According to Cointelegraph, CFTC Commissioner Kristin Johnson announced plans to leave the agency before 2026. She was nominated by former President Biden in March 2022, and her term ended this April.
In her farewell message, Johnson mentioned that as a sponsor of the Market Risk Advisory Committee, she addressed emerging market issues related to decentralized financial products such as digital assets and cryptocurrencies. Her departure may occur before Trump nominates a successor and secures majority confirmation in the Senate.
One of the five seats on the CFTC has been vacant since former Chairman Rostin Behnam left in February. According to CFTC guidelines, commissioners may continue to serve after their term ends until a 'successor is appointed and qualified.'
Trump has nominated Brian Quintenz as CFTC chairman, but the Senate has not held a confirmation vote for three months. The CFTC and SEC handle regulatory and enforcement issues related to digital assets, and the lack of clear rules has led to calls for a regulatory framework for the digital asset market.