Crypto Lobby Throws Weight Behind Brian Quintenz for CFTC Role – Senate Decision Looms

Crypto's power players are mobilizing—pushing hard for Brian Quintenz to take a key CFTC seat. They're betting his pro-innovation stance could reshape U.S. crypto regulation. But the Senate holds the cards, and political gridlock is the house favorite.

Industry insiders see Quintenz as a bridge between DeFi and traditional oversight. His previous term at the CFTC earned him credibility—and a reputation for cutting through bureaucratic red tape. Still, confirmation battles are never straightforward in D.C.

Timing adds pressure. With crypto markets volatile and election cycles looming, the stakes are sky-high. A confirmed Quintenz could signal regulatory clarity—or just more of the same political theater that makes Wall Street smirk and crypto builders sigh.

One thing’s clear: the lobby isn’t holding back. Whether the Senate moves—or just collects donations and delays—is Washington’s oldest game.

Crypto Groups Unite to Back Quintenz Nomination

Signed by the Crypto Council for Innovation (CCI), Blockchain Association, Decentralization Research Center, DeFi Education Fund, The Digital Chamber, Satoshi Action Fund, and the solana Policy Institute, the August 20 letter pushes for Quintenz’s “prompt confirmation” to help “ensure a golden age for digital assets in America.”

It is my great honor to be nominated by President @realDonaldTrump as the next Chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, where I had served as a Commissioner in his last administration. The @CFTC plays a critical role in maintaining robust hedging and price discovery…

“We are united in our conviction that Mr. Quintenz is uniquely prepared to serve as Chairman of the CFTC at this defining moment for America’s financial markets and digital asset future,” the organizations state.

“The U.S. digital asset industry and the CFTC are at a pivotal crossroads in terms of advancing fit-for-purpose regulations that will promote responsible innovation, protect market integrity, and ensure U.S. economic dynamism and global competitiveness.”

“Mr. Quintenz’s extensive experience and substantive and technical understanding of blockchains, digital assets, and financial markets make him exceptionally well-suited to lead the CFTC at this critical juncture,” the letter continues.

Senate Delays Heighten Uncertainty Around CFTC Pick

The news of the letter comes amid growing speculation in the crypto community over the delay in Quintenz’s CFTC confirmation, despite TRUMP having tapped the financial manager in February.

Late last month, Politico reported that Gemini co-founders Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss urged Trump to reject Quintenz as CFTC chairman nominee despite the former praising the president’s decision earlier this year.

“Congratulations Brian,” Tyler said in a February X post. “Well deserved. Great choice for crypto and for America.”

A Senate Agriculture Committee vote on Quintenz’s nomination was canned twice in July, leading to increased concern over the policy adviser’s potential role in government.