a16z crypto executive tipped to lead CFTC, shaping crypto policy under Trump

As the Trump administration considers extending CFTC’s authority to cover cryptocurrencies, Brian Quintenz, a former Commissioner and an a16z Crypto policy lead, is a favorite for the Chair position. 

Sources familiar with the situation say the Trump administration has already interviewed candidates for the CFTC chairman position and could announce the new chair in the next few days.

a16z crypto policy lead could be the potential new head of the US CFTC

Brian Quintenz has supposedly already been interviewed for the CFTC Chairman position. The former CFTC commissioner and policy director for a16z Crypto is now considered the top pick for the chair seat. In November, however, some had projected that CryptoDad Chris Giancarlo would take on the chair position, but he quickly distanced himself from the commission’s role, quelling their expectations.

According to insiders, aside from Quintenz, Republican CFTC Commissioners Summer Mersinger and Caroline Pham have also applied and been interviewed for the position. If Quintenz earns the seat, however, some believe he could reshape the commission and give the crypto market a new outlook. Quintenz could be a good pro-crypto choice, with some saying he will be the “bridge between traditional finance and digital assets.” 

While still a commissioner at the CFTC, he advocated for adopting new financial services, including digital asset derivatives and event contracts. Since joining a16z, he has also campaigned for friendlier regulatory policies for both spaces.

Trump considers making the CFTC a regulator for the crypto market 

Given the SEC’s heavy-handed approach to crypto, many crypto investors would want regulatory or commission changes, with many preferring the CFTC as their primary regulator. 

Some crypto players have made it open to Congress to clarify what commission will supervise their products and services: the SEC or the CFTC. President-elect Trump’s team is considering having the CFTC regulate the crypto market, given their pro-crypto stance. 

In a crypto blog published in November, co-authored with a16z, Quintenz commented on future crypto regulations:

“While we’ll likely have greater flexibility to experiment, we can’t forget that the fundamental regulatory principles applicable to blockchain systems remain unchanged.” 

~ Brian Quintenz

He added that there will still be valid scrutiny from regulators and policymakers of certain aspects of the industry irrespective of progress on new legislation or a re-calibrated regulatory environment.

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