Key Points:
- Former CFTC Commissioner Brian Quintenz, currently Head of Policy at a16z crypto, has been appointed by Trump to lead the CFTC.
- Quintenz brings extensive experience in both cryptocurrency regulation and traditional finance, having served at CFTC from 2016 to 2020.
Former CFTC Commissioner Brian Quintenz has been appointed by President Trump to lead the Commodity Futures Trading Commission as CFTC Chairman. Quintenz, who previously served as commissioner from 2016 to 2020, comes directly from his role as Head of Policy at Andreessen Horowitz’s crypto division (a16z).
Quintenz’s Return as CFTC Chairman Signals Push for Crypto Regulation
Washington, D.C. – President Donald Trump has announced his intention to nominate Brian Quintenz, the current Head of Policy at a16z Crypto, as Chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). According to a White House document, Quintenz, who previously served as a CFTC commissioner, is expected to bring his expertise in digital assets and financial markets to the agency.
Quintenz originally joined the CFTC under the Obama administration and continued serving during Trump’s first term. As a commissioner, he was pivotal in overseeing the implementation of the first fully regulated Bitcoin and Ethereum futures contracts.
The CFTC, which regulates the $400 trillion swaps market and other derivatives, is expected to take a more prominent role in shaping cryptocurrency-related policies under his leadership.
Since 2022, Quintenz has been Head of Policy at a16z Crypto, where he has focused on constructing regulatory frameworks for digital assets.
Before Trump’s inauguration, he collaborated on crypto policy initiatives with David Sacks, the administration’s designated AI and Crypto Czar. His nomination is backed by a16z co-founders Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz, who have publicly supported his candidacy.
Quick Take
If confirmed, Quintenz aims to bridge traditional finance and digital assets by advocating for regulatory clarity in crypto derivatives markets. His policy focus may lead to an expansion of institutional participation in crypto futures and greater harmonization of U.S. regulations with global standards.
Ex-CFTC Commissioner Championed First U.S. Bitcoin, Ether Futures
- Head of Policy, a16z Crypto (2022–Present) – Developed regulatory frameworks for crypto assets.
- Advisory Partner, Andreessen Horowitz (2021–2022) – Advised on digital finance investments.
- Commissioner, CFTC (2017–2021) – Led regulatory initiatives for derivatives and digital assets.
- Founder, Saeculum Capital Management – Managed investment strategies prior to government service.
- Senior Policy Advisor, U.S. Congress – Served as an aide to Congresswoman Deborah Pryce.
- Education – Bachelor of Science in Public Policy Studies from Duke University; MBA from Georgetown University.
During his tenure at the CFTC, Quintenz chaired the agency’s Technology Advisory Committee, facilitated discussions on crypto regulation, and helped oversee the launch of the first U.S.-regulated Bitcoin and Ether futures contracts. He also worked alongside the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to promote regulatory coordination in digital asset markets.
Finance Veteran Benjamin Black Nominated as DFC CEO
In addition to Quintenz’s nomination, President Trump has selected Benjamin Black to serve as Chief Executive Officer of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC). If confirmed by the Senate, Black will oversee the federal agency responsible for financing development projects abroad.
Quick Take
Black currently serves as Managing Director of Fortinbras Enterprises, a credit investment fund, and CEO of Osiris Acquisition Corp. He has previously held positions at Apollo Global Management and Knowledge Universe Holdings. Black holds an MBA and JD from Harvard Business School and Harvard Law School, along with a Master of Laws in Taxation from New York University.
The DFC was established during the first Trump administration through the merger of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation and the Development Credit Authority of USAID. The agency focuses on financing development projects that align with U.S. strategic interests.
The White House document also includes Trump’s intent to nominate Jonathan Gould as Comptroller of the Currency and Jonathan McKernan as Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
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