Crypto Council for Innovation appoints Ji Hun Kim as permanent CEO to strengthen regulatory engagement

The Crypto Council for Innovation (CCI) has appointed Ji Hun Kim as its permanent chief executive officer, marking a significant leadership transition for the industry advocacy group. Kim, who previously held senior roles at cryptocurrency exchanges Gemini and Kraken, will assume the role after serving as CCI’s interim CEO since January 2025 and as its Chief Legal and Policy Officer prior to that. His appointment underscores the organization’s focus on strengthening its role in shaping regulatory frameworks for digital assets amid heightened scrutiny from policymakers [1].

Kim’s career spans over a decade in legal and regulatory affairs within the cryptocurrency sector. Before joining CCI, he served at Gemini and Kraken, where he addressed compliance challenges and contributed to industry policy discussions. His professional background also includes experience at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP and the U.S. Southern District of New York, where he developed expertise in financial law and cross-jurisdictional regulatory frameworks [2]. Avichal Garg, chair of CCI’s board of directors, highlighted Kim’s ability to navigate complex regulatory environments in the U.S., U.K., EU, and Asia as a key asset for the organization. “His strategic growth of CCI’s membership and deep understanding of regulatory landscapes position him as the right leader for the council’s next phase,” Garg stated [3].

In his first public remarks as CEO, Kim emphasized the importance of aligning technological innovation with public policy. “This is a pivotal moment for the industry, requiring informed engagement grounded in facts, trust, and respect,” he said, reflecting CCI’s mission to bridge gaps between blockchain developers and regulators [4]. His leadership follows the departure of former CEO Sheila Warren in December 2024, who transitioned to leading Project Liberty, a policy-focused initiative. Kim’s prior role as acting CEO provided continuity during the leadership transition.

The selection of Kim aligns with CCI’s broader strategy to address regulatory uncertainty and promote institutional adoption of blockchain technology. Analysts note that his experience in legal strategy and policy advocacy could enhance the council’s influence in drafting favorable frameworks for digital assets [5]. This move also reflects a growing trend of institutionalization within the crypto sector, where trade groups increasingly prioritize legal and policy expertise to navigate evolving regulations.

Kim’s appointment signals a potential shift toward more collaborative approaches between industry stakeholders and regulators. His tenure at CCI comes as governments globally intensify oversight of digital assets, with U.S. lawmakers and financial authorities seeking to balance innovation with consumer protection and systemic risk mitigation. By leveraging his cross-border regulatory experience, Kim aims to position CCI as a key player in shaping balanced policies that support technological advancement while addressing regulatory concerns.

Sources:

[1] Yahoo Finance, [https://finance.yahoo.com/news/cci-appoints-ji-hun-kim-115900245.html](https://finance.yahoo.com/news/cci-appoints-ji-hun-kim-115900245.html)

[2] AInvest, [https://www.ainvest.com/news/crypto-council-innovation-appoints-ji-hun-kim-permanent-ceo-heightened-regulatory-scrutiny-2507/](https://www.ainvest.com/news/crypto-council-innovation-appoints-ji-hun-kim-permanent-ceo-heightened-regulatory-scrutiny-2507/)

[3] Cryptorank, [https://cryptorank.io/news/feed/8a225-crypto-council-for-innovation-names-ji-hun-kim-as-ceo-after-sheila-warren-departure](https://cryptorank.io/news/feed/8a225-crypto-council-for-innovation-names-ji-hun-kim-as-ceo-after-sheila-warren-departure)

[4] CryptoRank, [https://cryptorank.io/news/feed/8a225-crypto-council-for-innovation-names-ji-hun-kim-as-ceo-after-sheila-warren-departure](https://cryptorank.io/news/feed/8a225-crypto-council-for-innovation-names-ji-hun-kim-as-ceo-after-sheila-warren-departure)

[5] Cointelegraph, [https://cointelegraph.com/authors/turner-wright](https://cointelegraph.com/authors/turner-wright)