White House Withdraws Pro-Crypto Brian Quintenz's Name From CFTC Chair Nomination
The White House withdrew former Commodity Futures Trading Commissioner Brian Quintenz's nomination to chair the agency late Tuesday, capping off a month-long fight over U.S. President Donald Trump's pick for agency chair.
Quintenz, a vocal supporter of the crypto industry, was opposed by notable figures like Gemini's co-founders Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss, who expressed concerns about his suitability for the role. "We believe that Mr. Quintenz's close ties to the crypto industry raise serious questions about his ability to regulate it effectively," said a spokesperson for the twins.
The withdrawal of Quintenz's nomination marks a significant development in the ongoing debate over the regulation of cryptocurrencies. As the acting chairman, Caroline Pham will continue to lead the agency as the administration begins vetting new candidates for the position.
Quintenz joined venture firm Andresseen Horowitz's global head of policy and has been an adviser to firms in the crypto space, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest. "The CFTC needs a leader who can navigate the complex regulatory landscape with independence and impartiality," said Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee.
Background and context:
Quintenz was nominated by Trump shortly after his inauguration in 2021, sparking controversy among lawmakers and industry experts. The CFTC is responsible for regulating derivatives markets, including those related to cryptocurrencies. Quintenz's nomination was seen as a nod to the growing influence of the crypto industry, which has been gaining traction globally.
Additional perspectives:
Industry insiders point out that Quintenz's withdrawal may signal a shift in the administration's approach to regulating cryptocurrencies. "This development suggests that the White House is taking a more cautious approach to addressing the regulatory challenges posed by crypto," said David Yermack, a finance professor at New York University.
Current status and next developments:
The withdrawal of Quintenz's nomination marks a significant setback for the crypto industry, which had been counting on his appointment to shape the agency's regulatory agenda. As the administration begins vetting new candidates, experts predict that the debate over cryptocurrency regulation will continue to intensify in the coming months.
In related news, the CFTC has announced plans to hold public hearings on the regulation of cryptocurrencies, sparking renewed debate among lawmakers and industry stakeholders about the need for greater oversight.
By Nikhilesh De
Edited by Aoyon Ashraf
Updated Oct 1, 2025, 2:32 a.m.
Published Sep 30, 2025, 11:36 p.m.
*Reporting by Coindesk.*
