What You Need to Know

• The new CEO of the Blockchain Association emphasizes the critical moment for crypto policy, highlighting a chance to establish clear, innovation-friendly regulations.
• A pro-crypto administration and bipartisan support in Congress create a unique opportunity for comprehensive legislation on stablecoins and market structure.
• The Blockchain Association aims to unify the crypto industry to ensure effective engagement with regulators and achieve lasting policy victories.

This week marked my initiation as the CEO of the Blockchain Association during what could be considered one of the most significant periods for crypto policymaking. With years of regulatory ambiguity and stringent enforcement behind us, we now possess a rare chance to establish clear, supportive rules that will guide digital assets for the upcoming decade.

The current environment presents a confluence of advantageous factors. Notably, there is a pro-crypto administration in place, coupled with bipartisan momentum in Congress for comprehensive legislation regarding stablecoins and market structure. Recent judicial victories, such as the invalidation of the dealer rule, further support the industry’s long-held positions. The increasing institutional acceptance highlights the urgent need for regulatory clarity from traditional financial institutions.

However, opportunities in Washington often close as rapidly as they appear, and the success of this moment hinges on the crypto community’s ability to present a unified front. My time as a CFTC Commissioner has demonstrated that when different factions within the industry push conflicting agendas, regulators tend towards restrictive measures that fail everyone.

The urgent task ahead requires us to harness collective strength rather than focus on individual goals. The challenges before the crypto industry are too significant for any one company to tackle alone. As we strive to fortify our position, we must avoid fragmenting our efforts as this critical moment approaches.

This calls for ambitious aims balanced by a disciplined approach—legislation that provides clear guidance on digital assets has long been overdue. Effective regulatory frameworks and consumer protections go hand in hand, forming a coherent vision for America’s leadership in the realm of digital assets.

As I embrace my new responsibilities, I am committed to ensuring that the Blockchain Association returns to its core purpose—fostering meaningful discussions that build consensus. This pivotal phase in the cryptocurrency movement demands an evolution not just in technology but in our political engagement and maturity. Over the next 18 months, we will see whether we can rise to meet these challenges and capitalize on the opportunities we have.

Let’s grasp this moment together.