The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is bringing back a familiar name as it deepens its involvement in regulating digital assets. Amir Zaidi, a longtime agency veteran who helped oversee the launch of Bitcoin futures in the U.S., has been appointed Chief of Staff, the CFTC announced.
CFTC Chair Michael Selig selected Zaidi for the role at a time when the agency’s responsibilities around cryptocurrencies are expected to grow significantly. Lawmakers in Congress are currently advancing digital asset market structure legislation that could expand the CFTC’s authority over crypto trading and derivatives.
Zaidi previously served at the CFTC from 2010 to 2019, holding several senior roles during a pivotal period for financial markets. Most notably, he was involved in overseeing the introduction of Bitcoin futures contracts—marking the first federally regulated cryptocurrency product in the United States. These products played a major role in bringing digital assets closer to traditional financial markets.
During his earlier tenure, Zaidi was appointed to lead the CFTC’s Division of Market Oversight. In that position, he was responsible for supervising contract certification and deployment, including complex and emerging products. His work placed him at the center of regulatory efforts as crypto derivatives began gaining attention from institutional investors.
Before rejoining the CFTC, Zaidi worked in the private sector as the global head of compliance at a major broker-dealer. That experience, according to the agency, gives him a strong understanding of both regulatory expectations and industry realities—an increasingly important combination as crypto markets continue to mature.
Chair Selig highlighted Zaidi’s experience in a statement, pointing to his role in launching Bitcoin futures and describing him as instrumental in guiding the agency through earlier periods of market innovation. Selig noted that Zaidi’s background makes him well suited to help the CFTC navigate the rapidly evolving digital asset landscape.
Zaidi’s return comes at a crucial moment. Several bills currently under consideration in Congress aim to clarify which U.S. regulators oversee different parts of the crypto industry. Many of these proposals would significantly expand the CFTC’s jurisdiction, particularly over spot crypto markets and related derivatives.
In comments shared with the announcement, Zaidi said his focus would be on supporting innovation while maintaining strong regulatory oversight. He emphasized the need for balanced rules as digital asset markets continue to transform and integrate with traditional finance.
The broader crypto industry has welcomed signs of clearer regulation, especially as digital asset products gain mainstream adoption. Market participants have long argued that well-defined rules could encourage innovation while reducing uncertainty for investors.
With Zaidi back in a senior leadership role, the CFTC appears to be positioning itself for a larger role in shaping the future of crypto regulation in the United States.
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