The upcoming change in executive leadership within federal agencies brings to light a little-known ethics rule that could hinder the Trump administration’s ability to craft effective digital asset policy. Legal Advisory 22-04, issued by the Office of Government Ethics in 2022, has largely gone unnoticed due to the Biden administration’s strict stance on cryptocurrencies. However, the rule’s implications are significant: it prohibits individuals holding cryptocurrencies, tokens, or stablecoins from serving in federal positions.
This poses a challenge for the incoming administration, which has pledged to enhance American competitiveness in financial innovation. Agencies such as the Treasury, SEC, CFTC, and the Federal Reserve will require officials well-versed in both traditional finance and digital assets. Yet the current ethics guidance forces potential appointees and civil servants to make a difficult decision: either divest completely from the digital asset sector or forgo public service altogether.
The paradox is evident. An official at the Treasury can maintain investments in traditional financial institutions like JP Morgan while shaping banking policy, but they are prohibited from holding any amount of bitcoin when working on digital asset regulations. Similarly, a SEC attorney can own mutual funds while handling securities cases, yet they cannot possess even a small sum of stablecoins. This creates an unnecessary barrier to recruiting experts precisely when their expertise is most needed.
As the Senior Director of Industry Affairs at the Blockchain Association, I collaborate with over 100 member companies that are pioneers in financial innovation. Many of these companies employ professionals with extensive government experience who could offer valuable insights to federal service. However, under the current regulations, their expertise remains untapped unless they are willing to sever ties with the industry they are well-versed in.
There is a simple solution: The Office of Government Ethics should revise its guidance to permit minimal holdings of digital assets, mirroring the existing rules for traditional financial instruments. This adjustment would uphold ethical standards while enabling access to much-needed expertise. Alternatively, the incoming administration could revoke the advisory through an executive order, signaling a more balanced approach to crypto policy.
The stakes are high. As countries like Singapore, Switzerland, and the UAE establish clear regulatory frameworks for digital assets, the United States government requires officials who comprehend both the opportunities and challenges in this rapidly evolving sector. Maintaining an overly restrictive ethics rule not only handicaps agencies but also undermines America’s capacity to lead in financial innovation.
For an incoming administration committed to effective governance and American leadership in technology, addressing this barrier should be a priority. Failure to do so risks leaving critical positions vacant or filling them with individuals lacking a comprehensive understanding of one of the most transformative technologies of our era. The Benefits of Meditation for Mental Health
Meditation has been practiced for centuries as a way to calm the mind, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. In recent years, there has been a growing body of scientific research showing the numerous benefits of meditation for mental health.
One of the key benefits of meditation is its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. When we meditate, we are able to enter a state of deep relaxation that helps to calm the nervous system and reduce the production of stress hormones. This can have a profound impact on our mental health, as chronic stress has been linked to a number of mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety.
Meditation has also been shown to improve focus and concentration. By practicing mindfulness meditation, we are able to train our minds to pay attention to the present moment, rather than getting caught up in worries or distractions. This can help to improve our ability to focus on tasks and be more productive in our daily lives.
In addition, meditation has been found to improve mood and promote a sense of well-being. Studies have shown that regular meditation practice can increase levels of serotonin and dopamine, which are neurotransmitters that play a key role in regulating mood. This can help to reduce symptoms of depression and improve overall emotional well-being.
Furthermore, meditation has been shown to increase self-awareness and promote self-compassion. By becoming more aware of our thoughts and emotions through meditation, we are better able to understand ourselves and our patterns of behavior. This can help us to develop a greater sense of self-compassion and acceptance, which can be key to improving mental health.
Overall, the benefits of meditation for mental health are vast and well-supported by scientific research. By incorporating a regular meditation practice into our daily routine, we can experience reduced stress and anxiety, improved focus and concentration, increased mood and well-being, and greater self-awareness and self-compassion. So why not give meditation a try and see the positive impact it can have on your mental health?