Trump Eyes Pro-Crypto Leaders for CFTC Chair Role: Mersinger and Quintenz in the Spotlight

President-elect Donald Trump’s administration is positioning itself as a crypto-friendly force, with key appointments shaping up to reflect a bold vision for the industry. Among the top contenders for the role of Chair of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) are Summer Mersinger and Brian Quintenz, both celebrated for their crypto policy expertise.

Leading the Crypto Charge

Summer Mersinger, a current CFTC Commissioner, has gained recognition as a proponent of balanced regulation, bridging innovation with consumer protection. Her advocacy at industry forums underscores her commitment to fostering a thriving crypto ecosystem.

Meanwhile, Brian Quintenz, now leading crypto policy efforts at venture giant a16z, built his reputation during his tenure as a CFTC commissioner, championing innovation-friendly policies. Sources suggest both are “odds-on front-runners” for the pivotal role.

A Pro-Crypto Turn Under Trump

Trump’s incoming administration is signaling a sharp pivot from the current regulatory landscape. During his campaign, he vowed to end the Biden-era “regulatory crusade” against the crypto industry. Early appointments reflect this shift, with Paul Atkins heading the SEC, Scott Bessent tapped for Treasury Secretary, and David Sacks positioned as “crypto czar.”

If Mersinger or Quintenz secures the CFTC chair, the agency could play a transformative role in defining a clear and innovation-friendly framework for the U.S. crypto sector. The CFTC, overseeing $500 trillion in annual trading volumes, has long been preferred by the crypto community over the SEC, given its lighter regulatory touch