Lawmaker Calls for Investigation Into Conflict of Interest Allegations
U.S. Representative Dina Titus has called on the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to investigate its own chair nominee, Brian Quintenz, over his past and current relationship with Kalshi, a regulated prediction market platform.
In a formal letter to Acting Chair Caroline Pham, Titus requested the release of all communications involving Quintenz and any influence over prediction markets and event contract rulings. The concern stems from Quintenz’s current role on Kalshi’s board and his ownership of stock options in the company.
“The public deserves to know whether Mr. Quintenz violated CFTC policies, federal law, or his own ethical commitments,” Titus stated.
Nomination Process Delayed Amid Ethical Questions
The Senate Agriculture Committee has twice delayed hearings on Quintenz’s confirmation. Although the White House still supports the nomination, recent developments may complicate the process.
A Freedom of Information Act request revealed that Quintenz may have sought sensitive data about Kalshi’s competitors. Titus argued that this indicates possible involvement in agency decision-making before confirmation, raising serious ethical flags.
Titus also warned that allowing one commissioner — with known financial ties to a regulated entity — to lead the agency could undermine public trust.
Growing Concerns Over Prediction Markets
Titus has long criticized event contracts and prediction markets, especially those related to sports, calling them a “backdoor to legalize sports betting nationwide.” She previously stated that these platforms bypass state regulatory frameworks, putting consumer protection and tax revenues at risk.
With only one other CFTC commissioner planning to step down, Titus argues it is “impractical” for Quintenz to completely recuse himself from Kalshi-related matters, especially if he becomes the sole acting authority at the CFTC.
Winklevoss Twins Reverse Support for Nominee
Adding to the controversy, reports emerged that Gemini co-founders Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss recently urged President Trump to withdraw Quintenz’s nomination. They reportedly argued that Quintenz is too aligned with traditional regulatory thinking and insufficiently aggressive for the administration’s crypto agenda.
This marks a surprising shift, as the brothers had earlier praised the nomination, calling Quintenz a “great choice for crypto and for America.”
Ethical and Regulatory Clarity Demanded
Quintenz has said he will resign from Kalshi and divest any shares if confirmed, and pledged to recuse himself from any decisions involving the firm for one year. But critics argue that the scale of ongoing regulatory activity makes full recusal unlikely or ineffective.
“Regulatory inaction is of material benefit to Kalshi,” Titus added, highlighting the potential for conflict if leadership at the CFTC lacks sufficient checks.
With the CFTC facing pivotal decisions on prediction markets and crypto regulation, the pressure for ethical transparency in leadership is intensifying.
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