A16z Crypto Lead Brian Quintenz in Talks for CFTC Chair Role

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.

Bloomberg reported on Thursday that Quintenz has been interviewed for the role.

Brian Quintenz leads the Policy division for a16z Crypto, part of Andreessen Horowitz. Previously, he served as a Commissioner at the CFTC. President Obama initially nominated him, and President Trump later re-nominated him. The US Senate unanimously confirmed his appointment in Aug. 2017. His tenure concluded in Sept. 2021.

Brian Quintenz’ Background in Crypto, Prediction Markets

At the CFTC, Quintenz pushed for lighter regulation in cryptocurrency and DeFi. He led the Technology Advisory Committee, promoting in-depth policy discussions on crypto. He also played a key role in the launch of the first US-regulated Bitcoin and Ethereum futures contracts.

Since joining a16z, Quintenz has actively advocated for more welcoming regulatory policies for both industries. Additionally, he joined the board of Kalshi, which stands as one of the first CFTC-regulated prediction markets.

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. Consequently, 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, and an announcement is expected soon. Earlier reports indicated that Republican Commissioners Summer Mersinger and Caroline Pham, along with Digital Chamber CEO Perianne Boring, were seen as contenders. Lawyers and former CFTC officials Joshua Sterling and Neal Kumar were also under consideration.

a16z Anticipates Crypto-Friendly Policies Under Trump’s Leadership

After Trump’s victory in November, a16z Crypto’s Policy and Regulation team showed strong optimism about the future of crypto in the US. The team said it believes the new administration will drive innovation, accelerate progress and help the crypto ecosystem thrive.

It predicted a more lenient regulatory approach for the crypto sector, highlighting benefits such as digital identity ownership, lower fees on international stablecoin transactions and the rise of new business models.

Additionally, a16z urges crypto founders to confidently pursue blockchain projects and showcase how decentralized protocols could inspire fresh regulatory strategies.

Separately, a16z co-founder Marc Andreessen is reportedly helping Elon Musk recruit for the Department for Government Efficiency (DOGE), a cost-cutting advisory group. He is said to be leveraging his network to find suitable candidates as the new Trump administration forms.