Crypto Alliances Rally Behind Quintenz for CFTC Chairmanship

Crypto's heavy hitters unite behind Quintenz—throwing weight behind the former commissioner's bid to lead the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.

Why It Matters

Quintenz isn’t just another regulator. He’s a known quantity in crypto circles—someone who gets DeFi, understands derivatives, and doesn’t treat innovation like a four-letter word. His appointment could signal a friendlier era for digital assets at the CFTC—a shift the industry is betting big on.

The Push from Power Players

Major trade associations, crypto exchanges, and even a few Wall Street defectors are publicly backing his nomination. They’re lobbying, writing letters, and making calls—because who better to helm the derivatives watchdog than a guy who actually knows what a perpetual swap is?

What’s at Stake

With policy debates heating up and regulatory turf wars in full swing, the CFTC’s next chair could define how crypto is treated for years. Quintenz represents a path toward clarity—or at least a regulator who doesn’t think Bitcoin is a type of rock.

One cynical take? The same finance giants that once mocked crypto now want a regulator who'll play nice—because nothing soothes fears like a friendly face in charge of the rules.

Urgency Underlined in Letter to the President

In their message to the President, these groups didn’t hold back. They described this moment as a rare opportunity to bring the United States into what they called a golden age of digital assets. They pointed to Quintenz’s deep knowledge of blockchain and praised his leadership style, judgment, and professional reputation as reasons to MOVE quickly on his confirmation.

Brian Quintenz is the right person for the complex derivatives markets the CFTC oversees. For crypto, he is uniquely positioned to deliver on a new area of agency responsibility. I’m proud to have worked with him on issues and to call him a friend. It’s time to confirm BQ. https://t.co/umqOorK4tm

— Greg Xethalis (@xethalis) August 20, 2025

Familiar Face, Crucial Time

Quintenz is no stranger to the agency. He served as a commissioner at the CFTC from 2017 to 2021, a period when crypto markets were beginning to gain real attention from regulators. More recently, he has been involved with policy at a crypto-focused investment firm, giving him continued exposure to how the space has evolved. That track record gives him credibility with both regulators and industry insiders.

Confirmation Stalled in Senate

Even with industry backing, his confirmation has hit a wall. The Senate Agriculture Committee postponed a procedural vote twice in July. That pause, according to sources familiar with the process, came after a request from the WHITE House. There’s also been pushback from certain corners of the industry, including notable voices like the Gemini co-founders, who have raised concerns about his nomination.

Why the Stakes Are High

This isn’t just about filling an empty seat. The CFTC is currently operating with only two commissioners, and both have signaled plans to step down. That leaves the agency in a vulnerable spot just as Congress is debating major legislation around digital assets. Without a confirmed chair in place, it will be difficult for the commission to participate meaningfully in shaping how crypto fits into the broader regulatory system.

Industry Eyes Confirmation as Turning Point

The endorsement of Quintenz reflects how seriously the crypto sector is taking this moment. Advocacy groups view his appointment as a way to bring structure and long-term direction to how digital commodities are governed. Regulators are still adapting to the speed and complexity of blockchain innovation. The call for someone who understands both policy and product is louder than ever.

What Comes Next

The Senate is still in recess, so for now everything is on hold. But behind the scenes, this confirmation process is being watched closely. Whoever takes the helm at the CFTC will help shape how innovation and regulation interact going forward. It’s not just about one man’s career. It’s about who gets to set the tone for how crypto fits into the future of financial oversight in the U.S.

Key Takeaways

• Top crypto advocacy groups are backing Brian Quintenz for CFTC Chair, calling him the right mix of policy experience and blockchain knowledge.
• Supporters sent a letter to the President urging a quick confirmation, framing this as a chance to advance responsible crypto regulation.
• Quintenz previously served as a CFTC commissioner and more recently worked with a crypto investment firm, giving him industry and policy credibility.
• Despite strong industry support, his confirmation has stalled in the Senate. This is reportedly due to a White House delay and pushback from some crypto figures.
• The CFTC is facing leadership gaps during a crucial legislative moment. Industry leaders see Quintenz as a key figure to guide crypto oversight.