Congratulations on your nomination to be the new CFTC chair, Brian!

It’s been over 3 years since @BrianQuintenz joined us, first as a senior advisor then head of policy. His expertise has been invaluable to our founders and to the crypto industry. 

He will make a fantastic CFTC… https://t.co/oPiLSwlYeg

— Chris Dixon (@cdixon) February 12, 2025

 

Quintenz is head of policy for venture capital firm a16z crypto. His biography from a16zcrypto says:

“Brian Quintenz is the Head of Policy for a16z crypto, where he helps to translate between the crypto and policy communities.

Brian has long stood out as an innovative thinker in crypto and DeFi and was one of the earliest leaders in Washington to recognize the value of crypto. Brian initially joined a16z crypto as a senior advisor. In December 2022, he moved to the full-time role leading its policy team.

Prior to joining a16z, he was nominated by both Presidents Obama and Trump to serve as commissioner of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and, in August 2017, was unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate. He also led the agency’s Technology Advisory Committee, which hosted the most comprehensive set of public crypto-related policy discussions and briefings of any federal financial regulator. During his service, the CFTC oversaw the listing of the first U.S. regulated Bitcoin and Ether futures contracts on derivatives exchanges, and the rapid expansion of DeFi. All the while, he was a champion for tailored, risk-calibrated regulation.

Prior to his appointment to the CFTC, Brian was the Founder and Managing Principal of Saeculum Capital Management, LLC where he developed and implemented Saeculum’s long term, momentum-based investment process for both traditional discretionary accounts as well as a managed-futures, commodity pool hedge fund.

Brian began his career on Capitol Hill, where he worked for 6.5 years and served as senior policy aid to a Member of Congress. He received his B.S. from Duke University and M.B.A. from Georgetown University.”

Source: a16z

Chris Giancarlo, former chairman of the CFTC, said: “Brian Quintenz, however, has earned my full support: he’s capable, strong, knowledgeable, honest and respected. He understands the scope and limitations of #CommodityExchangeAct & #FederalRegulation. He knows #Bitcoin, #crypto, #DeFi & #DigitalAssets and how to incorporate them in suitable regulatory frameworks. Brian will be a wise and disciplined leader treating companies with the respect and dignity they should expect from #WashingtonDC #regulators. During the years we served together @CFTC Brian had my back and today I have his.”

I am pleased to endorse @BrianQuintenz for Chairman @CFTC. Until now, I have helped @RealDonaldTrump consider several great candidates for @CFTC Chair. Several stand out: @PerianneDC, @HereComesKumar, Summer Mersinger, @CarolineDPham & Josh Sterling. Brian Quintenz, however, has… pic.twitter.com/gh6KUedtCT

— Chris Giancarlo (@giancarloMKTS) December 15, 2024

Brian Armstrong, co-founder & chief executive at Coinbase, the US listed crypto exchange, said: 

Brian Quintenz would be an amazing pick for CFTC https://t.co/CiYdFZHedV

— Brian Armstrong (@brian_armstrong) December 12, 2024

Congratulations, @BrianQuintenz!

We’re looking forward to working with you and your colleagues at @CFTC. https://t.co/LVVzhoHJ71

— Kristin Smith (@KMSmithDC) February 12, 2025

Matt Hougan, CIO of Bitwise Investments, said:

DeFi assets should be flying on the Quintenz news. He's one of the most outspoken, informed, and clear supporters of (good) DeFi I know. @BanklessHQ did a great podcast with him on DeFi (episode 81). Highly recommended. https://t.co/kytl8cZ23f

— Matt Hougan (@Matt_Hougan) February 12, 2025