Brian Quintenz is not President Donald Trump’s nominee to guide the U.S. Commodity Futures Buying and selling Fee, ending weeks of hypothesis in regards to the destiny of his candidacy.
Abstract
- White Home withdrew Brian Quintenz’s CFTC chair nomination on Sept. 30
- Disputes with Gemini’s Tyler Winklevoss and ethics issues stalled course of
- Trump administration now looking for new crypto-savvy CFTC candidate.
The White Home confirmed the withdrawal on Sept. 30, noting that Trump will quickly identify a brand new nominee to chair the derivatives regulator.
Bloomberg first reported the transfer, citing a White Home official who stated the administration nonetheless plans to work with Quintenz in different roles. Quintenz, who serves as international coverage head at a16z crypto, stated he seems to be ahead to returning to the non-public sector after what he known as the distinction of going by means of the affirmation course of.
Nomination stalls amid disputes and delays
Quintenz, a pro-crypto determine nominated in February 2025, had been anticipated to carry trade experience to the CFTC because it expands oversight of digital belongings. His nomination progressed by means of hearings in June however stalled in July when the White Home requested the Senate Agriculture Committee to pause a scheduled vote.
The delay adopted lobbying by billionaire Tyler Winklevoss, a key Trump supporter, who raised issues tied to Gemini’s ongoing CFTC enforcement case. In September, Quintenz publicly launched non-public messages with Winklevoss, accusing the Gemini co-founder of lobbying towards him.
The dispute added to current questions raised by tribal teams, gaming lobbies, and ethics watchdogs about his function at prediction market Kalshi and pre-nomination briefings from CFTC workers. As the method dragged on, the administration started reviewing different candidates.
Subsequent steps for the CFTC chair function
The choice leaves the CFTC with solely performing chair Caroline Pham, following a sequence of commissioner resignations. The company, which oversees trillions in swaps buying and selling, can be anticipated to play a bigger function in regulating crypto below laws transferring by means of Congress.
The Trump administration has made clear it desires the CFTC to be central to U.S. digital asset oversight. A White Home official stated the president stays dedicated to creating America the worldwide hub for crypto markets and is searching for a nominee aligned with that imaginative and prescient.
Potential candidates reportedly embody former CFTC commissioner Jill Sommers, ex-CFTC official Josh Sterling, and SEC counsel Mike Selig.
Quintenz’s exit marks a turning level for the company at a time when institutional and retail curiosity in crypto markets continues to develop. With a brand new nominee anticipated quickly, the CFTC’s path below Trump might form the regulatory framework for digital belongings nicely into the following decade.
