The Blockchain Association has announced the co-chairs for its member-led working groups for 2026. These groups are designed to bring together industry experts in areas such as policy, legal, technical, and operational matters to support engagement with policymakers and collaboration within the blockchain sector.
The association's approach centers on consensus-building and providing practical perspectives to policymakers. Its antitrust policy applies to all working groups.
Summer Mersinger, CEO of Blockchain Association, said, “Our working groups are where industry expertise meets policy engagement. I’m grateful to these leaders for stepping forward to help guide this work and strengthen our collective voice in Washington.”
The appointed co-chairs will lead several specialized groups:
- Blockchain Infrastructure: Gerald Gallagher (Sei Labs) and Eme Housser (Figment Inc.)
- DeFi: Brian Nistler (Uniswap Labs) and Claire Wells (Kiln)
- DePIN: Robert Baldwin (Jump Crypto) and Jacob Hample (Filecoin Foundation)
- Investment Fund: Katrina Paglia (Pantera Capital) and Jay Stolkin (Multcoin Capital)
- National Security & Cybersecurity: TJ Connolly (Fireblocks) and Carlos Moreira (Anchorage Digital)
- Privacy Technology: Kurt Opsahl (Filecoin Foundation) and J.W. Verret (Zcash Foundation)
- Stablecoin: Francesco Castella (Circle) and Kevin Wysocki (Anchorage Digital)
- Tax: Colin McLaren (Solana Policy Institute) and Lawrence Zlatkin (Coinbase)
- Trading Firm: Daniel Gerhardstein (Jump Crypto) and Joshua Riezman (GSR)
Michael Postupak, Policy Engagement Manager at Blockchain Association, stated, “We’re excited to launch Blockchain Association’s 2026 policy engagement program with a refined set of strategic working groups, alongside new workstreams – focused, goal-oriented initiatives that empower members to engage on emerging and specialized priorities. We also want to congratulate this year’s working group co-chairs, whose leadership and expertise will help drive meaningful progress. Building on the momentum of 2025, this evolution ensures the Association remains a dynamic force for policy, education, and dialogue.”
The Blockchain Association is a nonprofit organization headquartered in Washington, D.C., representing over 100 members from leading companies in the digital asset sector according to its official website. The association advocates for policies that promote innovation in blockchain technology while maintaining a secure digital marketplace. It works closely with federal policymakers on U.S. crypto regulations and provides educational resources about blockchain's benefits.
Since its establishment in fall 2018 as an industry representative, the association has played a significant role in advancing cryptocurrency development by supporting regulatory frameworks that encourage growth in the field and collaborating with members across various specialties.
