President Trump’s CFTC Pick Discloses Millions in Crypto

Brian Quintenz, tapped by Donald Trump to lead the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), has disclosed a web of crypto-related ties and millions in assets, raising questions ahead of his Senate confirmation.

In newly released ethics filings, Quintenz reported more than $3.4 million in confirmed and stakes in firms tied closely to the digital asset space. The former CFTC commissioner—now crypto policy chief at Andreessen Horowitz (a16z)—confirmed he would step down from that role if appointed as chair.

His financial interests span multiple a16z-affiliated funds and equity in companies like prediction market Kalshi and fintech firm Next Level Derivatives. Both operate in areas the CFTC actively regulates, making Quintenz’s portfolio particularly sensitive.

To avoid potential conflicts, he pledged to divest from related holdings, recuse himself from any decision-making linked to these entities, and step away from all board and advisory roles within 90 days of taking office. Notably, he committed to sidestepping all a16z matters for two years and Kalshi-related decisions for one.

Read More:

The ethics letter emphasized his intention to comply with all federal conflict-of-interest rules while maintaining only unpaid family trustee roles.

Quintenz’s nomination comes at a moment of upheaval for the CFTC. Several commissioners, including Kristin Johnson, Summer Mersinger, and Christy Goldsmith Romero, are exiting by the end of May—leaving leadership gaps amid growing tension over the agency’s crypto stance.

If confirmed, Quintenz would return to an agency he once helped shape, now with even deeper ties to the industry it oversees.