Donald Trump is reportedly considering giving Brian Quintenz, former CFTC commissioner and current head of crypto at Andreessen Horowitz, a key role in crypto regulation.
Trump continues his crypto offensive
Former President-elect Donald Trump is preparing a new approach to regulating the crypto industry. According to sources cited by Bloomberg, Brian Quintenz is in the running to become chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), a strategic position in the regulatory arena.
Currently director of crypto policy at Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), Quintenz has established himself as a pro-innovation figure in the sector, advocating for rules adapted to the specificities of blockchain.
This potential nomination is part of a broader Trump strategy to position the CFTC as the key agency to oversee cryptos, facing an SEC criticized for its strict and litigious approach. Quintenz would replace Rostin Behnam, a CFTC chairman who has often confronted the SEC over the regulation of digital assets.
A candidate with multiple assets
Brian Quintenz is no stranger to crypto regulation. During his tenure at the CFTC, he oversaw the launch of the first regulated Bitcoin and Ethereum futures contracts, paving the way for institutional adoption. Its commitment also extends to decentralized finance (DeFi), another cornerstone of the crypto ecosystem.
Since joining Andreessen Horowitz, he has intensified his efforts to promote policies that promote innovation, while speaking out against restrictions imposed by the SEC. In 2022, Quintenz declared: “The crypto ecosystem needs rules adapted to its objectives to reach its full potential. This is not what the SEC is proposing. »
Andreessen Horowitz's influence on this nomination cannot be ignored. The venture capital fund has actively supported pro-crypto candidates in 2024, with massive political donations through its Fairshake PAC.
In short, Quintenz’s nomination could radically transform US crypto policy. By concentrating regulatory powers under the CFTC, Trump would seek to encourage more smooth growth of the industry while reducing interagency conflicts.
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