Crypto Giants Team Up to Shape Policy Through New Nonprofit
A New Nonprofit Aims to Educate Policymakers on Decentralized Tech
Big names in the crypto world, like Coinbase, DCG, and Kraken, have joined forces to create a new nonprofit. They call it the American Innovation Project (AIP). Its goal? To teach policymakers about decentralized tech.
As a 501(c)(3), AIP won't pay most taxes and its leaders won't be held personally responsible for its actions. But there's a catch: it can't focus much on changing laws.
A Different Approach to Crypto Policy
The AIP isn't the first group trying to influence crypto policy in Washington. But it is different. It plans to talk directly to lawmakers and their teams.
"AIP will explain complex tech in simple ways." — Julie Stitzel, Policy Expert at DCG
Stitzel also says AIP will work alongside other groups but insists it will stay neutral and focus only on education.
Who's Behind the AIP?
The AIP's board includes some well-known figures in crypto lobbying:
- Kristin Smith from the Solana Policy Institute
- Allie Page from the Blockchain Association
- Nick Carr from Coinbase
Most of these people are meeting in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, at a crypto policy summit. Big names like Senate Banking Committee chair Tim Scott and SEC chair Paul Atkins are there too.
First Event: Secrecy Raises Questions
The AIP is already planning its first event. It will be an off-the-record meeting in Jackson Hole. But the group won't say who will attend or what they'll talk about.
This secrecy raises questions:
- Will the AIP really stay neutral?
- Or will it push for policies that benefit its backers?
Only time will tell.
