Catenaa, Wednesday, September 24, 2025- The Trump administration is weighing alternative candidates to lead the Commodity Futures Trading Commission as Brian Quintenz’s confirmation continues to stall, Bloomberg reported Thursday.
Officials under consideration reportedly have cryptocurrency regulation expertise, reflecting the growing role of the CFTC in digital asset oversight.
The agency currently operates with one commissioner, Caroline Pham, serving as acting chair.
Pham has said she plans to step down once a permanent chair is confirmed. Quintenz, nominated in February, has faced delays, including a postponed Senate Agriculture Committee vote in July, though the administration reaffirmed support later that month.
Some crypto industry figures, notably Gemini co-founders Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss, have publicly opposed Quintenz’s appointment, saying his policy views do not align with the administration’s goals.
Tensions rose after Quintenz alleged the twins lobbied against his nomination following his refusal to investigate a prior complaint by Gemini against CFTC staff.
Congress is developing legislation to expand the agency’s powers over digital assets, positioning the CFTC at the center of U.S. crypto oversight.
The administration’s exploration of alternative candidates highlights the urgency to ensure the commission is fully staffed amid mounting regulatory responsibilities.
Regulatory and political observers say any new nominee with crypto expertise could accelerate the agency’s oversight initiatives, signaling stronger scrutiny of digital asset markets.
The White House and CFTC have not released additional statements.
