Amir Zaidi, former CFTC director, returns to Vai role as CFTC chief of staff after six years, signaling increased oversight of crypto assets ahead of a new digital asset bill.
A key figure who oversaw the launch of regulated Bitcoin Futures Contract in the U.S. has returned to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission ( CFTC ) as Vai of staff after a six-year hiatus. This move comes as the regulator prepares for a new wave of crypto asset legislation from Congress.
In a statement on Wednesday, CFTC Chairman Michael Selig highlighted the value that Amir Zaidi brings. He said Zaidi played a pivotal Vai in the historic launch of CFTC-regulated Bitcoin Futures Contract during President Trump's first term. Selig expressed his appreciation for Zaidi's decision to return and his continued dedication to serving the agency and stakeholders.
The CFTC chairman further emphasized that, with Congress ready to send a bill on the structure of digital asset markets to the President's desk, Zaidi will bring significant experience and expertise as the agency develops purposeful regulations for rapidly developing commodity markets.
Extensive experience in managing crypto assets.
Zaidi worked at the CFTC from 2010 to 2019, holding various Vai . For the last two years, he served as director of the Market Supervision Division and was responsible for overseeing the policies that shaped the regulated Bitcoin Futures Contract market in the United States.
The launch of the regulated Bitcoin Futures Contract market on the CBOE in 2017 marked a major step forward in legitimizing and enhancing the legitimacy of Bitcoin, amidst significant skepticism towards the cryptocurrency and limited mass adoption.
Prior to returning to the CFTC, Zaidi held the position of global compliance head at the large agency brokerage firm TP ICAP, accumulating solid experience in the financial services sector.
Zaidi's arrival is XEM as adding another individual with pro-cryptocurrency leanings to a key position in government agencies, as the CFTC is likely to play a crucial Vai in regulating and supervising crypto assets in 2025.
CFTC Chair Selig, who took over from Caroline Pham in late December, has pledged support for the current administration's goal of solidifying the U.S. as the "Crypto Capital of the World." Meanwhile, under SEC Chairman Paul Atkins' leadership, the agency has adopted a significantly more friendly approach to the surge in cryptocurrency Exchange Traded Fund traded funds (ETFs) launches and the resolution of numerous legal disputes.
