Trump Nominates Kalshi Board Member Brian Quintenz as CFTC Chairman

A Regulatory Veteran with Strong Industry Ties

Quintenz previously served as a CFTC commissioner from 2017 to 2021, following Trump’s nomination and Senate confirmation. President Obama had initially nominated him in 2016, but the Senate never voted before the administration changed.

Since leaving the CFTC, Quintenz has held key roles in finance and crypto. He sits on the board of Kalshi, a regulated prediction market platform, and has served as head of policy at Andreessen Horowitz’s a16z crypto. He also worked as an advisor to Crypto.com and contributed to Inca Digital’s advisory board.

What His Nomination Means for Kalshi and Prediction Markets

Quintenz’s nomination comes at a crucial time for Kalshi and event-based trading platforms. His leadership could lead to more regulatory support for prediction markets, given his history of advocating for financial innovation.

Kalshi has faced legal battles with the CFTC under the Biden administration, especially over its attempt to introduce election-based contracts.

The commission blocked the proposal, sparking an ongoing lawsuit. If Quintenz takes over, he could change the agency’s approach, potentially allowing Kalshi to expand its offerings.

Quintenz has long supported clear regulations for blockchain and digital assets. His appointment could create a more crypto-friendly regulatory landscape, a sharp contrast to recent enforcement actions against the industry.

His confirmation is not guaranteed, as it still requires Senate approval. However, his expertise in market structure and regulation makes him a strong contender.