Ripple Labs, a prominent blockchain technology firm, has recently appointed Lauren Belive, a former US White House staff member, as Head of US Public Policy and Government.

This appointment comes at a crucial juncture as Ripple executives have publicly voiced their concerns and criticisms regarding the US government’s recent position on cryptocurrencies. 

In response, Ripple has taken proactive steps by engaging with policymakers in Washington, D.C., seeking clearer regulatory guidelines and advocating for their stance in the ongoing legal battle between Ripple Labs and the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Ripple Bolsters Advocacy Efforts

In a LinkedIn post dated September 26, Belive expressed her excitement about her new challenge and highlighted Ripple’s position as a pioneer in revolutionizing cross-border payments.

Belive’s responsibilities will involve leading Ripple’s engagement efforts in Washington, D.C., and nationally to participate in actively and drive conversations related to cryptocurrency policies. 

In the announcement, Belive emphasized the importance of advocating for regulatory frameworks that support the crypto industry and the individuals and businesses that benefit from technological advancements. Belive claimed:

As we navigate this transformative journey, engagement is pivotal. My role will be to lead our engagement in Washington and nationally, ensuring that we are not only part of the conversation but driving it forward with clarity and purpose. With regulatory landscapes evolving, it’s paramount that we advocate for policies that not only support the crypto industry but also the countless individuals and businesses that could benefit from these advancements.

With an extensive background in politics and policy, Lauren Belive could bring valuable experience to her role at Ripple. Belive previously worked on Capitol Hill, serving as Policy Director for the House Committee on Rules, where she collaborated with House leadership to coordinate messaging and facilitate the passage of legislation.

Belive’s career began in 2008 when she joined the Obama White House in the Office of Legislative Affairs, where she played a crucial role in advancing significant legislative agendas. 

Lauren Belive also contributed to the Obama for America Campaign 2008 as a Regional Research Director, showcasing her dedication to public service and political campaigns.

All around, Ripple’s decision to hire a former White House staff member underscores its goal to engage with policymakers actively and contribute to the development of crypto-friendly regulations. 

By leveraging Belive’s expertise and insights, Ripple aims to navigate the regulatory landscape effectively and promote the broader adoption of blockchain technology in the finance industry.

As of the current market update, the price of XRP stands at $0.5017, displaying a relatively stable trend over the past week. There has been a slight decrease of 0.1% in the past 24 hours and a 3.3% decrease over the seven days. 

Despite these minor fluctuations, XRP continues to maintain its position as the fifth-largest cryptocurrency in the market.

Featured image from Shutterstock, chart from TradingView.com