Pro-crypto Brian Quintenz returns to CFTC as Trump’s chairman pick
Former CFTC Commissioner Brian Quintenz is set to lead the agency again, signaling a shift in crypto regulation under the Trump administration.
Brian Quintenz, a former commissioner at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, is expected to return as chairman following his selection by U.S. President Donald Trump, according to Bloomberg.
If confirmed, he would serve a term running until April 13, 2029, returning to the agency at a time when crypto regulation is a central issue in financial policy.
His nomination aligns with broader efforts by the Trump administration to reshape regulatory oversight of digital assets and derivatives markets.
Quintenz previously served as a Republican commissioner at the CFTC from 2017 to 2021, playing a key role in overseeing the launch of the first fully regulated Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) futures contracts.
During his tenure, he emerged as a strong advocate for a pro-innovation regulatory framework, pushing for clear, well-defined rules that would encourage institutional adoption of digital assets while maintaining market integrity.
His stance earned him comparisons to SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce—dubbed “Crypto Mom” in industry circles—for her similar advocacy of crypto-friendly regulation.
After leaving the CFTC, Quintenz joined Andreessen Horowitz’s (a16z) crypto division in December 2022, where he led policy efforts to influence U.S. crypto regulations.
The venture capital giant, which has investments in projects like Solana (SOL), Uniswap (UNI), Lido DAO (LDO), Optimism (OP), and EigenLayer (EIGEN), has consistently pushed for CFTC oversight of digital assets rather than SEC jurisdiction.
The crypto industry has long viewed the CFTC as a more accommodating regulator compared to the SEC, which has taken a stricter enforcement-driven approach under Chair Gary Gensler.
The nomination follows months of speculation. In December, reports surfaced that Trump was considering Quintenz among other candidates for the role.
Meanwhile, Trump’s newly appointed AI and Crypto Czar, David Sacks, has outlined plans to work with Congress on market structure legislation, signaling a push for clearer digital asset regulations.
Quintenz’s return could mark a shift in how the $400 trillion derivatives market, which includes a growing share of crypto-related products, is regulated.
Acting CFTC Chair Caroline Pham has expressed support for the nomination, stating that she worked with Quintenz on key initiatives during his previous tenure and believes he will bring the same focus on crypto and innovation back to the agency.
The nomination will now go through the confirmation process, with Quintenz expected to lead the agency as the U.S. debates the future of crypto market oversight.
