CFTC Left With One Commissioner as Johnson Exit Deepens Void

In Summary

  • Commissioner Kristin Johnson to leave CFTC on Sept. 3.
  • Agency reduced to one commissioner during key crypto debates.
  • Trump nominee Brian Quintenz faces stalled Senate confirmation.
  • CFTC’s leadership void complicates regulatory role in digital assets.


Catenaa, Tuesday, August 26, 2025- The US Commodity Futures Trading Commission will be reduced to a single commissioner next week after Kristin Johnson confirmed she will step down on September 3, leaving the agency in a fragile position as Congress debates granting it wider authority over cryptocurrency markets.

Johnson’s exit follows a wave of departures this year, including Democrat Commissioner Christy Goldsmith Romero in May and Summer Mersinger, who resigned to become chief executive of the Blockchain Association.

Acting Chair Caroline Pham will be the last commissioner remaining, but she has also signaled plans to depart once President Donald Trump’s nominee, Brian Quintenz, is confirmed.

Quintenz’s confirmation process has stalled in the Senate after two cancelled committee votes, with reports suggesting industry opposition from the Winklevoss twins and other crypto figures slowed the process.

Despite the delays, major digital asset lobbying groups continue to urge lawmakers to advance his nomination.

Johnson, a Democrat who focused on digital assets, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity during her tenure, said she remained concerned that the agency’s staff receives adequate support and investment.

She argued that market growth and integrity can be advanced together without conflict.

The leadership gap comes at a crucial time for the CFTC, which is expected to play a central role in shaping U.S. crypto regulation.

With only one commissioner in place, the agency faces limits on its ability to act, raising concerns about oversight of derivatives and digital assets as new legislation is drafted.

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