Kristin Smith is the President of the Solana Policy Institute, a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating policymakers on the role of decentralized networks like Solana in shaping the future of the digital economy. In this role, she serves as a key liaison between U.S. policymakers and the Solana ecosystem, working to advance thoughtful legislation and regulatory frameworks that support responsible innovation and industry growth. Smith is a prominent advocate for the blockchain and cryptocurrency sector, frequently engaging in top-tier media interviews, authoring op-eds and policy commentary, and speaking at global conferences on digital asset regulation and technology policy. Prior to joining the Solana Policy Institute, she served as CEO of the Blockchain Association, the Washington, D.C.–based trade group representing many of the industry’s leading crypto companies. Earlier in her career, Smith spent nearly a decade on Capitol Hill as a Senate and congressional aide, where she focused extensively on technology and public policy, helping bridge the gap between emerging technologies and government decision-makers.
Kristin Smith Professional Experience / Academic History
Professional Experience
Academic History
BLOCKCHAIN THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
Kristin Smith is a recognized blockchain thought leader with deep experience shaping public policy and regulatory frameworks for the digital asset industry.
During her tenure as CEO of the Blockchain Association, she led efforts to engage lawmakers and regulators in order to foster the growth of the U.S. digital asset ecosystem.
Under her leadership, the organization strengthened its role as a leading advocate for responsible innovation, pro-growth regulation, and the advancement of blockchain technology in the United States and globally.
Smith also serves on the boards of several prominent organizations, including the Filecoin Foundation for the Decentralized Web, SkyBridge Capital’s G and GII Funds, the Flow Foundation, and Prime Trust.
She is a frequent media commentator on blockchain policy and cryptocurrency regulation, with interviews and features in major outlets such as CNBC, Yahoo! Finance, Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and Fortune, as well as industry publications including Blockworks, CoinDesk, Cointelegraph, The Block, and Real Vision.
HONORS & RECOGNITIONS
2022 CoinTelegraph Top 100 Influencers in Crypto and Blockchain
2021 Maverick PAC Future 40 Award Class
2021 Washington Magazine Tech Titan
2021 Modern Consensus 100 Most Influential People in Crypto
2021 The Hill Top Lobbyists
2020 Fortune 40 Under 40, Government and Politics
2020 The Hill Top Lobbyists
Washingtonian's 500 Most Influential People in Public Policy