Gemini Raises IPO Price Range to $26, Targets $3.2B Valuation

Gemini has raised its IPO price target from $17-19 to $24-26 per share, increasing its potential valuation to approximately $3.2 billion and maximum raise to $435 million. The exchange secured a $50 million investment from Nasdaq, representing significant institutional backing ahead of its public debut under ticker GEMI. The IPO occurs amid renewed investor appetite for digital asset companies but faces regulatory complications following allegations that Tyler Winklevoss attempted to influence CFTC chair nominee Brian Quintenz regarding an ongoing dispute with the regulator. Text messages released by Quintenz show Winklevoss expressing frustration over what he called ‘selective enforcement’ by the CFTC, creating additional scrutiny just days before the market debut.

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Senate GOP Prioritizes Crypto Market Structure Bill

Following a monthlong congressional recess, Republican senators have identified cryptocurrency market structure legislation as their first legislative priority. The pending bill seeks to establish comprehensive regulatory frameworks for digital assets and would also address key nominations including Brian Quintenz’s potential chairmanship of the CFTC. Additionally, the legislation contains provisions that would restrict the development of a central bank digital currency (CBDC). The 119th Congress had previously paused all work on these measures during their scheduled break, but lawmakers now appear ready to push forward with formal committee considerations and eventual floor votes to shape the future of US crypto regulation.

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Crypto Groups Back Brian Quintenz for CFTC Chair

The Crypto Council for Innovation and Blockchain Association have jointly endorsed Brian Quintenz for CFTC Chairman, emphasizing his expertise in digital assets and financial markets. The groups argue his confirmation is crucial for advancing America’s digital asset agenda and implementing regulations that support innovation while maintaining market integrity. Simultaneously, these organizations are opposing banking industry efforts to amend the GENIUS Stablecoin Regulation Act, warning that proposed changes would create an uncompetitive environment favoring traditional banks over broader industry growth and consumer choice. The banking sector has expressed concerns about potential massive deposit outflows to digital assets if current regulatory gaps persist.

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US Rep Urges CFTC Probe into Nominee’s Kalshi Ties

Democratic Representative Dina Titus has formally requested the CFTC to investigate Brian Quintenz, the nominee for agency chair, over his connections to Kalshi, a prediction platform regulated by the CFTC. In a letter to acting chair Caroline Pham, Titus urged an inquiry into whether Quintenz violated ethics policies or federal statutes. She specifically demanded the release of all communications related to Quintenz’s involvement with prediction markets, raising questions about impartiality ahead of his Senate confirmation. The move underscores growing scrutiny over regulatory appointees’ ties to industries they oversee.

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CFTC Chair Nomination Vote Delayed Amid Senate Recess

The Senate Agriculture Committee removed a scheduled vote on Brian Quintenz’s nomination to chair the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) from its agenda, citing a request from the White House. The decision came just before lawmakers left for August recess, delaying the confirmation process. Committee leaders John Boozman and Amy Klobuchar updated the schedule without providing further details. The White House has not yet commented on the reason for the request, leaving uncertainty around the future leadership of the key financial regulator.

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White House Delays CFTC Nominee Vote Again

The White House has delayed the Senate Agriculture Committee’s vote on Brian Quintenz’s nomination to lead the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) for the second time, without providing an explanation. Quintenz, a former CFTC commissioner (2017-2021), was set for a critical vote, but the process has been stalled. The postponement comes as lawmakers consider expanding the CFTC’s oversight of crypto trading, highlighting concerns about a leadership vacuum. Quintenz, initially nominated by President Trump, faced scrutiny during a June hearing, where his financial disclosures revealed $3.4 million in assets. The delays could impact the agency’s role in shaping U.S. crypto regulations.

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Senate Reviews CFTC Nominee Amid Crypto Regulation Shift

The Senate Agriculture Committee will hold a hearing on July 21 to review Brian Quintenz’s nomination as CFTC chair, ahead of a full Senate vote. His confirmation coincides with Congress considering the CLARITY Act, which aims to establish the CFTC as the primary regulator for digital assets like crypto. The bill, which passed the House with bipartisan support, could reshape the balance of power between the CFTC and SEC. However, its Senate passage remains uncertain due to potential amendments and political divisions. Meanwhile, the CFTC faces leadership transitions, with Acting Chair Caroline Pham and Commissioner Kristin Johnson expected to depart by 2025. If confirmed, Quintenz may lead the agency alone during a pivotal regulatory shift. The crypto industry supports the CLARITY Act for providing clearer oversight, but implementation challenges loom amid leadership changes.

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CFTC Chair Nominee Quintenz Faces Senate Hearing

The Senate Agriculture Committee is set to review Brian Quintenz’s nomination as CFTC chair, a role that may expand significantly if pending crypto oversight legislation becomes law. Quintenz, nominated by President Trump in February, will face lawmakers ahead of a potential floor vote. The hearing follows the House’s passage of the Digital Asset Market Clarity (CLARITY) Act, which could shift crypto regulation to the CFTC. If confirmed, Quintenz could become the agency’s sole commissioner by 2025, shaping the future of US financial oversight.

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DOJ, CFTC Close Polymarket Probes, Paving Way for US Return

The US Department of Justice (DOJ) and Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) have ended their investigations into prediction market Polymarket, signaling a regulatory reset for the platform. Polymarket, which processes billions in crypto-based event betting, had faced scrutiny since a 2022 CFTC settlement requiring it to exclude US users. Despite a high-profile raid on CEO Shayne Coplan’s home post-2022 elections, investigators found no breaches of prior obligations. The closure coincides with ‘Crypto Week’ in Congress and a potential landmark crypto bill, while the CFTC’s new leadership under Brian Quintenz hints at a more industry-friendly approach. Polymarket now explores licensed US re-entry, possibly as a CFTC-regulated market or via acquisition, bolstered by partnerships with X (formerly Twitter) and xAI.

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Jonathan Gould Confirmed as OCC Comptroller

Jonathan Gould, former chief legal officer at blockchain firm Bitfury, has been confirmed by the US Senate as the new Comptroller of the Currency, leading the OCC for a five-year term. The Senate voted 50-45 in favor of his nomination by President Donald Trump. Gould brings extensive experience from both the private sector, including his role at Jones Day, and his prior tenure as the OCC’s senior deputy comptroller. His confirmation follows other key financial regulatory appointments under the Trump administration, signaling continued focus on financial oversight.

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