White House Abruptly Pulls Quintenz’s CFTC Chair Nomination - Crypto Markets Brace for Impact

The Biden administration just yanked Quintenz's nomination for CFTC chair—and nobody saw it coming.

Regulatory Whiplash Hits Crypto

Washington's revolving door spins again as the White House withdraws its own pick to lead the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. The sudden move leaves crypto regulation in limbo just as digital assets were gaining mainstream traction.

Power Vacuum at Critical Moment

With no permanent chair at the helm, the CFTC faces leadership paralysis during one of crypto's most transformative periods. Market makers are scrambling to assess the fallout while institutional players hit pause on major positions.

Political Games Trump Financial Innovation

Another day, another reminder that Washington prioritizes bureaucratic musical chairs over actually understanding the technology reshaping global finance. The nomination withdrawal signals more regulatory uncertainty ahead—because who needs stable markets when you've got political points to score?

Quintenz is Global Head of Policy at venture firm a16z Crypto, and a former CFTC Commissioner.

BREAKING: On the WHITE House withdrawing his nomination, @BrianQuintenz gave me this statement:

“Being nominated to chair the CFTC and going through the confirmation process was the honor of my life. I am grateful to the President for that opportunity and to the Senate…

— Eleanor Terrett (@EleanorTerrett) September 30, 2025

A huge setback for crypto policy.

Not only because Brian would've made a superb CFTC chair, but also because of eight months wasted without a fully staffed and operational CFTC.

Prediction markets, perps, and other priorities should MOVE forward without delay. New nominee now! https://t.co/V8MAJXPBoP

— Jake Chervinsky (@jchervinsky) September 30, 2025

Thank you @BrianQuintenz for your willingness to serve as the President’s nominee for the @CFTC. Brian WOULD have been an exceptionally strong and principled leader for the CFTC, our industry, and our country—marked by integrity, conviction, deep expertise, and a clear… https://t.co/lBFFiC9PjE

— Ji Kim (@_jikim) October 1, 2025