Trump To Nominate Ex-CFTC Commissioner Brian Quintenz As Agency Head

Former Commodity Futures Trading Commission Commissioner Brian Quintenz is expected to be nominated by Donald Trump to lead the federal commodities regulator, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Quintenz, who previously served at the CFTC from 2017 to 2021, was known for his efforts to modernize the agency's approach to financial technology, Bloomberg reported.

He spearheaded the creation of the Technology Advisory Committee and advocated for industry-led oversight in the crypto sector.

Since leaving his regulatory post, Quintenz has played a key role in shaping crypto policy as head of policy at venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz (a16z).

During his time at a16z, he supported initiatives to advance pro-crypto regulations in Washington.

The firm was among the leading backers of Fairshake, a crypto-focused political action committee (PAC) that spent nearly $140 million on the 2024 election cycle to influence policy discussions around digital assets.

News of Quintenz's potential nomination has been met with support from industry figures and policymakers.

Also Read: Bitcoin, Solana Rise In January, But Ethereum Lagging: JPMorgan

Acting CFTC Chair Caroline Pham praised his leadership, emphasizing his experience in driving key initiatives during his tenure at the agency.

"I congratulate my friend Brian Quintenz on his selection for CFTC Chairman. I worked with Brian on important initiatives that he led to success when he was a CFTC Commissioner. He will do the same for crypto and innovation. I look forward to supporting Brian and his leadership at the CFTC," Pham said in a statement.

Miller Whitehouse-Levine, CEO of the DeFi Education Fund, highlighted Quintenz's commitment to fostering regulatory clarity, praising his “long track record of supporting DeFi and advocating for sound policies that will enable DeFi developers and users to thrive in the United States.”

The potential appointment of Quintenz comes as the CFTC remains at the center of ongoing discussions about regulating the digital asset industry.

In recent years, Congress has debated expanding the agency's oversight, particularly in relation to Bitcoin spot markets and broader crypto regulations.

Former CFTC Chair Rostin Behnam previously pushed for the agency to be granted primary regulatory authority over certain aspects of the crypto sector.

A legislative effort, known as the ‘FIT21 Bill’, aimed to formalize the CFTC's role in overseeing digital assets.

Although the bill passed in the House, it stalled in the Senate, leaving the agency's jurisdiction over crypto markets unresolved.

If confirmed, Quintenz's leadership could shape the direction of future crypto regulations, particularly in balancing industry growth with consumer protection measures.

Read Next:

• Poland Rejects Bitcoin Reserves As Czech Republic And US Explore Crypto Holdings

Image: Wikimedia Commons