Rep. Titus Urges CFTC Probe Into Trump Nominee Quintenz Over Kalshi Ties

US Representative Dina Titus has called on the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to investigate nomenee Brian Quintenz due to his connections with Kalshi. Quintenz, who is supposed to replace the current CFTC Chair Caroline Pham, is President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the agency.

Rep. Titus Asks CFCT to Show Quintenz Communications

Titus requested that the CFTC disclose all communications between the agency and Brian Quintenz concerning commission matters related to prediction markets, including any efforts to have individuals contact Quintenz via his private email. She raised concerns about Quintenz back in June, stating on X that he should be asked about his plans for prediction markets. Titus warned that if Quintenz were to lead the CFTC, “every state’s ability to regulate and tax gaming is at stake.”

Titus also referenced recent findings by author and prediction markets expert Dustin Gouker, who uncovered potentially troubling issues during Quintenz’s nomination through a Freedom of Information Act request. According to Gouker, an associate of Quintenz may have sought non-public information from the CFTC about the approval process for one or more “designated contract markets” that, if approved, would compete with Kalshi.

Additionally, Titus argued that the measures Quintenz promised to take if appointed CFTC chair are impractical, given that he is expected to be the sole commissioner on the usually five-member panel leading the agency. In a letter to the CFTC in May, Quintenz stated that if confirmed, he would resign from Kalshi, divest or forfeit his shares in the company, and refrain from participating in any matters related to Kalshi for one year following his resignation. 

Quintenz’s Appointment Has Hit Another Obstacle

President Donald Trump nominated Brian Quintenz to lead the CFTC earlier this year. Quintenz previously served as a commissioner at the agency during Trump’s first term, which was a move that was widely welcomed by many in the crypto industry at the time. The CFTC is expected to play a key role in shaping future crypto regulation, as lawmakers in Washington are currently crafting legislation that would expand the agency’s authority over the sector.

However, Titus’s request for additional information is not the first hurdle that Trump’s nominee has had to overcome in the past few months. Just a week ago, leaked emails tied to Quintenz put a wrench in the works of his potential election, delaying voting further.

If confirmed as chair, Quintenz would take the helm during a significant leadership transition at the CFTC, with all four remaining commissioners having either recently stepped down or announced plans to depart.