U.S. President Donald Trump plans to appoint Brian Quintenz, the current Head of Policy at a16z Crypto, as the Chair of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). This move could herald changes in U.S. crypto regulations.
Who Is Brian Quintenz
Brian Quintenz previously served as a CFTC commissioner from 2017 to 2021, working under both the Trump and Biden administrations. After leaving the agency, he joined Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) in December 2022, where he has been leading crypto policy and investment strategy. His work focuses on creating a clear regulatory framework for digital assets. Acting CFTC Chair Caroline Pham described Quintenz as a strong leader, stating: CITE_W_A
Trump’s Crypto-Friendly Regulatory Strategy
Trump’s decision to appoint Quintenz aligns with his broader push to reshape crypto regulations in the U.S. Reports indicate that Quintenz worked with Trump’s transition team on crypto policy matters. This appointment, along with Trump’s plans to nominate Jonathan Gould as Comptroller of the Currency and Jonathan McKernan as Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, demonstrates a shift toward a market-driven regulatory approach.
Impact on Crypto Regulation
If confirmed, Quintenz’s leadership could reshape the regulatory landscape for cryptocurrencies and derivatives markets. He is expected to advocate for greater regulatory clarity for crypto futures and derivatives, pro-innovation policies, investor protection, and blockchain development in the U.S. His nomination comes as Congress debates expanding the CFTC’s role in overseeing digital assets.
Quintenz's nomination could be a turning point for the U.S. crypto industry, potentially facilitating broader institutional adoption and regulatory certainty.
