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CFTC Names Amir Zaidi Chief of Staff as Crypto Oversight Expands

The former market oversight director returns to help the agency move from pilots to formal crypto rules.

Overview

  • Chair Michael S. Selig appointed Amir Zaidi as chief of staff, effective December 31, 2025, according to the CFTC.
  • Zaidi previously led the CFTC’s Division of Market Oversight, where he helped shape policy enabling the first U.S. Bitcoin futures.
  • After leaving the commission in 2019, Zaidi served as global head of compliance at TP ICAP, adding private‑sector operations experience.
  • Selig publicly praised Zaidi’s role in launching regulated Bitcoin futures, framing his return as timely for the commission’s agenda.
  • Lawmakers are advancing market‑structure legislation that could broaden the CFTC’s crypto authority, and Zaidi says he will balance innovation with oversight.