Charles Hoskinson, co-founder of Ethereum and founder of Cardano, took to X (formerly Twitter) to propose Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong as the ideal candidate for the role. Hoskinson emphasized Armstrong’s leadership at Coinbase, the largest U.S. cryptocurrency exchange, as evidence of his expertise in navigating regulatory challenges and fostering innovation.
Hoskinson also criticized the current administration’s regulatory stance, describing it as "regulation through enforcement," and suggested that Armstrong could bring unity to the crypto industry while modernizing U.S. digital asset regulations.
Hoskinson revealed plans to collaborate with lawmakers, leveraging his prior experience in shaping Wyoming’s 31 crypto-friendly laws. He announced "Operation Baseline," an initiative by IOHK’s policy division to identify inefficiencies and opportunities in the U.S. crypto landscape.
Hoskinson’s endorsement of Armstrong has sparked mixed reactions within the crypto community. Some, like Maxime, voiced concerns over Armstrong’s ties to centralized entities and Coinbase’s perceived alignment with traditional finance. However, others, including X user Ed n’ Stuff, supported Armstrong’s candidacy, highlighting his pragmatic approach and industry knowledge.
As the debate unfolds, the prospect of a dedicated Crypto-Czar could signal a pivotal moment for the blockchain industry in the United States.