White House nominates four crypto-savvy regulators for CFTC and SEC seats

Who got the nod

Two nominees are headed for the CFTC, the agency that oversees commodities and derivatives markets.

Nathan Anonick, a Republican from Virginia, would take the seat previously held by Rostin Behnam. That term runs to June 19, 2031.

Matthew Rowland, a Democrat from Washington, DC, would replace Summer Mersinger. His term would run to April 13, 2028.

Both CFTC nominees have worked on major legislation before, including the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act. That bill is aimed at drawing clearer lines around how digital assets get regulated.

The other two nominees are slated for the SEC, which polices securities markets like stocks and bonds.

Kristin N. Johnson, a Democrat from Michigan, is a familiar face. She previously served as a CFTC commissioner, where she focused on digital asset custody and decentralized finance.

Steven Levine, a Republican from Maryland, is nominated to the SEC seat held by Hester Peirce. That term ends June 5, 2030.

The confirmation clock

Nominations are not appointments. All four still need Senate confirmation before they take their seats.

The SEC nominees are scheduled to go before the Senate Banking Committee for a hearing on November 19, 2026. That is a quick turnaround, just one week after the nominations went out.