Former leading candidate for CFTC chair steps down to head Blockchain Association.

Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Commissioner Summer Mersinger is set to leave her position on May 30, transitioning to the role of CEO at the Blockchain Association starting June 2, as announced on May 14.

The announcement highlights that Mersinger’s new role comes at a pivotal time for digital asset legislation in Washington, where the Blockchain Association is advocating for congressional action concerning market structure and regulations on stablecoins.

The organization emphasized that their selection process was thorough, with Mersinger being chosen for her regulatory expertise and background in Capitol Hill.

Crypto advocacy has been a significant aspect of Mersinger’s career, and she was recently identified as a top candidate for the chair position at the CFTC in a possible Trump administration.

A report from January revealed her as a leading choice alongside Brian Quintenz and Marco Santori, largely due to her reputation for promoting fair digital asset policies, earning respect from industry stakeholders.

During Mersinger’s time at the CFTC, she became well-known for supporting policy developments that foster digital asset advancements while ensuring consumer protection. She notably disagreed with the CFTC’s enforcement against Uniswap in September 2024, advocating for clearer congressional guidelines instead of regulatory actions.

Her background includes several positions within Senator John Thune’s office, providing her with extensive insights into the legislative framework.

Mersinger will replace Kristin Smith, the founding CEO of the Blockchain Association, who played a vital role in establishing the organization as a powerful voice in the industry.

Senator Pat Toomey expressed his congratulations to Mersinger on social media, noting her valuable background at a crucial time for the crypto sector and praising Smith’s influence in shaping the association.

Ji Kim, president of the Crypto Council for Innovation, shared his anticipation for ongoing collaboration, emphasizing the significance of the work that lies ahead.

Jake Chervinsky, a board member of the Blockchain Association and chief legal officer at Variant Fund, remarked that Mersinger has been an exceptional supporter of crypto during her tenure at the CFTC, and her leadership will be beneficial for the entire industry.

Bill Hughes, a counsel at Consensys, highlighted Mersinger’s eagerness to tackle forthcoming challenges and her competence in guiding the industry through the current policy landscape.

Mersinger will engage with the members of the association after her departure from the CFTC.