As the landscape of digital assets evolves, a notable announcement has been made regarding leadership at the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). Effective December 31, 2025, Amir Zaidi will take on the role of Chief of Staff. This news came directly from Chairman Michael S. Selig, who highlighted Zaidi’s extensive experience within the agency.

Amir Zaidi: A Veteran’s Return

Zaidi’s journey with the CFTC began in 2010, where he traversed a variety of positions until his departure in 2019. His final role at the commission saw him as the Director of the Division of Market Oversight starting in 2017.

During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in establishing regulated Bitcoin futures in the United States, a significant step during President Donald Trump’s administration.

Thrilled to announce Amir Zaidi’s return as chief of staff at @CFTC. His influence was critical in launching CFTC-regulated bitcoin futures contracts during the Trump presidency. As Congress gears up to address digital asset market regulations…

— Mike Selig (@MichaelSelig) December 31, 2025

Zaidi’s Experience Beyond the Agency

Post-2019, Zaidi transitioned to the private sector, becoming the Global Head of Compliance at TP ICAP in September 2019. In this capacity, he managed a robust compliance team and liaised closely with senior legal leadership. This position enriched his understanding of broker-dealer operations and prevailing market structures.

The Importance of This Leadership Change

With reports indicating a surge in legislative interest surrounding digital asset regulations, Zaidi steps into a crucial role. Anticipation is building around a potential market structure bill set to be introduced in early January, which could delineate clearer responsibilities for federal agencies over crypto trading and derivatives.

Analyzing His Accomplishments

Throughout his tenure at the CFTC, Zaidi engaged in various areas like exchange oversight, swap data, and market monitoring. According to TP ICAP, his leadership at the commission involved managing a large team dedicated to market oversight tasks, contributing to his comprehensive understanding of policy and operations.

With the new year approaching, it is expected that regulators will promptly outline their priorities for 2026. Stakeholders and lawmakers are closely observing how Zaidi’s leadership will facilitate the CFTC’s collaboration with other regulatory bodies and adapt to incoming legislations.

Featured image from Flowcarbon, chart from TradingView