the debate over how derivatives and commodity markets should be regulated in the 21st century.
Further reading: biography, CFTC profile, interview, policy remarks, press coverage, birthplace details, early life, media work, obituary, remembrance