Crypto Chaos: CFTC Losing Commissioners Left and Right!

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Well, here we go again. Summer Mersinger, the “pro-crypto” Commissioner at the CFTC, has decided to leave her cushy government job and join the Blockchain Association as their new CEO. She’s leaving on May 30, because why not, right? With her exit, the CFTC will be down to just three members—talk about a skeleton crew! 👻

Now, President Trump’s already put Brian Quintenz in line to be the CFTC’s next Chair, but guess what? That confirmation could take forever—months, people. Meanwhile, another Commissioner is planning to quit as soon as Quintenz gets in. So, yeah, the CFTC might be running on fumes for a while. 🕰️

The CFTC is Losing Commissioners… Again

The Blockchain Association, for those who don’t know, is a big deal in the crypto world. They’re out here funding lawsuits, making connections, and generally warning us about how we’re all doomed if we don’t embrace crypto. It’s all very dramatic. But, hey, Summer’s leaving, and they’re thrilled about it:

1/ We’re pleased to announce that CFTC Commissioner Summer Mersinger has been chosen as the new Blockchain Association CEO. Summer will leave her current position as Commissioner on May 30 and will start at the Association on June 2.

— Blockchain Association (@BlockchainAssn) May 14, 2025

Sure, Mersinger could do some great things in this new gig. She’s all about crypto and knows her way around the federal government like it’s her second home. But here’s the kicker—between her and an existing vacancy, the CFTC is about to be even more understaffed. Classic. 👀

To add to the fun, Mersinger’s term was supposed to last longer than anyone else’s on the Commission. But guess what? Acting Chair Caroline Pham—another crypto lover—won’t be done until 2027, but the other two? Yeah, their terms are technically expired. Like, seriously, can we get a new calendar? 🗓️

So, the CFTC is Basically a Ghost Town

Here’s the thing—one of the most important crypto regulators in the country is about to be severely understaffed. President Trump has nominated Brian Quintenz, but let’s be real—it could take forever to get him confirmed. Just ask SEC Chair Paul Atkins, who took forever to get through the Senate. Like, they have all the time in the world, right? 🙄

The approval process for Quintenz could drag on through the summer, and guess what? There’s still no official confirmation schedule. But, hey, who needs a deadline? We’re just playing it by ear. 🎲

Oh, and after Quintenz gets in, guess what? Christy Goldsmith Romero, a “neutral” Commissioner, plans to leave, too. So, they’ll need to find another replacement. Will they? Who knows. Right now, there are zero credible rumors about who’s up next. So, yeah, the CFTC is running on empty, people. 🏃‍♂️

At this point, the Commission could be understaffed for the majority of 2025. Confirming one new commissioner could take months, and after that, they’ll have to start all over again. Fun times, right?

To be fair, this isn’t all bad. The Commission will have a pro-crypto Chair, two neutral voices, and eventually, two more pro-crypto members. But, let’s not kid ourselves—understaffing is going to be a massive headache. It could really mess with the CFTC’s ability to push through some friendly crypto regulation. Good luck with that. 😬

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2025-05-14 21:09