White House Withdraws Pro-Crypto Brian Quintenz’s CFTC Chair Nomination

The White House has withdrawn former Commodity Futures Trading Commissioner Brian Quintenz's nomination to lead the CFTC, ending a contentious month-long battle over the appointment. Quintenz, a vocal advocate for the crypto industry, was initially tapped by former President Donald Trump shortly after his return to office.

Since leaving the CFTC, Quintenz joined Andreessen Horowitz as global head of policy and advised firms like prediction marketplace Kalshi. His pro-crypto stance included proposing a self-regulatory organization for the industry akin to FINRA in securities markets. Despite this, his nomination faced opposition from notable figures like Gemini co-founders Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss, who publicly criticized the move.

"Being nominated to chair the CFTC and going through the confirmation process was the honor of my life," Quintenz said in a statement. He expressed gratitude to TRUMP and the Senate Agriculture Committee while signaling a return to private sector work during what he called "an exciting time for innovation."