Brian Quintenz is no longer President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission, ending weeks of speculation about the fate of his candidacy.
Summary
- White House withdrew Brian Quintenz’s CFTC chair nomination on Sept. 30
- Disputes with Gemini’s Tyler Winklevoss and ethics concerns stalled process
- Trump administration now seeking new crypto-savvy CFTC candidate.
The White House confirmed the withdrawal on Sept. 30, noting that Trump will soon name a new nominee to chair the derivatives regulator.
Bloomberg first reported the move, citing a White House official who said the administration still plans to work with Quintenz in other roles. Quintenz, who serves as global policy head at a16z crypto, said he looks forward to returning to the private sector after what he called the honor of going through the confirmation process.
Nomination stalls amid disputes and delays
Quintenz, a pro-crypto figure nominated in February 2025, had been expected to bring industry expertise to the CFTC as it expands oversight of digital assets. His nomination progressed through hearings in June but stalled in July when the White House asked the Senate Agriculture Committee to pause a scheduled vote.
The delay followed lobbying by billionaire Tyler Winklevoss, a key Trump supporter, who raised concerns tied to Gemini’s ongoing CFTC enforcement case. In September, Quintenz publicly released private messages with Winklevoss, accusing the Gemini co-founder of lobbying against him.
The dispute added to existing questions raised by tribal groups, gaming lobbies, and ethics watchdogs about his role at prediction market Kalshi and pre-nomination briefings from CFTC staff. As the process dragged on, the administration began reviewing alternative candidates.
Next steps for the CFTC chair role
The decision leaves the CFTC with only acting chair Caroline Pham, following a series of commissioner resignations. The agency, which oversees trillions in swaps trading, is also expected to play a larger role in regulating crypto under legislation moving through Congress.
The Trump administration has made clear it wants the CFTC to be central to U.S. digital asset oversight. A White House official said the president remains committed to making America the global hub for crypto markets and is looking for a nominee aligned with that vision.
Potential candidates reportedly include former CFTC commissioner Jill Sommers, ex-CFTC official Josh Sterling, and SEC counsel Mike Selig.
Quintenz’s exit marks a turning point for the agency at a time when institutional and retail interest in crypto markets continues to grow. With a new nominee expected soon, the CFTC’s direction under Trump could shape the regulatory framework for digital assets well into the next decade.
