Ripple Enlists Ex-Obama Official, Lauren Belive, to Lead U.S. Public Policy

• Ripple strengthens its regulatory lobbying efforts by hiring Lauren Belive.
• Belive previously served in the Obama White House and brings a wealth of experience in legislative affairs.
• The move comes amid growing calls for clearer crypto regulations in Washington D.C.

Amidst a shifting crypto regulatory landscape, Ripple brings onboard Lauren Belive, a former Obama White House official, to champion its public policy endeavors in the U.S.

Ripple’s Strategic Hire in Washington

Lauren Belive, recognized for her tenure at the White House under President Barack Obama, has recently been appointed by Ripple as the head of U.S. public policy and government. In a statement on LinkedIn, Belive emphasized her role in leading Ripple’s engagement in Washington. “It is crucial that we take a front-seat role in these evolving conversations, ensuring our objectives are clear, and we drive the narrative in a constructive direction,” she noted.

Belive’s Impressive Career Trajectory

Lauren’s career has been both diverse and influential. Prior to her new role at Ripple, she was the director of government affairs at SoftBank Group International. Her experience doesn’t stop there; she has also headed U.S. government relations at Zoom. Her early days in her career were marked by her association with the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, chaired by Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Calif, at the time. Furthermore, her profile boasts of her involvement in Obama’s campaign and her significant position in the Office of Legislative Affairs during Obama’s tenure.

Crypto Advocacy Gains Momentum

The hiring of such a prominent figure by Ripple signifies the increasing importance of crypto advocacy. Several crypto firms, including Ripple, are amplifying their advocacy initiatives in Washington D.C., lobbying for a clearer regulatory framework. The current regulatory approach, often termed as “regulation by enforcement,” has faced criticism from multiple quarters. Ripple, in particular, has been navigating a lawsuit initiated by regulatory bodies, marking a notable instance in this regulatory saga. However, Ripple’s recent court victory in New York, deeming certain sales of its XRP token as non-violating of securities laws, provides a glimmer of hope for the firm and the broader crypto community.

Broader Industry Efforts in Advocacy

It’s not just Ripple that’s focusing on advocacy. Other significant players in the crypto space, like Coinbase, are taking proactive measures. Coinbase’s forthcoming event, “Stand with Crypto Day,” is a prime example where crypto enthusiasts and professionals will interact with lawmakers and government representatives, emphasizing the importance and potential of the crypto industry.

Conclusion

The crypto landscape is evolving rapidly, and with it, the need for a clear, supportive regulatory framework is becoming paramount. Ripple’s decision to bring in an influential figure like Lauren Belive underscores the significance of this need. As the industry unites to push for change, one can only hope that a harmonious convergence between innovation and regulation is on the horizon.