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The US derivatives regulatory body is reintroducing a well-known figure from Bitcoin’s initial foray into regulated markets, as Amir Zaidi rejoins the Commodity Futures Trading Commission as chief of staff in anticipation of what Washington describes as a crucial year for cryptocurrency regulations.
On December 31, the CFTC announced that Chairman Michael S. Selig appointed Zaidi to this position, following Zaidi’s nearly ten-year tenure at the agency before transitioning to the private sector.
“Amir brings extensive experience both at the Commission and within the financial services industry,” Selig stated, connecting Zaidi’s history to the agency’s efforts to establish new regulations for digital asset markets.
.@CFTC Chairman Selig Announces Amir Zaidi as Chief of Staff: https://t.co/Y5aoBVqVWo
— CFTC (@CFTC) December 31, 2025
From Market Oversight Chief To Bitcoin Futures Architect
Zaidi was employed at the CFTC from 2010 to 2019, and he most recently directed the Division of Market Oversight, where the agency noted he managed the certification and launch of the first federally regulated cryptocurrency product, Bitcoin futures.
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This milestone dates back to late 2017, when the CFTC indicated that CME and Cboe Futures Exchange self-certified new Bitcoin futures contracts, paving the way for US-listed trading shortly thereafter.
After departing from government service, Zaidi took on the role of global head of compliance at broker-dealer TP ICAP, a position the firm announced in 2019 following his time at the CFTC.
New Chief Of Staff Arrives As Policy Direction Shifts
“I am thrilled to return to the CFTC and appreciate Chairman Selig for appointing me to this significant role,” Zaidi remarked, expressing his intention to support the chairman’s pro-innovation agenda as derivatives markets develop.
Zaidi’s return comes just days after Selig was inaugurated as the 16th CFTC chairman, following a nomination by Trump in October and Senate confirmation on December 18.
Selig has characterized this moment as a transition from regulation through enforcement to more defined rules, and his agency has already delved deeper into the infrastructure of cryptocurrency, including initiatives that have brought regulated US venues closer to spot-style crypto trading.
For cryptocurrency markets, this staffing change serves as another indication that the CFTC anticipates playing a central role in US market structure discussions in 2026, with Selig highlighting the movement of digital asset legislation toward President Trump’s desk and a greater effort to retain crypto activities domestically.
The post Bitcoin Futures Trailblazer Returns To CFTC As Chief Of Staff appeared first on Cryptonews.
