Seven Crypto Groups Urge Trump to Push Quintenz CFTC Nomination

Seven major digital asset lobbying groups have joined forces to pressure President Donald Trump to advance Brian Quintenz’s nomination for Chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), as the stalled process continues to draw scrutiny from both industry and lawmakers. The coordinated letter, sent on August 20, represents a rare show of unity among key Washington-based crypto advocacy organizations, signaling a growing frustration with the delay in confirming Quintenz, a former CFTC commissioner with deep experience in digital asset regulation [1].

The letter was signed by the Crypto Council for Innovation, Blockchain Association, DeFi Education Fund, The Digital Chamber, Satoshi Action Fund, Decentralization Research Center, and Solana Policy Institute—each of which plays a pivotal role in shaping the regulatory landscape for the crypto industry [1]. These groups argue that Quintenz’s leadership is essential as the CFTC prepares to take on a larger role in overseeing digital assets under proposed legislation. His previous work, including chairing the CFTC’s Technology Advisory Committee and approving the first U.S.-regulated Bitcoin and Ether futures contracts, has already established him as a key figure in legitimizing the space [1].

Despite this broad institutional backing, the nomination has faced significant hurdles. The Senate Agriculture Committee, which oversees the CFTC, unexpectedly canceled two scheduled confirmation votes in July, raising questions about the political dynamics at play. According to a July report by Politico, the Winklevoss twins, founders of Gemini, lobbied directly with President Trump, arguing that Quintenz was not aligned with the administration’s agenda and urging him to withdraw the nomination [1]. This behind-the-scenes opposition has created a stark divide within the crypto industry, with lobbying groups rallying to counter what they see as an unwarranted effort to block a qualified nominee.

The lobbying groups have framed the confirmation delay not just as a bureaucratic setback, but as a threat to market stability and U.S. competitiveness. With several CFTC commissioners set to leave their posts, the agency is in urgent need of a permanent leader capable of coordinating regulatory strategy and issuing clear guidance as the digital asset market continues to evolve [1]. The letter emphasizes that a confirmed chair would have the authority to build a durable regulatory framework—one that supports innovation while ensuring adequate investor protections.

The outcome of this effort could set a precedent for how the U.S. approaches digital asset regulation in the coming years. With the CFTC poised to play a central role in overseeing crypto markets, the industry is keenly aware that the agency’s leadership will shape its trajectory. The lobbying campaign reflects a broader trend of crypto groups increasingly asserting their influence on Capitol Hill, while also navigating internal divisions that reflect diverging views on how best to regulate the space [1].