Haun Ventures Expands Policy-Focused Team as Chief Policy Officer Transitions
Haun Ventures, the digital asset investment firm led by former U.S. federal prosecutor Katie Haun, is adding more policy-focused advisors to its team while its chief policy officer, Tomicah Tillemann, steps down. Tillemann, formerly the global head of policy at a16z, will be joining a non-profit organization next year after transitioning away from his full-time role. Despite this change, he will continue to work with Haun Ventures as an advisor through its Founder Advisory Network.
The firm has disclosed three new members of its Founder Advisory Network. Joe Yum and Ken Bagchi, both former FBI Special Agents, are joining the network with extensive experience in investigations related to organized crime and national security threats. James Burnham, who has experience in litigations of national importance and recently supported Coinbase’s lawsuit against the SEC, is also joining the group.
Critical Time for Crypto Policy
The addition of new policy-focused advisors comes at a crucial time when legislators are targeting the crypto market due to its association with national security figures. Sen. Elizabeth Warren recently sent letters to industry policy groups criticizing the crypto industry for employing former defense and law enforcement officials. Warren claims that the industry is fighting against common-sense rules designed to restrict crypto’s use for illicit purposes.
Despite Warren’s assertions, industry participants and data challenge the notion that cryptocurrencies are primarily used for illicit activities. According to Chainalysis, illicit cryptocurrency transactions accounted for only 0.24% of all activity in 2022. However, Warren continues to advocate for stricter compliance measures in anti-money laundering rules for cryptocurrency companies.
Hot Take: The Growing Importance of Crypto Policy
The expansion of Haun Ventures’ policy-focused team reflects the increasing importance of crypto policy in the current regulatory landscape. With legislators like Sen. Elizabeth Warren targeting the industry, it is crucial for crypto companies to have knowledgeable advisors who can navigate the complex regulatory environment. While there are concerns about illicit activities, data shows that the majority of crypto transactions are legitimate. Balancing the need for regulation with innovation will be a key challenge moving forward, and having policy experts on board will help crypto companies effectively advocate for their positions and contribute to shaping responsible policies in the industry.
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