Amir Zaidi Named CFTC Chief of Staff as Bitcoin Futures Hit Milestone
CFTC Chair Michael Selig announced the appointment of Amir Zaidi as his chief of staff as he begins his term, an early leadership choice with clear industry implications. Zaidi, described by insiders as pro-crypto, joins the agency at a moment when Bitcoin futures markets have marked a notable milestone, underscoring heightened institutional activity and greater derivatives complexity.
The hire matters because a chief of staff helps set priorities and coordinate policy across divisions; Zaidi’s outlook could shape how the CFTC balances market integrity, surveillance and engagement with crypto firms. Market participants and lawmakers will watch whether the agency leans toward facilitative market frameworks or tighter oversight as it navigates cross-agency coordination and the evolving derivatives landscape for BTC.