Multiple crypto-friendly figures including Kraken and a16z executives are vying for the U.S. CFTC chairmanship

PANews reported on January 9 that US President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team is looking for cryptocurrency-friendly candidates to serve as the next Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), according to Cryptoslate citing Fox Business News reporter Eleanor Terrett. President. Competing for the 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 call Quintenz and Mersinger the "top candidates" for the position. Both purported top candidates have extensive experience and encryption policy qualifications. Mersinger is considered a thought leader at the intersection of crypto innovation and consumer protection. She is a frequent speaker at industry events and has been an advocate for balanced regulation to promote growth in the industry. Mersinger, meanwhile, has been a vocal advocate for a regulatory environment that is accommodating of crypto innovation, a stance he honed during his time as a CFTC commissioner and his current role at a16z. If elected, either candidate could steer the agency toward policies that prioritize clarity and innovation in the U.S. crypto industry. ,

While Quintenz and Mersinger are leading the way, several candidates are still on the shortlist, including Republican CFTC Commissioner Caroline Pham, who has a strong regulatory background, Neal Kumar and Josh Sterling, who have held senior positions at the CFTC and are considered regulatory experts. The Trump transition team has reportedly vetted at least six candidates for the position, reflecting the administration’s focus on finding a leader who fits its vision for the crypto industry.