Why Washington Matters for Crypto

Crypto went from being laughed out of the room in Washington to becoming one of the most aggressive forces in modern lobbying. Now, it’s not just part of the conversation, it’s reshaping the rules from the inside.

Kristin Smith, CEO of the Blockchain Association, reveals the real dynamics between crypto and Capitol Hill. Amanda and Kristin unpack how crypto gained power in DC and what it actually takes to keep it. They explore the anatomy of influence, how relationships are built, how policy narratives are crafted, and why building in the open won’t matter if the industry doesn’t defend itself in the halls of power.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Understanding Lobbying: A Primer

03:04 The Life of a Lobbyist: Daily Activities and Challenges

06:10 The Evolution of Crypto Lobbying in Washington

09:02 From Zero to Hero: Crypto's Journey in Politics

12:05 The Role of Relationships in Lobbying

15:03 The Impact of Sam Bankman-Fried on Crypto Lobbying

18:12 Navigating Regulatory Capture in the Crypto Space

20:54 The Future of Crypto Lobbying and Industry Influence

29:20 Understanding Crypto Advocacy Organizations

35:59 The Political Landscape of Crypto

43:02 Legislative Efforts and Industry Influence

49:51 Kristin's Transition to Solana

51:56 Bridging the Gap Between Crypto and Washington

RESOURCES:

Kristin on X: https://x.com/KMSmithDC

Subscribe to Endgame: https://www.youtube.com/@endgamepodcast

Amanda on X: https://x.com/amandacassatt

Serotonin on X: https://x.com/serotonin

Endgame on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6iSvbKOJWoEPiAoGmiulkd

Endgame on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/endgame-with-amanda-cassatt/id1801809440