CFTC Taps Amir Zaidi as New Chief of Staff, Bolstering Crypto Oversight Leadership

The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission has revealed a significant leadership appointment, with Amir Zaidi taking on the position of Chief of Staff under CFTC Chairman Mike Selig. This move comes as the agency strengthens its capacity to manage digital asset regulatory matters.

Zaidi brings substantial regulatory credentials to the role, having previously served at the CFTC between 2010 and 2019 in several senior positions. Most notably, he led the Division of Market Oversight, where he played a key role in steering the certification and launch of Bitcoin futures contracts—marking the first federally regulated cryptocurrency derivatives product to hit the market. This achievement was a watershed moment for institutional cryptocurrency adoption in the United States.

The appointment underscores the CFTC’s continued emphasis on competent leadership in the crypto space. Beyond his earlier CFTC tenure, Zaidi has maintained deep involvement in compliance matters, serving as Global Head of Compliance at a prominent broker-dealer and introducing broker firm. His career prior to 2010 spans multiple roles in financial services, legal affairs, and regulatory compliance across New York and Washington, positioning him as a seasoned veteran in derivatives and financial regulation.

With Zaidi stepping into the chief of staff role, the CFTC appears to be reinforcing its ability to navigate the complexities of cryptocurrency market oversight and regulatory enforcement. His background in both market surveillance and compliance frameworks makes him well-suited for coordinating policy initiatives across the agency’s divisions.