Disclaimer: Information found on CryptoreNews is those of writers quoted. It does not represent the opinions of CryptoreNews on whether to sell, buy or hold any investments. You are advised to conduct your own research before making any investment decisions. Use provided information at your own risk.
CryptoreNews covers fintech, blockchain and Bitcoin bringing you the latest crypto news and analyses on the future of money.
The White House is evaluating Josh Sterling, a former senior official at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), as a possible nominee to head the agency, according to sources familiar with the situation.
This development follows the halted nomination of Brian Quintenz, whose confirmation process faced delays due to political opposition and concerns regarding conflicts of interest.
Sterling previously held the position of Director of the CFTC’s Market Participants Division from 2017 to 2021, where he managed policies related to market surveillance, participant registration, and risks associated with cryptocurrency trading.
His background in both conventional markets and digital assets is being carefully considered as the administration seeks a candidate capable of navigating the agency’s expanding responsibilities in crypto regulation.
Sterling, Selig, Williams Considered as Candidates for Next CFTC Chair
Eleanor Mueller was the first to report on X that Sterling is being considered, while Bloomberg highlighted that other potential candidates include Mike Selig and Tyler Williams.
News: The White House is evaluating Josh Sterling for CFTC chair, I’m informed, following the stall of Brian Quintenz’s nomination.
Others in consideration include Mike Selig and Tyler Williams, as reported by Bloomberg: https://t.co/dwb02bjMx3
More in Principals tomorrow: https://t.co/RwTC24kynt— Eleanor Mueller (@Eleanor_Mueller) September 23, 2025
Selig, who is the chief counsel for the Securities and Exchange Commission’s crypto task force and was previously a partner at Willkie Farr & Gallagher, is regarded as possessing significant policy expertise.
Williams, who serves as a counselor to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on digital assets and has held an executive position at Galaxy Digital, has also been mentioned.
The search for a new chair occurs as the CFTC is set to broaden its jurisdiction over the cryptocurrency market.
Historically responsible for regulating derivatives such as futures and swaps, the agency’s role may expand under forthcoming congressional legislation that would grant it direct oversight of spot trading in digital commodities like Bitcoin and Ether.
Outgoing chair Rostin Behnam, who resigned in January, contended that the CFTC is optimally positioned to regulate digital commodities and oversaw several significant enforcement actions, including a $4.3 billion settlement with Binance.
Quintenz, a former CFTC commissioner and head of policy at a16z crypto, was initially nominated by President Trump in February.
His nomination, which was initially supported by crypto industry organizations, encountered resistance after reports emerged that Gemini co-founders Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss urged Trump to reconsider.
Related Posts
The White House has sought a new @CFTC chair after Brian Quintenz’s nomination stalled due to Winklevoss concerns. Possible candidates include Michael Selig and Tyler Williams. #CFTC #crypto #Winklevoss https://t.co/GAgvyhwGbm
— Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) September 19, 2025
The White House subsequently requested the Senate Agriculture Committee, which oversees the agency, to delay its confirmation vote.
The CFTC is currently functioning with only two commissioners on its five-member panel, resulting in limited operational capacity.
Industry analysts caution that ongoing delays in appointing a permanent chair could hinder progress in establishing clear regulations for the cryptocurrency sector, even as demands for enhanced oversight grow.
CFTC Expands Digital Asset Advisory Roles, Links Efforts to New Crypto Bill
The CFTC has recently appointed new members to its Global Markets Advisory Committee (GMAC) and Digital Asset Markets Subcommittee (DAMS), demonstrating its commitment to incorporating industry expertise into digital asset policymaking.
The CFTC has appointed several crypto leaders as new members to its Global Markets Advisory Committee and its Digital Asset Markets Subcommittee. #CFTC #Crypto https://t.co/3fA3ND01sE
— Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) September 20, 2025
The CFTC has appointed several crypto leaders as new members to its Global Markets Advisory Committee and its Digital Asset Markets Subcommittee. #CFTC #Crypto https://t.co/3fA3ND01sENew appointees to DAMS include Katherine Minarik of Uniswap Labs, Avery Ching of Aptos Labs, James J. Hill of BNY, and Ben Sherwin of Chainlink Labs—individuals with expertise in blockchain infrastructure, legal policy, and institutional crypto strategy.
Scott Lucas from JPMorgan will now co-chair the group alongside Sandy Kaul from Franklin Templeton, taking over from Caroline Butler.
Lucas emphasized the necessity of “clear and effective regulatory frameworks,” while Kaul highlighted consumer protection as a significant priority.
DAMS provides advice to the CFTC on blockchain, tokenization, and decentralized finance, assisting the agency in evaluating risks and aligning oversight across financial markets.
The appointments coincide with Congress moving forward with a revised draft of the Responsible Financial Innovation Act of 2025.
A newly revised draft of the crypto bill aims to clarify the regulatory responsibilities of the @SECGov and the @CFTC. #Crypto #Regulation https://t.co/nu2olPFXwI
— Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) September 7, 2025
The bill proposes a Joint Advisory Committee between the SEC and CFTC, introduces specific protections for decentralized developers, and clarifies that airdrops, staking rewards, and DePIN tokens are not classified as securities.
The post White House May Tap Josh Sterling as CFTC Chair — What It Means for Crypto appeared first on Cryptonews.
