The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has appointed Amir Zaidi as its new Chief of Staff, marking his return to the regulatory agency after a six-year hiatus. The announcement was made on Wednesday by CFTC Chairman Michael S. Selig, who praised Zaidi’s deep experience in financial markets and his track record of supporting innovation.
Chairman Selig highlighted Zaidi’s pivotal role in the historic launch of CFTC-regulated Bitcoin futures contracts during the Trump administration, noting that his experience will be particularly valuable as Congress prepares to send major digital asset market structure legislation to the President’s desk. “With Congress poised to send digital asset market structure legislation to the President’s desk, he will bring tremendous experience and expertise to the CFTC as it develops fit-for-purpose regulations for our rapidly evolving commodity markets,” Selig said.
Zaidi expressed enthusiasm for his return, stating that he looks forward to contributing to the Commission during a critical period of transformation in derivatives markets. “I am excited to return to the CFTC and thank Chairman Selig for appointing me to this important role,” Zaidi said. He emphasized his commitment to advancing the CFTC’s pro-innovation agenda and supporting regulatory frameworks that balance market integrity with technological progress.
Zaidi previously served at the CFTC from 2010 to 2019 in several senior roles, including as Director of the Division of Market Oversight, where he oversaw the certification and deployment of the nation’s first federally regulated Bitcoin futures product. During his earlier tenure, he also worked closely with former Chairman Christopher Giancarlo and Commissioner Scott O’Malia.
Before rejoining the CFTC, Zaidi held the position of Global Head of Compliance at a large broker-dealer and introducing broker, further strengthening his blend of regulatory and industry experience. Earlier in his career, he held regulatory and financial roles in New York and Washington.
Zaidi’s academic credentials include a J.D., cum laude, from the University of Maryland School of Law and a B.S. in Business Administration, summa cum laude, from Boston University School of Management. His return to the CFTC comes at a time when crypto regulatory clarity and innovation are at the forefront of U.S. policy discussions.