The "Architect" Returns: CFTC Signals Aggressive Crypto Expansion for 2026
In a move that cements the U.S. government's "pro-innovation" pivot, CFTC Chairman Michael Selig has officially appointed Amir Zaidi as Chief of Staff. This isn't just a standard hiring—it’s a strategic homecoming for the man who helped bridge the gap between Wall Street and Bitcoin.
The Highlights:
The Return of the Architect: Zaidi, who served at the CFTC from 2010 to 2019, was the lead official behind the 2017 launch of regulated Bitcoin futures. His return signals a move toward sophisticated, institutional-grade crypto frameworks.
A Power Move for 2026: The appointment comes as the CLARITY Act (or similar market structure legislation) nears the President's desk. This law is expected to give the CFTC direct oversight over crypto spot markets, massive expansion from its current derivatives-only remit.
TradFi Meets DeFi: After leaving the agency in 2019, Zaidi served as Global Head of Compliance at TP ICAP. His mix of high-level regulatory experience and private-sector compliance is seen as the "steady hand" needed
to implement new digital asset laws.
Why It Matters:
Chairman Selig has been vocal about making the U.S. the "global crypto capital." By tapping Zaidi, the agency is prioritizing a "fit-for-purpose" regulatory style—moving away from the enforcement-heavy tactics of previous years and toward a clear, rule-based environment for digital commodities.
