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CFTC Brings Back Amir Zaidi as Chief of Staff to Bolster Crypto Rulemaking

The bitcoin futures veteran adds operational and compliance expertise as the agency prepares for a wider digital-assets remit.

Overview

  • Chair Michael S. Selig named Zaidi chief of staff effective December 31, 2025, shortly after his own Senate confirmation.
  • Zaidi previously led the CFTC’s Division of Market Oversight and helped oversee the launch of U.S. bitcoin futures in 2017.
  • He spent the past six years in the private sector as TP ICAP’s global head of compliance.
  • In the new role, Zaidi will manage internal operations and work with Selig on policy strategy and communications.
  • His return coincides with congressional market-structure bills moving forward that could expand CFTC authority over crypto, including potential spot-market oversight.