A New Chapter
Joining CCI as the Director of US Policy
Next week, I’m stepping into a new role as the Director of U.S. Policy at the Crypto Council for Innovation (CCI), representing a coalition of the most important names in the digital asset space—including Coinbase, Paradigm, a16z, dYdX, and several others. It’s a progression that is, of course, both deeply personal and part of something much larger: the turning of a page for crypto policy in America.
In 1984, President Ronald Reagan’s re-election campaign aired a now-iconic ad that began with the words: “It’s morning again in America.” The ad painted a picture of renewed opportunity, a fresh start, and a nation moving forward with confidence. See my deeper exploration of this theme in my late 2024 essay:
Today, I believe we are experiencing a similar shift—not in politics more broadly, but in crypto. After years of regulatory uncertainty, court battles, and an often-contentious relationship between Washington and the industry, a change is happening. Policymakers are beginning to recognize that crypto and decentralized finance (DeFi) are not passing trends—they are critical innovations with the potential to reshape global finance, governance, and digital ownership. Now, the challenge is ensuring that the United States seizes this opportunity - with the right policy choices - rather than squanders it.
For the past two years, I’ve been at the heart of this effort, building the policy and advocacy strategy at dYdX Trading from the ground up. I worked hand-in-hand with company leadership, industry peers, and policymakers to articulate a vision for a positive-sum regulatory framework—one that fosters innovation while ensuring responsible growth. That work reinforced something I’ve believed for a long time: when policymakers and innovators engage in good faith, we can create outcomes where everyone benefits. Crypto regulation doesn’t have to be a zero-sum game.
This industry is about more than just financial markets. It’s about financial and technological freedom. It’s about democratizing access to economic opportunity. It’s about building a more open, innovative, and decentralized future. Yet, for too long, the conversation in Washington has been dominated by fear, misinformation, and reactionary policymaking. That’s why I’m so excited to take on this role at CCI.
CCI isn’t just another trade association. It’s a coalition of some of the most forward-thinking and successful players in crypto—investors, companies, and protocols that are actively shaping the future of this industry. The work we will do together isn’t about incremental change; it’s about setting the agenda for how crypto integrates into the broader financial and technological landscape. My role will be to help bridge the gap between policymakers and innovators, ensuring that Washington isn’t just regulating crypto, but understanding it.
This moment is critical. The 119th Congress is here, and with it comes a legislative environment that could define the trajectory of U.S. crypto policy for years to come. DeFi, Stablecoins, decentralized governance, market structure, staking, token issuance, and custody are just a few of the high-stakes policy areas that will be debated. The decisions made in the next 12-18 months will determine whether the U.S. leads the next wave of financial and technological innovation—or falls behind.
I’m optimistic about the future of crypto in the United States. The tides are turning. Policymakers who once dismissed the technology as nothing more than an opportunity for new scams are now engaging with industry leaders, thinkers, and builders. Legal victories are reshaping the landscape. And the companies at the forefront of this industry are ready to take a more strategic, proactive role in shaping policy—rather than just reacting to it.
It’s morning again for crypto policy. And I couldn’t be more excited to get to work.
R