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Former Blockchain Association CEO Kristin Smith has transitioned into the role of president at the newly-established Solana Policy Institute. In a recent interview, she shared insights on the intersection of Solana and policy in Washington.
This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.
Jack: Give the US regulatory outlook a report card grade.
Kristin Smith: I would give it an “A” on the report card. Over the past six months, we have witnessed significant progress in reversing the detrimental policies of the previous administration. The debanking of crypto companies has been addressed, litigation has been resolved, and unnecessary regulations impeding new entrants into the crypto space have been rolled back.
Moreover, the upcoming “Crypto Week” in Washington and the potential enactment of a stablecoin regulatory framework signal a positive trajectory towards solidifying regulatory clarity in the industry.
Jack: Looking forward into the future, what’s on your wish list on the Solana side of things as you advocate for that ecosystem?
Kristin Smith: As we advocate for the Solana ecosystem, our focus lies in identifying necessary regulatory adjustments to facilitate the emergence of public blockchains as the foundation for internet capital markets. We have engaged with the SEC to propose initiatives such as “Project Open” aimed at fostering the issuance of equities onchain through statements, guidance, and potential exemptions.
Jack: Solana is very diverse, and there’s a lot of different visions of what people should build. What sector of Solana are you spending most of your time on? Or has the most to gain or lose through engagement with policymakers?