CCI Appoints Ji Hun Kim Chief Executive Officer, Adds SoFi as Member

WASHINGTON, July 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Crypto Council for Innovation (CCI) today announced that Ji Hun Kim has been appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) by the Board of Directors. Kim's appointment arrives at a pivotal moment for global digital asset policy, particularly in the U.S. Following the signing into law of the bipartisan GENIUS Act, as well as recent House passage of the CLARITY Act, momentum is building toward a more stable, secure, and innovation-forward digital economy.

A crypto-native executive with deep experience in global policy, regulation, and financial markets, Kim has played a central role in shaping CCI's strategic direction and deepening its credibility with stakeholders around the world. His leadership reflects CCI's commitment to principled, pragmatic engagement with policymakers and regulators.

"On behalf of the Board, we are proud to have Ji as our new CEO," said Avichal Garg, Chair of CCI's Board of Directors. "Ji has led with credibility and clarity, supporting major legislative efforts in Congress, engaging international regulators, and serving as a trusted resource for CCI members across jurisdictions. His ability to navigate complex regulatory landscapes at the U.S. federal and state level, as well as in the UK, EU, and in Asia, while strategically growing our membership, makes him the right leader for CCI's next phase of growth."

Kim served as CCI's President and Acting CEO since January 2025, following his tenure as the organization's Chief Legal and Policy Officer. Prior to joining CCI, he was a senior executive at Gemini, a global digital asset exchange and custodian, and held legal roles at Kraken, another global digital asset exchange, Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, and as a federal judicial law clerk in the Southern District of New York (Bankruptcy).

"I'm honored by the Board's trust and deeply grateful for the support of my colleagues. I am energized by the important work ahead," said Ji Hun Kim. "This is a pivotal moment of evolution for our industry, one that requires serious, informed engagement. I look forward to continuing to build an institution that serves as a bridge between technology and public policy, grounded in facts, trust, and respect around the world. It is truly a privilege to represent CCI's members and a responsibility I take seriously."

"We applaud the selection of Ji Kim as permanent CEO of CCI," said Jason Goggins, Senior Vice President, Federal Government Relations, Fidelity Investments. "Ji has been a steady hand at the helm of CCI since assuming the Acting CEO role in January, growing our membership, serving as a tireless advocate on Capitol Hill and with regulators, and aptly navigating a time of exceptional change in Washington."

"Ji brings a wealth of knowledge and experience as a seasoned crypto industry attorney and advocate, and we're thrilled for him to take the helm of CCI as CEO," said Michele Korver, Head of Regulatory, a16z. "A trusted and credible voice to policymakers, Ji is well positioned to support and advocate for the blockchain industry in DC and globally as they navigate the crucial next steps in regulation and legislation."

Under Kim's leadership, CCI's global team deepened its policy engagement. It has contributed substantive, technical input on landmark legislation including the GENIUS and CLARITY Acts, and engaged directly with regulators including the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, U.S. Department of Treasury, the UK Financial Conduct Authority, the European Commission, and other global regulators to help advance clear rules of the road for the digital economy.  

In parallel, Kim has overseen a period of significant strategic growth for CCI's membership. Over the past six months, CCI welcomed industry leaders such as PayPal, Bitpanda, MoonPay, Kraken, Galaxy, and Paxos to its organization. In addition, CCI's Proof of Stake Alliance has expanded to include prominent members such as Jito Labs, Marinade, Alluvial, Consensys, and Babylon.

Today, CCI is proud to announce its newest member, SoFi. 

SoFi's membership marks a meaningful expansion of the Council's reach into the broader financial services sector. As an innovative leader in fintech and banking, offering their members a one-stop shop for digital financial services, SoFi's decision to join CCI highlights the growing integration of digital assets into modern financial services and reflects the maturing policy environment that CCI has helped shape.

"I am proud to welcome SoFi to CCI. SoFi's membership signals growing confidence in digital assets and the direction of policy and highlights the importance of bridging innovation with institutional standards," said Kim. "We have great respect for SoFi's team and their vision and look forward to partnering with them on the road ahead."

About the Crypto Council for Innovation

The Crypto Council for Innovation is the premier global alliance for advancing innovation. It believes in leading with a global view, advocating for inclusive regulation, and developing evidence-based insights to support government and business leaders. It has teams in Washington D.C., New York, Denver, San Francisco, London, Brussels, and Hong Kong.

Media contact: Amanda Russo | Director of Communications | amanda@cryptocouncil.org | +1 510 761 1657

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SOURCE Crypto Council for Innovation