Bitcoin Futures Pioneer Returns to CFTC as Chief of Staff

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is welcoming back a well-known figure from Bitcoin's initial entry into regulated markets. Amir Zaidi has returned to the CFTC as chief of staff, just as Washington prepares for a crucial year regarding cryptocurrency regulations.

Key Takeaways

Amir Zaidi has been appointed as the chief of staff at the CFTC, returning after nearly a decade at the agency.
Zaidi played a key role in launching the first regulated Bitcoin futures in 2017 while at the CFTC.
His return coincides with CFTC Chairman Michael S. Selig's focus on clearer cryptocurrency regulations.
This leadership change indicates the CFTC's expected involvement in important discussions about U.S. cryptocurrency market structures in the upcoming years.

Futures

CFTC Chairman Michael S. Selig announced the appointment of Zaidi on December 31, noting that he has nearly ten years of experience at the agency before transitioning to the private sector.

“Amir brings a wealth of experience to this position, both from his time at the Commission and in the financial services industry,” Selig stated, emphasizing Zaidi’s proven track record in relation to the agency's goal of forming new regulations for digital asset markets.

Career Journey: From Market Oversight Lead to Bitcoin Futures Innovator

Zaidi played a significant role at the CFTC from 2010 to 2019, most recently leading the Division of Market Oversight. During his tenure, he was instrumental in overseeing the certification and launch of the first federally regulated cryptocurrency product: Bitcoin futures.

This pivotal development happened in late 2017 when the CFTC allowed the CME and Cboe Futures Exchange to self-certify new Bitcoin futures contracts, which led to US-listed trading just days later.

Following his departure from government service, Zaidi took on the role of global head of compliance at the broker-dealer TP ICAP, a position he assumed in 2019.

New Chief of Staff as Policy Perspectives Evolve

“I am thrilled to return to the CFTC and grateful to Chairman Selig for this significant opportunity,” Zaidi expressed. He added that he intends to help implement the chairman’s pro-innovation agenda as the derivatives markets continue to develop.

Zaidi's return comes shortly after Selig was sworn in as the 16th chairman of the CFTC, following his nomination by former President Trump in October and subsequent Senate confirmation on December 18.

Selig has described this moment as a transition from regulation by enforcement to the establishment of clearer rules. His agency has already begun to delve deeper into the intricacies of crypto trading, positioning regulated US platforms closer to spot-style cryptocurrency trading.

For the cryptocurrency markets, this staffing change signals the CFTC's anticipation of taking a central role in discussions about US market structures in 2026. Selig mentioned that digital asset legislation is progressing toward the desk of President Trump, with a stronger emphasis on maintaining crypto activities domestically.