Trump Relies On A Crypto Expert To Lead The CFTC

Donald Trump is contemplating giving Brian Quintenz, former CFTC commissioner and current crypto lead at Andreessen Horowitz, a key role in crypto regulation.

Trump Continues His Crypto Offensive

The former president Donald Trump is preparing a new approach to frame the crypto industry. According to sources cited by Bloomberg, Brian Quintenz is in the running to become the chair of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), a strategic position in the regulatory arena.

Currently the director of crypto policies at Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), Quintenz has established himself as a pro-innovation figure in the sector, advocating for rules tailored to the specifics of blockchain.

This potential nomination is part of a broader strategy by Trump to position the CFTC as the key agency to oversee cryptos, against a SEC criticized for its strict and litigation-heavy approach. Quintenz would replace Rostin Behnam, a CFTC chair who has often confronted the SEC over the regulation of digital assets.

A Candidate with Multiple Assets

Brian Quintenz is no stranger to crypto regulation. During his tenure at the CFTC, he oversaw the launch of the first regulated futures contracts on Bitcoin and Ethereum, paving the way for institutional adoption. His engagement also extends to decentralized finance (DeFi), another cornerstone of the crypto ecosystem.

Since his arrival at Andreessen Horowitz, he has intensified efforts to promote policies favoring innovation, while denouncing the restrictions imposed by the SEC. In 2022, Quintenz stated: “The crypto ecosystem needs rules tailored to its objectives to achieve its full potential. That is not what the SEC offers.”

The influence of Andreessen Horowitz on this nomination cannot be ignored. The venture capital fund has actively supported pro-crypto candidates in 2024, with massive political donations through its PAC Fairshake.

In summary, Quintenz’s nomination could radically transform the crypto policy of the United States. By consolidating regulatory powers under the CFTC, Trump would aim to encourage more harmonious growth of the industry while reducing inter-agency conflicts.