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Chris O'Brien is a partner and head of the crypto practice at Venable LLP. He advises Web3 companies on regulatory compliance and engagement with regulators. He focuses on helping builders navigate US crypto regulation while maintaining innovation.
1Interview
2026First on the show
Apr 2026Latest appearance
43 minOn camera
42:41
Latest interview · Apr 27, 2026Chris O'Brien on crypto compliance and regulatory engagement in 2026Watch the episode →
In their own words
“Get good legal advice and don't assume that legal stuff is either unimportant or just complicated BS because it's not.”
Key points from the latest interview
- Regulatory clarity is beneficial for business growth, and crypto industry participants now recognize that clear rules enable compliance and business thriving.
- The Trump administration has shifted away from crypto task forces at the SEC and DOJ, but comprehensive market structure legislation like the Clarity Act remains unpassed.
- The GENIUS Act for stablecoin regulation has passed, with implementing rules still being written under the new administration.
- Using ChatGPT for legal advice creates serious risks around confidentiality, missing context, and false confidence in crypto compliance matters.
- Crypto winters typically last about 18 months and have historically not prevented long-term industry growth despite creating winners and losers.