Originally published on: December 12, 2024
As the new administration of President-elect Donald Trump gears up to take charge, Brian Quintenz, a former commissioner of the United States Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), is reportedly a frontrunner for the position of CFTC chair.
Sources familiar with the matter revealed to Bloomberg that Quintenz has been interviewed for the role. With a background in overseeing significant policy initiatives at the CFTC from 2017 to 2021, Quintenz currently serves as the head of policy at a16z’s crypto division, Andreessen Horowitz.
The potential appointment of Quintenz could potentially address the longstanding ambiguity surrounding jurisdictional issues related to cryptocurrencies between the CFTC and the US Securities and Exchange Commission.
During his tenure as a Republican-appointed commissioner at the CFTC, Quintenz advocated for financial innovation within the digital asset industry. Now, at a16z, he continues to push for regulatory clarity while advocating for crypto regulations that strike a balance between scrutiny and flexibility.
Quintenz’s dual experience in traditional finance (TradFi) and crypto regulation positions him as a key player in bridging the gap between these two industries.
In a recent critique of the SEC’s handling of Ether’s security status, Quintenz pointed out that the regulator had acknowledged Ether as a non-security asset back in October 2023 when it approved Ether futures exchange-traded funds (ETFs). He highlighted that the approval of these ETFs signaled the non-security status of Ether and emphasized that if it were considered a security, the CFTC-listed future contracts would be deemed illegal.
Looking ahead, a16z anticipates “greater flexibility to experiment” in the crypto regulatory landscape under the new administration. The venture capital firm, a notable investor in the crypto industry, remains optimistic about the government’s pro-crypto stance and looks forward to the potential opportunities that may arise.
With a diverse portfolio of investments in various crypto startups, including Maker, Solana, and Coinbase, a16z continues to play a significant role in shaping the future of the crypto industry.
Stay informed on the latest developments in crypto laws and regulations by subscribing to our Law Decoded newsletter, delivered every Monday. Arm yourself with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions for your crypto ventures. Subscribe now to stay updated!