Coinbase has announced the addition of three new members to its board of directors as part of its strategic efforts to influence U.S. crypto policy.
The new members are Chris Lehane from OpenAI, former U.S. Solicitor General Paul Clement, and Christa Davies, CFO of Aon and board member for Stripe and Workday. This expansion increases the board from seven to ten members.
The inclusion of these individuals comes at a critical time as the cryptocurrency industry seeks to become a significant political force in the upcoming presidential election. The industry’s trajectory could change significantly if Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, regains the presidency in November.
Paul Clement will play a key role in guiding Coinbase’s efforts to challenge the SEC and advocate for clear regulations for digital assets. Chris Lehane, with his experience at Airbnb and the Clinton White House, will offer strategic counsel. Christa Davies will focus on enhancing Coinbase’s financial and operational performance globally.
Coinbase emphasizes the importance of bipartisan support for the success of cryptocurrency. Lehane noted in an interview that diverse political perspectives are essential for crypto’s advancement.
Coinbase’s advocacy group, Stand With Crypto, now boasts 1.3 million members. Additionally, three major pro-crypto super PACs—Fairshake, Defend American Jobs, and Protect Progress—have collectively raised over $230 million to support favorable candidates.
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