Trump’s CFTC pick Quintenz pledges clear crypto classification in written remarks for Senate hearing

Brian Quintenz, nominee to lead the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission, has pledged to provide clear classification and jurisdictional clarity for digital asset market regulation in a written statement shared ahead of his nomination hearing.

The former CFTC commissioner was nominated by President Donald Trump in February, and is scheduled to appear before the Senate Agriculture Committee for a nomination hearing on Tuesday.

“It is time for a comprehensive regulatory framework for crypto assets, including token classification clarity and clear jurisdiction for trading market oversight,” said Quintenz. “I am fully prepared to use my experience and expertise to assist in that effort as well in executing any expanded mission should legislation pass into law.”

Quintenz mentioned his most recent role as head of global policy at a16z crypto, and how he is planning to leverage that experience to support U.S. leadership in blockchain technology.

“I have traveled the world, meeting with other jurisdictions’ regulators and government officials where I learned what they have attempted to do, what they have left to do, and what has worked well or poorly,” Quintenz said, adding that he would share such insights with the CFTC and the Congress in shaping crypto regulatory frameworks.

The CFTC chair nominee said he views blockchain as a “horizontal technology” that can affect different aspects of society, not a vertical one solely focused on financial services.

“Blockchain and crypto tokens are here to stay and will allow individuals to own their digital intellectual property, their digital identities, and the value of their contributions to networks,” said Quintenz, highlighting the need for clear rules and market integrity so the industry can build without fear of regulatory enforcement.

Ahead of his third nomination hearing at the CFTC, Quintenz pledged to maintain the commission’s focus on both risk and innovation, as well as its zero tolerance for bad actors who manipulate markets.

Quintenz’s potential confirmation as the new chair of the CFTC comes amid a period of major leadership shuffle at the agency, where four commissioners have either stepped down or announced plans to depart in recent weeks.

Meanwhile, Quintenz recently disclosed holding $3.4 million in assets, including positions in crypto-linked companies such as prediction markets platform Kalshi, which had been in a long legal battle with the CFTC. Quintenz previously stated he would recuse himself from matters and divest positions that would potentially cause conflicts of interest if he is confirmed as chair.

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