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The revolving door between government and crypto just swung again — and this time, it’s opening wide.
Summer Mersinger heads to the Blockchain Association
Summer Mersinger, a current commissioner at the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), is leaving her post early to become the next CEO of the Blockchain Association — one of the most influential crypto advocacy groups in Washington.
Though Mersinger’s term at the CFTC wasn’t set to expire until April 2028, she’ll step down on May 30, with plans to take over the Association’s top job on June 2.
She replaces Kristin Smith, who announced her departure in April and will join the Solana Policy Institute.
A familiar face for crypto policy
The Blockchain Association didn’t bother hiring a search firm. “We knew we were going to know the right person,” said Marta Belcher, the Association’s president.
And they did. Mersinger has been an outspoken voice for standardized crypto rules and previously argued that the CFTC should regulate the cryptocurrency spot market — a position widely supported by many in the industry.
With Mersinger at the helm, the Association strengthens its influence just as Congress is inching forward on a crypto market structure bill.
What this means for the CFTC
Mersinger’s exit opens a spot on the five-seat commission, giving Donald Trump the opportunity to nominate a new commissioner if elected.
In fact, the whole CFTC is in flux. Trump already picked Brian Quintenz to chair the agency — but his nomination has stalled in the Senate. Meanwhile, Christy Goldsmith Romero reportedly plans to resign once a new chair is confirmed.
If that happens, Trump could end up reshaping most of the commission — a huge deal for the future of U.S. crypto regulation.
