Zcash Advocacy Group Boosts Washington Lobbying on Crypto Policy

A new advocacy group focused on the privacy-focused cryptocurrency Zcash has expanded its lobbying efforts in Washington, DC, as digital asset legislation and tax rules come under closer scrutiny. Pretty Good Policy for Zcash (PGPZ) filed a lobbying registration on October 1, with executive director Divij Pandya serving as its sole lobbyist. The group's priorities include influencing the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act and two digital asset tax proposals, aiming to shape regulations that impact privacy-preserving cryptocurrencies like Zcash.

PGPZ was launched in June 2024 and evolved from the Pretty Good Policy for Crypto initiative, which was started in 2022 by Electric Coin Co. The earlier effort included hosting policy roundtables and organizing a congressional briefing on encryption technologies earlier this year. The group's lobbying registration highlights its focus on ensuring that privacy-oriented digital cash can exist, be used lawfully, and serve the public interest.

The Zcash Community Grants approved a $750,000 grant in August to fund PGPZ's first year of operations. This funding reflects the growing trend of crypto networks investing more resources into regulatory engagement as lawmakers and agencies consider market structure and tax frameworks for the sector. Paul Brigner, founder of PGPZ and chief policy and regulatory officer of ZODL, emphasized the importance of organized and credible policy engagement in Washington to advocate for Zcash.