CFTC’s Christy Goldsmith Romero to step down May 31 as commissioner exodus continues

Christy Goldsmith Romero, one of the top officials at the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission, said her last day at the agency will be May 31, marking the third commissioner departure this week.

The Democratic commissioner announced her last day in a statement on Friday. Goldsmith Romero previously said in February that she planned to leave following the confirmation of President Donald Trump's pick for CFTC Chair Brian Quintenz. The CFTC's role in regulating cryptocurrency has been significant and will continue to be as lawmakers work on legislation that would give the agency defined jurisdiction over crypto. 

"It has been a privilege and joy to work with my fellow Commissioners," Goldsmith Romero said. "The same is true of my current and former staff in my office whose intellect, professionalism, and deep caring about the financial system and all who benefit from it were evident every day of their service."

Goldsmith Romero's departure comes a day after Republican CFTC Commissioner Caroline Pham also announced plans to leave. During an International Swaps and Derivatives Association meeting on Thursday, Pham confirmed that she plans to leave when Quintenz is confirmed. Earlier in the week, fellow Republican Commissioner Summer Mersinger also announced she was stepping down, with her last day being May 30. Mersinger will next take on being CEO of the Blockchain Association. 

"It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as a Commissioner and acting Chairman, and I will leave with deep pride in what we’ve accomplished and great confidence in what the CFTC will continue to achieve in the years ahead," Pham said on Thursday. 

A confirmation hearing has not yet been scheduled for Quintenz. In an email to The Block, a Senate Agriculture spokesperson said that the committee is working through the process. The CFTC did not respond to a request for comment. 

With Goldsmith Romero, Pham, and Mersinger stepping down, Democratic Commissioner Kristin Johnson will be the only remaining member alongside Quintenz once he is confirmed. Trump will then need to nominate additional commissioners to fill the vacancies.

If Quintenz is confirmed, he is  expected to take a friendly approach to crypto. He was previously a commissioner at the agency during the Trump administration and is viewed favorably by digital asset advocates.