Bitcoin Foundation Dismisses Global Policy Counsel as It Focuses More on Technology, Less on Regulation

by Leon Pick
Bitcoin Foundation Dismisses Global Policy Counsel as It Focuses More on Technology, Less on Regulation

Bitcoin Foundation has dismissed its global policy counsel, Jim Harper, as it looks to forge ahead in a new direction.

Harper's final day with the foundation was last Wednesday, although he had already received notice of the decision shortly after Thanksgiving.

The Foundation has been looking to change its focus from the Regulation of Bitcoin to its technology. Two months ago, Jon Matonis resigned from his position as executive director, replaced by former general counsel Patrick Murck. On the most recent move, Murck explained:

"The policy aspect was more of a distraction and a drain on resources that we could handle at the moment. Without having that work to be done, there really wasn't a huge role for Jim to do."

Harper intends on running in the election for the Foundation's board of directors which will take place in February. Despite differences in opinion, he is not ready to cut all ties with the Foundation. He told the New York Times in an interview:

"My experience at the foundation was that it wasn't an organization that had a lot of focus and direction. Part of the reason I'm running for the board is because, whether I work there or not, I think the Bitcoin Foundation should have solid leadership and management from the top all the way down."

Another candidate running for the election, Bitcoin enthusiast Cody Wilson, is adamantly opposed to regulation and wants to have the organization dissolved entirely.

Bitcoin Foundation has dismissed its global policy counsel, Jim Harper, as it looks to forge ahead in a new direction.

Harper's final day with the foundation was last Wednesday, although he had already received notice of the decision shortly after Thanksgiving.

The Foundation has been looking to change its focus from the Regulation of Bitcoin to its technology. Two months ago, Jon Matonis resigned from his position as executive director, replaced by former general counsel Patrick Murck. On the most recent move, Murck explained:

"The policy aspect was more of a distraction and a drain on resources that we could handle at the moment. Without having that work to be done, there really wasn't a huge role for Jim to do."

Harper intends on running in the election for the Foundation's board of directors which will take place in February. Despite differences in opinion, he is not ready to cut all ties with the Foundation. He told the New York Times in an interview:

"My experience at the foundation was that it wasn't an organization that had a lot of focus and direction. Part of the reason I'm running for the board is because, whether I work there or not, I think the Bitcoin Foundation should have solid leadership and management from the top all the way down."

Another candidate running for the election, Bitcoin enthusiast Cody Wilson, is adamantly opposed to regulation and wants to have the organization dissolved entirely.

About the Author: Leon Pick
Leon  Pick
  • 1998 Articles
  • 5 Followers
About the Author: Leon Pick
  • 1998 Articles
  • 5 Followers

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