Policy veteran moves from DeFi to broader crypto advocacy
Lindsay Fraser, who previously handled policy work at Uniswap Labs, has taken a new position leading policy operations at the Blockchain Association. She starts on December 8, which happens to be the same day the association hosts its annual policy summit in Washington.
Fraser’s background in decentralized finance policy comes at an interesting time. The crypto industry is really pushing for some kind of regulatory clarity from Congress, and her experience with DeFi could be useful. But honestly, I think the challenges she’ll face are much broader now.
Focus on immediate legislative priorities
The Blockchain Association represents 146 member companies, which is quite a jump from earlier this year—they’ve added 58 new members. Fraser mentioned that her immediate focus will be on several key areas. There’s that market structure bill being negotiated in the Senate, which seems to be the main thing everyone’s watching. Then there’s the implementation of the stablecoin law that passed earlier this year, and of course, the ongoing discussions about crypto tax policy.
“If I’ve done my job, the industry will be operating with a lot more certainty,” Fraser said in an interview. That’s a pretty straightforward goal, but achieving it won’t be simple. She wants policymakers to see the Blockchain Association as “a trusted partner and the voice on crypto policy.”
Building sustainable advocacy
What struck me about her comments was the emphasis on building something that lasts. She talked about creating a strong coalition “that’s capable of sustaining progress, despite administration changes or any sort of market cycle.” That’s smart thinking, really. The crypto industry has seen how regulatory attitudes can shift with political winds.
The association itself is led by Summer Mersinger, a former commissioner of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Their upcoming policy summit will feature some notable speakers, including Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Paul Atkins, Comptroller of the Currency Jonathan Gould, and Senate Majority Leader John Thune.
Fraser’s move from Uniswap to this broader role makes sense when you think about it. DeFi platforms have been at the center of many regulatory discussions, but the issues affect the entire industry. Her experience wrestling with how decentralized finance should be handled by the U.S. government gives her perspective that could be valuable for traditional crypto companies too.
It’s worth noting that the Blockchain Association is just one of several industry groups in Washington advocating for crypto. They’re in a crowded field, but with 146 members now, they’ve got some weight behind them. Fraser’s challenge will be turning that membership into effective policy influence.
I’m curious to see how this plays out. The timing is interesting—right as Congress seems to be getting more serious about crypto legislation, but also during a period when regulatory agencies have been taking a harder line on enforcement. Fraser’s job won’t be easy, but having someone with her specific DeFi background in this role could help bridge some gaps in understanding between regulators and the industry.
