Catenaa, Wednesday, October 01, 2025- Brian Quintenz, policy lead at venture firm Andreessen Horowitz and a former Commodity Futures Trading Commission commissioner, is no longer being considered to lead the agency, according to officials familiar with the matter.
Quintenz had been nominated earlier this year, but his confirmation process stalled after concerns were raised over potential conflicts tied to a16z’s lobbying activity and opposition from Gemini founders Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss.
The White House requested the Senate Agriculture Committee cancel two scheduled votes on his nomination, signaling a loss of support.
Quintenz previously served as a CFTC commissioner during President Donald Trump’s first term, earning praise from many in the cryptocurrency sector.
His return as chair was seen as a significant move for the industry, particularly as lawmakers advance legislation to expand the agency’s oversight of digital assets.
With Quintenz out, the leading candidate for the post is Mike Selig, chief counsel to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s crypto task force and senior advisor to the SEC chair, a person familiar said.
Other names under consideration include Milbank LLP partner Josh Sterling, Baker & Hostetler counsel Isabelle Corbette Sterling, and former CFTC Commissioner Jill Sommers.
The White House has not commented publicly on the decision. Quintenz said he was honored by the nomination and plans to return to private-sector work.
