Former front-runner for CFTC chair role resigns to lead Blockchain Association

Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Commissioner Summer Mersinger will depart the agency on May 30 to become the Blockchain Association’s new CEO, effective June 2, according to a May 14 announcement.

The announcement states that Mersinger’s appointment comes at a critical legislative moment for digital assets in Washington, where the Blockchain Association is pushing for congressional action on market structure and stablecoin legislation. 

The group described its selection process as exhaustive and noted that regulatory experience and Capitol Hill background motivated Mersinger’s choice.

Crypto advocacy

Notably, Mersinger had recently been floated as one of the top contenders to become chair of the CFTC in a potential Trump administration. 

A January report citing sources familiar with internal transition discussions listed her alongside Brian Quintenz and Marco Santori as front-runners. Her reputation for articulating balanced digital asset policy made her a favored candidate among industry participants.

During her tenure at the CFTC, Mersinger gained recognition for advocating policy frameworks that accommodate digital asset innovation while maintaining consumer protections. She notably dissented from the CFTC’s enforcement action against Uniswap in September 2024, arguing for congressional clarity rather than enforcement-led regulation. 

Her prior experience includes several roles in Senator John Thune’s office, which gives her deep familiarity with the legislative process.

Mersinger succeeds Kristin Smith, who served as the group’s founding CEO and is credited with transforming the association from a boutique operation into the sector’s leading trade voice.

Industry welcomes Mersinger’s appointment

Senator Pat Toomey congratulated Mersinger on social media, saying she “brings a great background at a very important moment for crypto,” while also commending Smith’s work establishing the association’s influence.

Crypto Council for Innovation president Ji Kim said he looks forward to continued collaboration, calling it “important work that lies ahead.” 

Blockchain Association board member Jake Chervinsky, who also serves as chief legal officer at Variant Fund, wrote:

“Comm’r Mersinger has been an amazing champion for crypto during her time at the CFTC, and now the whole industry will benefit from her leadership.”

Bill Hughes, counsel at Consensys, described Mersinger’s “enthusiasm for the challenge ahead” and confidence in her ability to navigate the industry through the current policy environment.

Mersinger’s introduction to the association’s membership will follow her departure from the CFTC.

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