Odaily News Increasingly, cryptocurrency companies are scouting for well-connected lobbyists or policy experts to bolster their influence in Washington and stay connected with new digital asset-friendly administrations.
“We had a handful of conversations with crypto companies last year, but since the election that number has gone up dramatically, and we’re talking to companies every day who want to understand access and strategy,” said Sam Geduldig, managing partner at Republican lobbying firm CGCN.
Crypto companies that have recently expressed interest in hiring lobbyists or policy experts include Uniswap, IOHK, Kraken, Jump Trading and Solana Foundation, according to people familiar with the matter, with many cryptocurrency companies seeking candidates who can leverage their relationships with Trump and lawmakers on Capitol Hill.
Leading bitcoin mining company Riot Platforms Inc. is hiring a director and manager of public policy, who will work under Brian Morgenstern, the company’s current head of Washington public policy.
Morgenstern said: "We are looking for the people who understand the policy and the institutions or players on Capitol Hill the best, and we just want to make sure we communicate with as many legislators as possible and meet with as many Trump administration officials as possible, while working with the relevant committees in Congress and the executive branch, such as the presidential task force led by David Sacks." He added that Riot's policy priorities with the new administration include preventing de-banking, developing a market structure bill, and establishing a strategic Bitcoin reserve, saying: "We want to leave no stone unturned."
Some companies, such as decentralized cryptocurrency startup Ondo Finance, are hiring for their first policy positions. Ondo Finance’s chief policy officer position will include “building and maintaining relationships with government regulators, including those at the SEC, CFTC, and the Treasury Department.” Crypto wallet company Exodus recently hired Tim Hite, who previously served as a senior advisor to the Subcommittee on Digital Assets, Financial Technology, and Inclusion, as its first policy director.
Other companies are also building their own teams. Last October, cryptocurrency exchange Kraken hired Michael Lukso as director of policy and government relations for the Americas, while stablecoin issuer Circle recently posted a position for a senior manager of global policy and government affairs. The job description specifically states that the position’s responsibilities include building and maintaining “strong relationships with Republican lawmakers and key staff.” (Bloomberg)