Brian Quintenz, a candidate for the position of Chair of the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), publicly accused Gemini co-founder Tyler Winklevoss of attempting to obstruct his confirmation. According to Quintenz, the reason was his refusal to side with Gemini in the company’s conflict with the regulator.
This is reported by Business • Media
Conflict Between Quintenz and the Winklevoss Brothers
Quintenz disclosed correspondence with Tyler Winklevoss, in which he and his brother Cameron expressed dissatisfaction with his stance on Gemini’s complaint against the CFTC’s actions. According to Quintenz, the brothers demanded his support in a case related to the exchange’s prior court proceedings with the regulator. In July 2025, Tyler Winklevoss urged Quintenz to consider Gemini’s complaint regarding allegations of the CFTC’s unwarranted persecution of the company, which led to a $5 million fine. Gemini claimed that the case was fabricated based on false information from a former employee.
“I am committed to conducting a fair and reasoned review of this matter, as well as the actions of the division and individuals involved, to determine whether they acted improperly. However, the consequences and resolution of this matter must clearly be left to the discretion of the confirmed chair.”
Pressure on CFTC Chair Appointment
It is known that in early 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump nominated Quintenz, who led the cryptocurrency department at a16z, for a key position at the CFTC. However, his nomination has yet to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate, despite several hearings. The agency’s chair duties are temporarily being performed by Commissioner Caroline Pham.
In his address, Quintenz noted that lobbying groups, including the Winklevoss brothers, are actively opposing his appointment. According to the disclosed correspondence, Tyler Winklevoss insisted on cultural reform at the CFTC and demanded that Quintenz act in accordance with President Trump’s directive to cease the persecution of Gemini.
Quintenz stated that he refused to make promises regarding the outcome of the review of Gemini’s complaint, after which the Winklevoss brothers likely approached the president to request a suspension of his confirmation.
According to information released in July 2025, the Winklevoss brothers lobbied for a change in the candidate for the CFTC chair position, citing Quintenz’s connections to the cryptocurrency sector and the prediction market Kalshi, which they believe could create a conflict of interest.
At the time of this writing, Tyler Winklevoss had not provided any official comments regarding Quintenz’s accusations.