Lawmakers, Regulators, Crypto Industry Representatives Provided an Outlook for the Future of Crypto Policy
Washington, D.C. (Nov. 16, 2022) – Blockchain Association, which represents more than 100 of America’s leading crypto companies, held its inaugural Policy Summit in Washington, D.C. Throughout the day, a roster of distinguished lawmakers, regulators, and crypto advocates discussed landmark achievements in crypto policy, and what needs to be done to chart a path forward for industry.
With Congress coming in session this week, several members in key committees attended. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), incoming House Republican Whip Rep. Tom Emmer (R-MN), Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) and Rep. Jake Auchincloss (D-MA) highlighted their bipartisan policy priorities and what the road ahead will look like in crypto policy. “There are people on both sides who want to make sure that the next generation of blockchain technology develops in the United States,” noted Khanna, a sentiment shared by the other lawmakers who attended. “This area is not partisan. It’s not about Democrats or Republicans, it’s about Americans,” said Emmer. Additionally, New York State Assemblyman Clyde Vanel outlined policy fights taking shape in the Empire State and what it means for the rest of the nation.
Blockchain Association Executive Director Kristin Smith gave a “State of the Industry” address, saying “our collective voice – a voice that has been here for years and will remain for years to come – represents something far greater than one man or one company.”
The conference also featured perspectives from leading regulators: Sanjeev Bhasker from the Justice Department and CFTC Commissioner Kristin Johnson. They discussed their efforts to regulate crypto under current guidelines, and urged lawmakers to pass comprehensive and tailored regulations for the future. In her remarks, Commissioner Johnson explained that “regulation may well be one pathway to ensure the integrity of markets and protect all investors.”
Three leaders from outside the U.S. took to the stage to discuss the global reach of crypto policy and the importance of international cooperation: Dr. Lisa Cameron, MP, UK Parliament; Marina Markezic, Co-Founder, EU Crypto Initiative; and Alexis Pappas, Chief Innovation Officer, Canadian Blockchain Consortium.
In addition to speeches, panels of experts took the stage for engaging fireside chats about key issues in crypto policy, including: the importance of industry partnerships to achieve shared goals; how privacy is a critical component of crypto technology; and the congressional policy outlook post-midterms. Finally, Cleve Mesidor, Executive Director of the Blockchain Foundation, discussed her organization’s work to educate the public about the everyday benefits and uses of crypto technology.
The conversations held at this first-of-its-kind summit will help shape the future of crypto policy and build a better, more democratized future for all.
About Blockchain Association: Blockchain Association is the collective voice of the cryptocurrency industry. Our members include the sector’s leading investors, companies, projects, and protocols, working together to support a future-forward, pro-innovation national policy and regulatory framework for the crypto economy. Find us at theblockchainassociation.org. Follow us @BlockchainAssn.
