Brian Quintenz, the current Chief of Policy at a16z Crypto and former commissioner of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), has reportedly been interviewed for the role of CFTC Chairman under the Trump administration.
According to Bloomberg, insider sources revealed that Quintenz, a Republican and experienced figure in financial and digital asset regulation, is among the top contenders for the position. However, Quintenz and a spokesperson for a16z declined to comment, as did a representative from Trump’s transition team.
Key Details on the Appointment
The CFTC is expected to play an increasingly significant role in regulating digital assets, including Bitcoin and Ethereum spot ETFs, under the Trump administration. The move signals a shift towards consolidating crypto-related regulatory oversight under the CFTC, reducing the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) involvement.
Other potential candidates reportedly being considered for the position include current CFTC Commissioners Summer Mersinger and Caroline Pham, as well as legal professionals Joshua Sterling and Neal Kumar.
Quintenz’s Background and Advocacy
Brian Quintenz’s extensive resume includes experience in both traditional finance and digital assets. Before his tenure at the CFTC (2017–2021), Quintenz founded Saeculum Capital Management, a hedge fund firm, and worked on Capitol Hill. During his time at the CFTC, he championed the inclusion of innovative financial products, such as digital asset derivatives and event contracts for retail traders.
Since joining a16z Crypto, Quintenz has been a vocal advocate for sensible regulations in the blockchain and crypto industries. He also serves on the board of Kalshi Inc., a pioneering CFTC-regulated prediction market.
What’s Next?
The Trump administration is expected to announce the new CFTC Chair within the coming days. This decision could shape the future of crypto regulation in the United States, potentially steering the market towards broader adoption and innovation.