Catenaa, Monday, January 05, 2026-Commodity Futures Trading Commission Chair Michael Selig has appointed Amir Zaidi as chief of staff as the agency prepares for a broader role in regulating digital asset markets.
Selig announced the appointment Wednesday, citing Zaidi’s prior service at the CFTC and his involvement in approving the launch of bitcoin futures contracts.
Zaidi worked at the agency from 2010 to 2019 and held senior roles during a period that marked the CFTC’s first major steps into crypto-linked derivatives.
The appointment comes as Congress advances digital asset market structure legislation that would expand the CFTC’s authority over parts of the crypto sector.
Lawmakers are weighing proposals that would shift oversight of certain spot and derivatives markets to the agency, increasing its influence beyond traditional commodities and futures.
During his earlier tenure, Zaidi led the Division of Market Oversight under then-Chair Christopher Giancarlo.
In that role, he helped supervise regulated derivatives markets, including the rollout of bitcoin futures during the first Trump administration. His return places an experienced regulator close to the chair as the agency faces rising demands tied to crypto trading activity and market supervision.
Selig was confirmed by the Senate earlier this month to lead the CFTC.
He has emphasized support for innovation while maintaining market integrity, a balance that is expected to shape the agency’s approach as digital asset markets mature.
Zaidi earned his law degree from the University of Maryland School of Law and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Boston University.
As chief of staff, he is expected to help coordinate policy, manage internal operations and support regulatory planning as lawmakers move closer to finalizing crypto legislation in 2025.
