Rostin Behnam, Chairman of the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), will resign on January 20, 2025, coinciding with Trump’s inauguration. During his tenure, he advocated for the CFTC to gain broader authority over cryptocurrency markets, but his efforts largely went unfulfilled. As the agency prepares for a new leadership, potential candidates include Republican commissioners Summer Mersinger and Caroline Pham, as well as external candidates like former Commissioner Brian Quintenz.
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CryptoNews Article 
October 25, 2025 | 11:33
October 25, 2025 | 11:33
CryptoNews Article October 25, 2025 | 01:39
October 25, 2025 | 01:39
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October 25, 2025 | 01:26
Brian Quintenz
3 posts last week
CFTC Chair Rostin Behnam Announces Resignation Effective January 20 2025
CFTC Chair Rostin Behnam announced his resignation effective January 20, 2025, emphasizing the need for disciplined digital asset regulation and addressing regulatory gaps in crypto markets. Under his leadership, the CFTC secured a $2.7 billion settlement with Binance for operating an unlicensed derivatives platform. As he departs, Brian Quintenz is a leading candidate to succeed him, with the CFTC facing ongoing challenges in regulating digital assets and offshore betting platforms.
read moreCFTC Chairman Rostin Behnam Resigns Advocating for Stronger Crypto Regulations
Rostin Behnam steps down as CFTC chairman on January 20, concluding a term focused on stricter crypto regulations and enforcement actions, including a $4.3 billion settlement with Binance. He emphasized the need for clearer rules in the largely unregulated digital asset market and raised concerns about political betting markets, urging for tighter oversight. Behnam’s departure raises questions about the future leadership of the CFTC, with potential successors advocating for varying degrees of regulation.
read moreCFTC Chair Rostin Behnam Calls for Stronger Crypto Regulation Before Departure
Rostin Behnam, chair of the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), will resign on January 20 after four years marked by significant enforcement actions in the crypto sector. He has raised concerns about the insufficient regulatory oversight in the digital asset space and emphasized the need for robust regulations to ensure market integrity.As he departs, Behnam called for a disciplined approach to crypto regulation and highlighted the importance of clarifying what is permissible in the market. Brian Quintenz, a former CFTC commissioner and current head of policy at Andreessen Horowitz, is reportedly the top candidate to succeed him, potentially addressing the ongoing jurisdictional uncertainties surrounding cryptocurrencies.
read moreGemini CFTC Lawsuit Delayed Amid Anticipation of New Regulations
The civil case between Gemini Trust and the CFTC has been postponed from January 13 to January 21, 2025, with all pre-trial filings due by January 10. The CFTC accuses Gemini of misleading investors regarding its Bitcoin futures product, seeking restitution and penalties. The case may shift under the incoming Trump administration, which could lead to a more crypto-friendly regulatory environment.
read moreAndreessen Horowitz Optimistic About Future of Crypto Regulation in the US
Top executives at Andreessen Horowitz express optimism for the future of crypto in the U.S. following favorable election outcomes, including the election of pro-crypto Republican Donald Trump and a Republican majority in Congress. They anticipate new regulations that will foster innovation and provide regulatory clarity for the digital asset ecosystem. The executives believe this is an ideal time for growth and development in the crypto industry.
read moreA16z Optimistic About Crypto Regulations Under Trump Administration
Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) expresses optimism for crypto-friendly regulations under the Trump administration, encouraging founders to confidently use tokens for governance and community building. The firm plans to advocate for clearer regulatory frameworks and will soon release guidance on the Decentralized Unincorporated Nonprofit Association (DUNA) model to support innovation and compliance in the crypto sector. While a16z anticipates greater flexibility, they caution that fundamental regulatory principles remain unchanged.
read moreAndreessen Horowitz Sees Trump’s Reelection as Boost for US Crypto Industry
Venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) views Donald Trump’s potential reelection as a pivotal moment for the US crypto industry, anticipating bipartisan support for decentralized innovation. The firm aims to engage lawmakers to foster policies that distinguish between fraudulent and legitimate projects, enhancing consumer trust.Looking ahead, a16z plans to advocate for frameworks that promote decentralization and innovation, while also providing guidance on Decentralized Unincorporated Nonprofit Associations (DUNA) to support US-based projects. The executives express optimism about the future of crypto in the US, encouraging founders to explore token issuance as a viable growth strategy.
read morea16z optimistic about crypto innovation following Trump’s election victory
Andreessen Horowitz’s crypto division anticipates increased flexibility for innovation following Donald Trump’s election victory, suggesting a shift towards clearer regulatory frameworks in the U.S. The firm emphasizes the need for constructive engagement with regulatory agencies to foster growth in the crypto ecosystem, contrasting this with the previous administration’s enforcement-heavy approach. They advocate for regulations that support decentralization and innovation, highlighting opportunities in digital identity, cross-border transactions, and new business models.
read moreGrayscale’s Confidence in Approval of Spot Ethereum ETFs by SEC
Grayscale is optimistic about the approval of spot Ethereum exchange-traded funds (ETFs) by U.S. regulators in May, citing similarities with the approval process for Bitcoin ETFs. Despite concerns raised by Bloomberg analysts and fears of a coordinated attack on Ethereum by the SEC, industry figures like Paul Grewal and Brian Quintenz remain confident in the approval of spot Ethereum ETFs. The SEC is expected to decide on the applications by May 23.
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