Mersinger and Peirce Exit: Crypto Loses Top Advocates in Washington

Crypto industry leaders are reeling from two high-profile exits announced on Friday. Summer Mersinger, CEO of the Blockchain Association, will step down on October 16 and remain as an advisor until the end of the year. Kristin Smith, who previously led the association, will return as interim CEO on October 17.

Mersinger joined the Blockchain Association in June 2025 and played a key role in steering its work on the GENIUS Act, which President Trump signed into law in July 2025. She also worked on regulatory efforts such as the joint SEC-CFTC interpretation that most crypto assets are not themselves securities.

Meanwhile, SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce announced her resignation letter to President Trump, setting her last day as October 2. Once she leaves, the SEC will be down to two commissioners, Chairman Paul Atkins and Mark Uyeda.