Trump Considers a16z Crypto Policy Head Quintenz for CFTC Chair to Expand Crypto Oversight

Dec 12, 2024, 01:42 PM

President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly considering Brian Quintenz, a former Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) commissioner and current policy lead for Andreessen Horowitz's (a16z) crypto division, for the role of CFTC chair. Quintenz, who has a pro-innovation stance, oversaw the launch of the first regulated Bitcoin and Ethereum futures contracts during his previous tenure at the CFTC. His potential appointment aligns with Trump's focus on fostering a supportive environment for the cryptocurrency industry, which played a significant role in the 2024 elections. Quintenz has been vocal about the need for regulations tailored to blockchain technology, criticizing the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) restrictive approach. If confirmed, Quintenz would oversee a regulatory environment primed for change, particularly amid jurisdictional tensions with the SEC, and could expand the CFTC's oversight of crypto.