PANews reported on January 9 that according to Cryptoslate, citing Fox Business News reporter Eleanor Terrett, the transition team of US President-elect Donald Trump is looking for a cryptocurrency-friendly candidate to serve as the next chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). Those competing for this position include current CFTC Commissioner Summer Mersinger, a16z Crypto Policy Director and former CFTC Commissioner Brian Quintenz, and Kraken's Chief Legal Officer Marco Santori.
According to people familiar with the matter, they called Quintenz and Mersinger the "top candidates" for the position, and both of the alleged top candidates have extensive experience and crypto policy credentials. Mersinger is considered a thought leader at the intersection of crypto innovation and consumer protection. She frequently speaks at industry events and has been an advocate for balanced regulation to promote the growth of the industry. At the same time, Mersinger has been an active advocate for a regulatory environment that can accommodate crypto innovation, a position he honed during his tenure as a CFTC commissioner and in his current role at a16z. If elected, either of the two candidates could steer the agency toward policies that prioritize clarity and innovation in the U.S. crypto industry.
While Quintenz and Mersinger are leading, several others remain on the shortlist, including Republican CFTC Commissioner Caroline Pham, who has a strong regulatory background, Neal Kumar, who has held senior positions at the CFTC and is considered a regulatory expert, and Josh Sterling. The Trump transition team has reportedly reviewed at least six candidates for the position, reflecting the administration's focus on finding a leader who aligns with its vision for the crypto industry.
