U.S. President Donald Trump plans to nominate Brian Quintenz, the head of global policy at venture capital fund a16z crypto, to chair the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).
Quintenz previously served as a CFTC commissioner from 2017 to 2021 during Trump’s first term, positioning him as a leading candidate for the role. The White House has communicated this nomination to Capitol Hill, signaling an intent to enhance the CFTC’s involvement in overseeing the cryptocurrency sector.
Acting CFTC Chair Caroline Pham expressed her support for Quintenz, stating that his previous work at the agency contributed to key initiatives. Pham emphasized that Quintenz's background equips him to address challenges in the crypto landscape effectively.
Additionally, Kristin Smith, CEO of the Blockchain Association, acknowledged Quintenz’s dual expertise in the crypto industry and regulatory matters, asserting that he is well-suited to lead the agency.
The nomination aligns with Trump’s pro-crypto agenda, which aims to establish the CFTC as a pivotal regulatory body in the evolving landscape of digital assets. Last month, Trump appointed as acting chair Caroline Pham, who has been involved in various crypto initiatives at the CFTC.
As the nomination progresses, the implications for crypto regulation under Quintenz’s potential leadership remain to be seen.