Blockchain Association Taps CFTC Commissioner for CEO
By Mark Hunter
8 hours agoThu May 15 2025 07:08:45
Reading Time: 2 minutes
- The Blockchain Association has appointed Commodity Futures Trading Commission Commissioner Summer Mersinger as its new CEO
- Mersinger brings extensive regulatory experience and has advocated for balanced digital asset policies
- Her appointment comes at a pivotal time as Congress considers legislation on stablecoins and market structure
The Blockchain Association has announced that Summer Mersinger, a Commissioner at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), will assume the role of CEO starting June 2. Mersinger’s regulatory background and advocacy for balanced digital asset policies position her to lead the Association during a critical period of legislative developments in the crypto space. The Blockchain Association said that Mersinger was the “ideal candidate to fill the biggest crypto policy boots in Washington,” and there will be plenty for her to get her teeth into.
Strategic Appointment Amid Regulatory Shifts
Mersinger’s transition from the CFTC to the Blockchain Association signifies a strategic move for the crypto industry’s leading trade group. Her tenure at the CFTC has been marked by a commitment to fostering innovation while ensuring consumer protection, expressing dissent in cases where she believed regulatory actions could hinder technological advancement. Most notably, this included the CFTC’s action against Uniswap in September 2024.
Mersinger’s experience extends beyond the CFTC; she has held several roles in Senate Majority Leader John Thune’s office, providing her with deep insights into the legislative process. This background is expected to be invaluable as the Association navigates upcoming discussions on stablecoin regulation and market structure bills.
Building on a Legacy of Advocacy
Mersinger succeeds Kristin Smith, the Association’s first CEO, who transformed the organization from a small collective into a prominent trade association with over 125 members. Smith’s leadership established the Association as a key player in crypto policy discussions, and this new appointment aims to build upon such a foundation, with Mersinger poised to leverage her regulatory and legislative experience to further the Association’s mission.
The Blockchain Association has scheduled a Summit Series event on June 5, where members and stakeholders will have the opportunity to engage with Mersinger directly. Her leadership is anticipated to play a crucial role in shaping the future of digital asset regulation, ensuring that innovation continues to thrive within a framework that protects consumers and aligns with legislative developments.
