I remember the first time I heard a regulator say something remotely bullish about crypto. It was years ago—pre-FTX, pre-Covid, pre-everything. A former SEC analyst quietly told me at a fintech networking event that blockchain was “the future,” but that “none of us can say it out loud—yet.” Fast forward to today, and headlines like “CFTC Veteran Joins Blockchain” show just how much the tide has turned.
Fast-forward to today, and we’re seeing headlines like “CFTC Veteran Joins Blockchain Lobby.” Not whispered at some after-hours drinks, but blasted across LinkedIn and industry media like a flag in the sand. And this isn’t just any regulator. This is someone who spent years inside the system, now flipping sides (depending on who you ask) and openly championing blockchain innovation.
This shift is more than symbolic. It’s a signal. And if you’re in crypto recruitment like me, you’ll know this is just the start.
Regulators Are Swapping the Rulebook for a Roadmap
The fact that a CFTC veteran joins blockchain lobbying efforts should make us all sit up and pay attention. Why? Because when someone who helped write the rules decides to help change them—on your side—it’s more than just a job move.
Take Caroline Pham, a current CFTC commissioner who’s been publicly engaging with crypto stakeholders. Or Brian Quintenz, who left the CFTC and joined a16z Crypto as an advisory partner. These aren’t just one-offs—they’re part of a growing migration.
And it’s not just about policy. These folks bring with them an insider’s understanding of how Washington works. They know who to call, how to word proposals, and where the pain points are. In hiring terms? They’re unicorns.
I’ve spoken to multiple crypto firms who now specifically want ex-regulators. Not just to tick a compliance box, but to steer the ship.
The Perks (and Pitfalls) of Poaching from Policy
Don’t get me wrong—hiring former regulators isn’t always smooth sailing.
I’ve seen brilliant minds from the public sector struggle to adjust to the pace and ambiguity of early-stage crypto companies. There’s a big difference between writing policy papers and launching protocols. But when it works? It really works.
One of our clients—a DeFi infra startup—brought in a former FDIC compliance lead to help with licensing. Within six months, not only had they smoothed out regulatory issues in two major markets, but their credibility with VCs and partners shot through the roof. The founder told me: “We stopped having to defend ourselves. She made us look like grown-ups.”
Still, some don’t adapt well. The private sector’s messy, chaotic, and sometimes morally grey. Not everyone’s built for it. And that’s okay. But if you can find the right cultural fit? Game changer.
Why This Matters for Hiring (and What Comes Next)
The phrase “CFTC Veteran Joins Blockchain” isn’t just a headline—it’s a forecast.
This kind of movement sets a precedent and opens the door for others sitting on the fence. You’ll see more agencies quietly soften their stance, more career officials test the waters of “Web3 advisory,” and yes—more regulators turned builders.
If you’re hiring in this space, take note. These aren’t your typical hires. You need to understand the nuance—how to attract them, onboard them, and set them up for success. They’re not here for hype or memes. They’re here for structure, strategy, and long-term impact.
So what does that mean for us recruiters? It means revisiting how we frame roles. Emphasising purpose over perks. Highlighting public good potential. Offering stability, but also a seat at the innovation table.
Final Thoughts—And A Bit of a Rant
Look, I’ve seen crypto talent trends come and go. Ex-bankers, ex-GAFA engineers, even former military officers. But this wave—regulators crossing into blockchain—is different. It’s loaded with political weight, legal acumen, and deep systems thinking.
And it raises a cheeky question: Who’s next?
The SEC? The Fed? Some EU Commissioner who’s tired of watching innovation happen elsewhere?
Whatever happens, I’ll be watching. Because every time a CFTC veteran joins blockchain advocacy, it brings us one step closer to the grown-up version of this industry we’ve been building in the shadows.
We used to say “WAGMI” like a meme. Now, with regulators-turned-reformers in our ranks, maybe it’s actually true.
