It’s a sign of the times and the growing maturity of the crypto industry that a new industry trade association launched in Washington, D.C., on September 11, 2018, to lobby the U.S. government on a range of issues from taxation to regulations; to educate members of congress about the growing success of blockchain; and to encourage lawmakers to allow innovation to flourish and benefit the economy.Kristin Smith, director of external affairs for the new Blockchain Association (BA), told Bitcoin Magazine in an interview that the time has come to properly represent a growing number of contributing companies with a unified front in working with members of Congress and regulatory agencies.“We look forward to working with members of Congress and key regulators like the SEC and the CFTC to advocate for nimble, informed regulations that balance the need for consumer protection and market integrity with opportunities to let innovative companies thrive,” said Smith.So far, the BA’s first order of business has been to sign up as many blockchain and cryptocurrency companies as possible as members. Founding members of the BA include Coinbase, Circle, Digital Currency Group, Polychain Capital and Protocol Labs. Also signed up are Hangar, Inter/Stellar, Coinlist and Blockstack.Coinbase has been active in helping the BA get established. Mike Lempres, Coinbase’s Chief Legal and Risk Officer told Bitcoin Magazine:“The bigg... For Further Information Click on Below Button