Nikolas Sargeant
Brian Quintenz is a leading contender to head the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), potentially driving a major shift in crypto regulation under President-elect Donald Trump. Currently leading the Policy division for a16z Crypto at Andreessen Horowitz, Quintenz brings a robust background in regulatory oversight and digital asset innovation.
Previously, he served as a Commissioner at the CFTC, initially nominated by President Obama and re-nominated by President Trump. The US Senate unanimously confirmed his appointment in August 2017, with his tenure concluding in September 2021. During his CFTC tenure, Quintenz distinguished himself by pushing for lighter regulation in cryptocurrency and decentralized finance (DeFi).
Trump Eyes CFTC as Key Crypto Regulator, Announcement on Chair Looms
Many in the digital asset industry view the CFTC as the ideal regulator for crypto exchanges in the US. President-elect Trump reportedly aims to expand the CFTC's authority by granting it oversight of the digital asset market while simultaneously planning to curb the SEC's influence over this sector.
Trump's team has reportedly completed interviews for the CFTC chair position, with an announcement expected soon. Earlier reports indicated potential candidates including Republican Commissioners Summer Mersinger and Caroline Pham, Digital Chamber CEO Perianne Boring, and lawyers Joshua Sterling and Neal Kumar.
A16z Anticipates Crypto-Friendly Policies Under Trump's Leadership
Following Trump's November victory, a16z Crypto's Policy and Regulation team expressed strong optimism about the future of crypto in the US. The team believes the new administration will drive innovation, accelerate progress, and help the crypto ecosystem thrive.
They predict a more lenient regulatory approach for the crypto sector, highlighting potential benefits such as digital identity ownership, lower fees on international stablecoin transactions, and the emergence of new business models. The team also encourages crypto founders to confidently pursue blockchain projects and demonstrate how decentralized protocols could inspire fresh regulatory strategies.
