Cryptocurrency Policy, Regulation, and Advocacy by Peter Van Valkenburgh

Peter Van Valkenburgh is Research Director at Coin Center, a Washington-based nonprofit dedicated to policy issues surrounding cryptocurrencies. Since joining in 2014, he has testified before the U.S. Senate and House, briefed European regulators, and authored hundreds of legal analyses. Coin Center’s input during IRS broker-rule consultations attracted over 120,000 public responses, underscoring his impact on U.S. tax frameworks for digital assets.

Van Valkenburgh earned a JD in intellectual property law from NYU and a BA in economics from George Mason University. Focus areas include privacy, open protocols, and First Amendment protections for code. Speaking appearances at Devcon, Bitcoin Policy Summit, and World Bank forums often draw 500+ attendees. Publications have been cited in policy debates across the EU and G7. Annual income, derived from nonprofit leadership, research grants, and speaking, is estimated in the mid-six-figure USD range. With sustained influence in both legal and technical discussions, Van Valkenburgh remains a central figure guiding crypto regulation worldwide.

  • Alena Volkova
  • 07.10.2026
Crypto creates cyberspace rules while AI simulates human traits, Peter Van Valkenburgh notes
Peter Van Valkenburgh explores the contrasting ambitions of crypto and artificial intelligence, stating that crypto seeks to build a simulated physical nature similar to gravity that can be relied ...
  • Igor Krasulya
  • 04.09.2026
Peter Van Valkenburgh: Crypto social networks ready for mainstream adoption push
Peter Van Valkenburgh raises the point that the crypto community has developed user-friendly, user-sovereign social networks that are ready for broad use. He adds that with a substantial budget ...
  • Daria Chernytska
  • 22.07.2026
Senate Clarity Act advances with BRCA intact, Peter Van Valkenburgh notes
Peter Van Valkenburgh shares an initial review of the latest Clarity Act version under consideration in the Senate. He notes that the BRCA component remains intact, emphasizing ongoing support ...
  • Daria Chernytska
  • 16.07.2026
Peter Van Valkenburgh: Digital rights groups increasingly avoid cryptocurrency issues
Peter Van Valkenburgh observes that digital rights groups have become more hesitant to engage in cryptocurrency-related work in recent years. He points out that this reluctance exists even when ...
  • Jose Antonio Gastelum
  • 16.06.2026
Export control laws started first crypto wars, Peter Van Valkenburgh notes
Peter Van Valkenburgh reminds readers that export control laws were the catalyst for the first crypto wars. He points to the connection between government regulations on exports and the early ...
  • Jose Antonio Gastelum
  • 29.05.2026
Peter Van Valkenburgh: $3 trillion allegedly laundered via banks in 2025 amid crypto AML debate
Peter Van Valkenburgh claims that around $3 trillion was laundered through banks in 2025, questioning current narratives that focus on anti-money laundering and Bank Secrecy Act obligations ...
  • Daria Chernytska
  • 14.05.2026
$3 trillion laundered through banks despite surveillance, Peter Van Valkenburgh argues
Peter Van Valkenburgh claims that around $3 trillion were laundered through banks in 2025, despite banks facilitating warrantless surveillance regimes for governments. He contrasts this banking ...
  • Daria Chernytska
  • 12.05.2026
Peter Van Valkenburgh: Resource details history of crypto and unlicensed money transmission laws
Peter Van Valkenburgh highlights an online resource by Jacob that offers an extensive overview of the entire history of cryptocurrency and unlicensed money transmission laws. He emphasizes its ...