Donald Trump to Nominate a16z Crypto Executive Brian Quintenz as CFTC Chair

US President Donald Trump will select Brian Quintenz, the current Head of Policy at a16z Crypto, to lead the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). The news, first reported by FOX Business and verified by Bloomberg, signals a potential shift in U.S. crypto regulation under a future Trump administration.

Although the White House has yet to make an official announcement, CFTC officials have confirmed the nomination, according to FOX Business journalist Eleanor Terrett. Quintenz, a seasoned policymaker and former Republican CFTC commissioner, has long advocated for a pro-innovation regulatory framework in the digital asset space.

Who Is Brian Quintenz?

Quintenz is no stranger to the CFTC. He previously served as a commissioner from 2017 to 2021, spanning both the Trump and Biden administrations. During his tenure, he played a key role in overseeing the approval of the first fully regulated Bitcoin and Ethereum futures contracts.

After leaving the agency, he joined Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) in December 2022, where he has been leading crypto policy and investment strategy. His work at a16z has focused on shaping a clear regulatory framework for digital assets while ensuring innovation is not stifled by excessive restrictions.

His selection has already received praise from industry leaders. Acting CFTC Chair Caroline Pham called Quintenz a strong leader, stating:

“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.”

Trump’s Crypto-Friendly Regulatory Strategy

Trump’s decision to nominate Quintenz aligns with his broader push to reshape crypto regulations in the U.S. Reports suggest Quintenz worked with Trump’s transition team on crypto policy matters, alongside David Sacks, Trump’s designated AI and Crypto Czar.

This appointment, along with Trump’s reported plans to nominate Jonathan Gould as Comptroller of the Currency and Jonathan McKernan as Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, indicates a shift toward a market-driven regulatory approach.

Industry leaders have also welcomed the news. Per CoinDesk, Miller Whitehouse-Levine, CEO of the DeFi Education Fund, praised Quintenz’s record, stating:

“Brian has a long track record of supporting DeFi and advocating for sound policies that will enable DeFi developers and users to thrive in the United States.”

How Will This Impact Crypto Regulation?

If confirmed, Quintenz’s leadership could reshape the regulatory landscape for cryptocurrencies and derivatives markets. It is expected that he will advocate for:

• Greater regulatory clarity for crypto futures and derivatives

• Pro-innovation policies that encourage blockchain development in the U.S.

• A balanced regulatory approach that protects investors while fostering growth

• Opposing overly restrictive rules that stifle blockchain innovation

His nomination also comes at a time when Congress is debating expanding the CFTC’s role in overseeing digital asset markets, particularly spot Bitcoin trading. Former CFTC Chair Rostin Behnam previously pushed for the agency to become the primary crypto market regulator, a move many in the industry support.

Quintenz’s nomination must go through Senate confirmation, where lawmakers will assess his stance on crypto regulation, derivatives markets, and financial innovation. If confirmed, his leadership could mark a turning point for the U.S. crypto industry, potentially opening doors for broader institutional adoption and regulatory certainty.