Donald Trump has reportedly selected Brian Quintenz, the current Head of Policy at a16z Crypto, to lead the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), Fox Business journalist Eleanor Terret reported on Feb. 12.

If confirmed, Quintenz will replace acting Chair Caroline Pham.

Who is Quintenz?

Quintenz, who served as a CFTC commissioner from 2017 to 2021, played a key role in advancing technological oversight at the agency. He chaired the Technology Advisory Committee and supported the idea of a self-regulatory body for the crypto sector.

After leaving the Commission, he joined a16z Crypto, where he has been instrumental in shaping policy strategies. Notably, a16z is a major crypto-focused venture capital firm and was a major financial force in the 2024 election, contributing $47 million to Fairshake and other political organizations.

His nomination signals Trump’s broader intention to redefine financial regulation, particularly in the crypto and derivatives markets.

Should Congress pass market structure legislation granting more authority to the CFTC, Quintenz will be responsible for drafting interpretive rules that shape how the agency enforces these new regulations.

Notably, the crypto industry has long advocated for CFTC oversight, arguing that it would offer a more innovation-friendly regulatory approach than the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Industry reaction

Although the White House has yet to officially announce Quintenz’s nomination, key industry figures have already endorsed it.

Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong and other crypto leaders have welcomed the decision and expressed confidence in his ability to lead the agency.

Crypto attorney Jeremy Hogan emphasized that the CFTC Chair could become more influential in crypto regulation than the SEC’s leadership and called Quintenz a strong choice for the Commission.

Hogan said:

“The head of the CFTC will, eventually, likely be more important to the crypto space than the head of the SEC. And Brian Quintez is a solid ‘A!’”

Meanwhile, finance lawyer Scott Johnsson highlighted Quintenz’s role in launching CME Bitcoin Futures, which paved the way for Spot Bitcoin ETFs. According to him, this reinforces confidence in his ability to guide the agency effectively.

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