Brian Quintenz, the nominee chosen by US President Donald Trump to lead the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), has described blockchain as a foundational technology with the potential to revolutionize far beyond the financial sector. In his prepared remarks for the Senate confirmation hearing, shared with Cointelegraph, Quintenz highlighted the long-term significance of blockchain and cryptocurrencies. “I view blockchain as a horizontal technology that has the potential to touch every aspect of society, ” he said. Quintenz, who most recently served as the global head of policy at a16z Crypto (the digital asset division of Andreessen Horowitz), also stressed the importance of establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework for crypto markets. Drawing on his global experience working with regulators and government officials, he conveyed a clear understanding of what has worked and what hasn’t in developing crypto regulatory frameworks—insights he intends to apply to US policy. “As Congress considers new spot market regulatory authority over the crypto asset markets, I am fully prepared to provide the benefit of this experience to the members of this committee and to Congress as a whole, ” he affirmed. Related: US regulator moves to drop appeal against Kalshi Quintenz vows to keep fraudulent actors out Quintenz was candid about the risks of inadequate oversight, warning that permitting bad actors and fraudsters to operate unchecked would undermine the United States’ leadership in blockchain innovation. He also emphasized the necessity of a detailed regulatory framework that clearly classifies tokens and delineates oversight responsibilities for crypto trading markets. He argued that such clarity is crucial to protecting users and encouraging ongoing innovation. Beyond cryptocurrency, Quintenz pledged to uphold the CFTC’s position as a global leader in market innovation and oversight.

Referring to his previous tenure as a CFTC Commissioner—where he was unanimously confirmed in 2017—he reiterated his commitment to risk-based regulation, harmonization both domestically and internationally, and strong customer protections. He reaffirmed his support for the CFTC’s statutory mandate to promote responsible innovation: “The CEA’s principles-based approach to regulation and self-certification framework has created a marketplace that continues to thrive with integrity, ” he noted. Related: CFTC exodus: Fourth commissioner to depart 'later this year' CFTC faces leadership challenges Quintenz’s Senate hearing occurs amid legislative efforts to expand the CFTC’s authority over crypto with the Clarity Act, which would establish a “digital commodity” category and grant the agency broad regulatory powers over cryptocurrency. However, concerns are increasing about whether the agency has the leadership capacity to handle these new responsibilities, as one commissioner seat remains vacant and several others are preparing to leave. Last week, two of the four remaining CFTC commissioners—Republican Summer Mersinger and Democrat Christy Goldsmith Romero—resigned. The other Republican Commissioner, Caroline Pham, has also indicated that she will step down if and when Quintenz is confirmed.