Donald Trump May Appoint a Crypto-Friendly Figure to Head the CFTC After the SEC

It is reported that President-elect Donald Trump is considering Brian Quintenz for the chairmanship of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). Quintenz currently serves as the policy leader for the crypto division at Andreessen Horowitz and is said to be a leading candidate according to Bloomberg's sources. The appointment may be announced in the coming days after the discussions are completed.

During his tenure at the CFTC, Brian Quintenz oversaw the launch of the first regulated Bitcoin and Ethereum futures and encouraged discussions related to decentralized finance (DeFi). Quintenz's pro-innovation stance aligns with Trump's approach, which seems focused on creating a supportive environment for the crypto industry. The crypto sector plays a significant role in the upcoming 2024 elections.

The CFTC's role in the crypto sector is expected to increase during Trump's administration. Andreessen Horowitz has made donations of $25 million and $23 million to support crypto-friendly political candidates. Since joining a16z Crypto, Quintenz has emerged as a prominent advocate for crypto-friendly policies. He considers the approach of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to be overly restrictive and calls for regulations consistent with blockchain technology.

In an interview with Decrypt in 2022, Quintenz stated that the crypto ecosystem seeks rules that are suitable to its technology, purpose-driven, and allow for the full potential of innovation to be realized. The position of CFTC chair is expected to address significant policy changes, particularly in the midst of jurisdictional tensions with the SEC. If Quintenz takes office, he will manage a regulatory landscape prepared for change.