Amir Zaidi Returns to CFTC as Chief of Staff, Bolstering Crypto Regulatory Focus Amir Zaidi, a key architect behind the historic approval of Bitcoin futures in 2017, is returning to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. He will serve as the chief of staff to Chairman Rostin Behnam, a move that signals a significant strengthening of the agency’s focus on cryptocurrency oversight at a pivotal moment. Zaidi’s previous tenure at the CFTC was marked by his central role in guiding the review and ultimate launch of the first Bitcoin futures contracts on regulated exchanges. That decision by the CFTC was a watershed event, providing institutional investors with their first regulated pathway into Bitcoin and lending a new layer of legitimacy to the entire crypto asset class. His deep understanding of both the technology and the regulatory landscape made him a influential figure during that formative period. His return is widely interpreted as a strategic hire by Chairman Behnam as the CFTC actively positions itself for an expanded role in policing digital asset markets. The agency is currently engaged in a jurisdictional tug-of-war with the Securities and Exchange Commission over which assets constitute commodities versus securities. Behnam has been a vocal proponent for granting the CFTC greater direct authority over spot crypto markets, which it currently lacks for most non-futures products. This push comes as Congress considers new legislative frameworks for digital assets. Several proposed bills aim to clarify regulatory roles and could empower the CFTC with more explicit oversight powers over cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, which the agency considers commodities. Zaidi’s firsthand experience in navigating the complex approval of a major crypto derivative product will be invaluable as the agency potentially prepares to implement new laws and handle an increased workload. The appointment underscores the CFTC’s commitment to building internal expertise at the highest levels. Bringing back someone with Zaidi’s specific historical context and technical knowledge suggests the agency is not just reacting to the crypto market but preparing to shape its future regulatory environment proactively. His experience bridges the gap between the innovative fintech sector and the established world of derivatives regulation. Industry observers note that Zaidi’s return is likely to be viewed as a positive development by many traditional crypto firms, especially those operating in the derivatives and exchange space that already fall under CFTC purview. His prior work demonstrated a willingness to engage with new products within the existing regulatory framework, a approach that many in the industry prefer over what they perceive as a more adversarial stance from other regulators. In his new role, Zaidi will be a senior advisor to Chairman Behnam, influencing policy direction, strategic planning, and daily operations. His return effectively places a veteran of the crypto regulatory wars at the chairman’s right hand just as the battle over the future structure of crypto oversight in the United States enters a potentially decisive phase. The move clearly indicates that the CFTC is doubling down on its expertise and readiness to become a primary regulator for the digital asset economy.
