Multiple prominent cryptocurrency and blockchain advocacy groups are strongly advocating for the prompt confirmation of Brian Quintenz as chair of the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).
In a recent letter addressed to U.S. President Donald Trump, representatives from seven key crypto organizations reiterated their full support for Quintenz’s Senate confirmation following his presidential nomination.
The coalition includes the Crypto Council for Innovation, Blockchain Association, Decentralization Research Center, DeFi Education Fund, The Digital Chamber, Satoshi Action Fund, and Solana Policy Institute.
These groups emphasize Quintenz’s exceptional suitability for leading the CFTC, highlighting his deep understanding and extensive experience with digital assets.
Originally nominated in February, Quintenz’s confirmation process was referred to the Senate Agriculture Committee but faced delays shortly before the Senate’s August recess, reportedly following a White House request.
Additionally, influential figures like Gemini co-founders Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss have urged President Trump to reconsider Quintenz’s nomination, questioning if he would fully implement the administration’s crypto policies.
The advocacy letter referenced the Presidential Working Group on Digital Asset Markets Report, underlining the critical and complex challenges ahead for the CFTC, including developing a comprehensive federal market framework with appropriate oversight of digital commodity markets.
Quintenz, who previously served as a CFTC commissioner from 2017 to 2021 under Trump and was initially nominated by former President Barack Obama in 2016, is viewed as pivotal to advancing these goals.
CFTC Faces Leadership and Staffing Challenges
Even if the Senate proceeds with a swift confirmation after resuming sessions post-recess on September 3, the CFTC currently operates with a skeletal staff. The five-member commission is only represented by Acting Chair Caroline Pham and Commissioner Kristin Johnson.
Several commissioners, including Summer Mersinger, Christy Goldsmith Romero, and former chair Rostin Behnam, departed earlier this year. Johnson plans to leave before 2026, while Pham intends to transition to the private sector contingent on Quintenz’s appointment.
This situation could temporarily leave Quintenz as the primary voice at the commission until additional appointees are confirmed.
A representative of the Crypto Council for Innovation emphasized the importance of confirming CFTC leadership given the agency’s current two-commissioner panel, absence of a permanent chair, and impending crypto-related legislation.
Senator Cynthia Lummis, a key proponent of crypto market structure reform, has indicated that the bill intended to clarify regulatory roles between the CFTC and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) will likely be signed into law before 2026.
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