Ripple Hires Token Taxonomy Act Legislative Lead, Ron Hammond

Cross border payment-focused crypto startup, Ripple has further strengthened its government relations today by adding a former legislative assistant for a U.S Congressman to their ranks.

Ron Hammond who formerly worked with crypto-friendly U.S lawmaker, Warren Davidson revealed Tuesday that he has joined Ripple as the company’s new Manager of Government Relations.

Excited to announce that as of today, I am the new Manager of Government Relations for @Ripple! Thrilled to bring all of my legislative experience, including crafting the Token Taxonomy Act, to the team. Special thanks to @michellebond111 and @s_alderoty for this opportunity!

— Ron Hammond (@RonwHammond) September 3, 2019

His role at the company will likely involve promoting legislative efforts that are beneficial to his new employees and also collaborating with public relations officers to organize campaigns that will earn Ripple the backing of government officials and the public.

Interestingly, Ripple’s latest hire is one that is already familiar with the regulatory difficulties facing crypto startups in the U.S, having worked with other crypto-friendly U.S lawmakers to create the Token Taxonomy Act (TTA)

The TTA as Coinfomania reported in the past is a proposed legislative framework seeking to clarify the status of the different types of cryptocurrencies that exist, and more importantly, exclude most tokens from U.S securities law.

Meanwhile, Hammond’s addition to Ripple’s legal rank was shortly followed by an announcement that the company has also brought in Susan Friedman who worked with the U.S Treasury. Susan Friedman is set to work as the company’s International Policy Counsel as the company looks to engage with regulators globally.

Thrilled to announce I have joined the amazing team @Ripple. Thank you to @michellebond111 and @s_alderoty for this tremendous opportunity and looking forward to jumping in!

— Susan Friedman (@ss_friedman) September 3, 2019

The two recruits also come just in time for the company’s two-year-long lawsuit with investors who claim that the company’s XRP token is unregistered security.

Last month, the legal battle took a new turn after the plaintiffs quoted sections of the SEC’s guidance on crypto tokens as evidence that XRP is a security, claims that the company has denied time and time again.