EddieJayonCrypto
14 May 25
Summer Mersinger, a pro-crypto Commissioner at the CFTC, will resign on May 30 to become CEO of the Blockchain Association. Her departure, along with an existing vacancy, will reduce the CFTC to three members. President Trump has nominated Brian Quintenz as the next CFTC Chair, but his confirmation ...
Summer Mersinger, a pro-crypto Commissioner at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), will resign on May 30 to become the CEO of the Blockchain Association, reducing the Commission to three members amid an existing vacancy.President Trump has appointed Brian Quintenz as the next CFTC Chair, but his Senate confirmation may take months. Furthermore, Commissioner Christy Goldsmith Romero, whose term has expired, plans to resign once Quintenz is confirmed, which could leave the CFTC severely understaffed through much of 2025.This understaffing raises concerns about the Commission’s capacity to implement pro-crypto regulations effectively, despite the presence of a pro-crypto Chair and members. The Blockchain Association, a key advocate for crypto-friendly policy, views Mersinger’s move as beneficial due to her crypto passion and regulatory insight.Currently, the CFTC’s five Commissioners include Acting Chair Caroline Pham, a crypto advocate, who will serve until 2027, while two other Commissioners are already past their terms. The process to confirm replacements is expected to be lengthy, as past confirmations, such as that of SEC Chair Paul Atkins, have demonstrated.The prolonged vacancies and resignations risk turning the CFTC into a “ghost town,” potentially stalling legislative and regulatory progress for the crypto industry in the U.S. While the final panel may balance pro-crypto and neutral voices, the Commission’s effectiveness could be hampered by persistent understaffing throughout 2025.