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US President Donald Trump is set to nominate Brian Quintenz, the current head of policy at a16z crypto, to chair the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), according to Fox Business.
Quintenz, a veteran policymaker and former CFTC commissioner, has a track record of advocating for a pro-innovation regulatory framework. During his tenure from 2017 to 2021, he played a pivotal role in overseeing the launch of the first fully regulated Bitcoin and Ethereum futures contracts. His time at the CFTC, spanning both the Obama and Trump administrations, was marked by an emphasis on regulatory clarity for digital assets while maintaining investor protections.
After departing the CFTC, Quintenz joined Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) in December 2022, where he led policy efforts in crypto investments. His work at a16z has included lobbying for a more defined regulatory landscape for digital assets, often emphasizing the need for rules that do not stifle blockchain innovation in the U.S.
Acting CFTC Chair Caroline Pham praised the decision saying in a statement shared with reporter Eleanor Terrett, “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.”
🚨SCOOP: Three sources with direct knowledge of the matter tell me that @realDonaldTrump has chosen @BrianQuintenz, current Head of Policy at @a16z crypto and a former commissioner, to be permanent chair of the @CFTC.
— Eleanor Terrett (@EleanorTerrett) February 12, 2025
No official statement from the @WhiteHouse yet, but officials…
His nomination aligns with broader moves by Trump to build a regulatory team favoring market-driven oversight of digital assets. Reports from Bloomberg suggest Quintenz was actively involved in advising Trump’s transition team on crypto policy, working alongside David Sacks, who has been tapped as Trump’s AI and Crypto Czar.
If confirmed, Quintenz’s leadership at the CFTC could signal a shift toward a more defined and innovation-friendly crypto regulatory environment. His previous stances suggest he may push for greater clarity in derivatives markets for digital assets, potentially paving the way for expanded institutional participation in crypto futures and other financial instruments.
Quintenz’s appointment would also coincide with broader Trump administration plans to reshape financial oversight. Alongside him, Trump is expected to nominate Jonathan Gould as Comptroller of the Currency and Jonathan McKernan as Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, signaling a push for deregulation across multiple financial sectors.
