Bitcoin Futures Pioneer Amir Zaidi Returns as CFTC Chief of Staff

Amir Zaidi, who oversaw the launch of Bitcoin futures, returns to the CFTC as chief of staff, bringing regulatory expertise as the agency prepares for expanded crypto oversight and new digital asset rules.

Amir Zaidi, known for his role in launching Bitcoin futures, has been appointed chief of staff at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) as the agency prepares for expanded oversight of digital asset markets. Zaidi previously worked at the CFTC from 2010 to 2019, leading the Division of Market Oversight and supervising the introduction of the first federally regulated Bitcoin futures contracts in 2017. His return comes as lawmakers consider legislation that could increase the CFTC's authority over crypto markets. Zaidi's experience in overseeing derivatives policy and market surveillance is expected to support the agency's shift toward clearer rules for digital assets and internal coordination as the regulatory landscape evolves. The appointment is seen as a strategic move to leverage Zaidi's expertise in cryptocurrency regulation and policy planning during a period of rapid transformation in derivatives markets.