Zcash Washington Lobbying Push
Zcash Advocacy Group Registers Its First Washington Lobbyist For Crypto Policy
Anonymous
Key Points
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The group’s predecessor, Pretty Good Policy for Crypto, hosted Washington policy roundtables and organized a congressional briefing on encryption technologies in 2023.
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PGPZ founder Paul Brigner said the group aims to make sure Zcash is “understood, represented, and defended” in policy discussions, arguing that policymakers’ decisions could determine whether privacy-preserving digital cash can exist and be used lawfully.
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PGPZ is a 501(c)(4) organization, and its executive director Divij Pandya previously worked as a partner at FS Vector.
Pretty Good Policy for Zcash (PGPZ), an advocacy group for the privacy-focused cryptocurrency, has registered its first Washington lobbyist as it ramps up efforts to shape US crypto policy. Executive director Divij Pandya filed the registration effective October 1, according to Cointelegraph. The group plans to lobby on the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act and two digital-asset tax proposals, seeking to ensure policymakers understand privacy-preserving digital cash.
PGPZ received $750,000 in funding from Zcash Community Grants to support its first year of operations. The group evolved from Pretty Good Policy for Crypto, which hosted congressional briefings on encryption technologies in 2023. Founder Paul Brigner said the goal is to make Zcash "understood, represented, and defended" in policy discussions, as regulatory decisions could determine whether privacy digital cash can exist and be used legally.
From Policy Roundtables to Official Lobbying
PGPZ's predecessor, Pretty Good Policy for Crypto, started with Washington policy roundtables and organized a congressional briefing on encryption technologies in 2023, according to Crypto Briefing. That grassroots approach laid the groundwork for more formal lobbying efforts. The group is now structured as a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization, giving it legal standing to lobby directly on federal legislation.
Pandya's Background and Leadership
Divij Pandya, the newly registered lobbyist, previously worked as a partner at FS Vector, a financial services firm. Crypto News reports that Pandya now leads PGPZ as executive director, bringing experience in both crypto and traditional finance to the role. His background positions him to bridge conversations between cryptocurrency advocates and Washington policymakers unfamiliar with privacy-focused digital assets.
Three Priority Policy Areas in Focus
PGPZ's lobbying agenda centers on three main issues: the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act and two separate digital-asset tax proposals, according to Bloomberg Bit. These policies are crucial for Zcash's future, as unclear or hostile tax treatment and regulatory frameworks could limit adoption. The group argues that privacy-preserving digital cash serves legitimate purposes and deserves thoughtful policy consideration alongside broader cryptocurrency regulation.
Why Privacy Crypto Needs Washington Representation
Privacy-focused cryptocurrencies like Zcash face regulatory skepticism because they obscure transaction details. Traders Union notes that PGPZ's expansion reflects the industry's recognition that without active lobbying, lawmakers may restrict or ban privacy coins entirely. Brigner emphasized that policymakers' decisions will effectively determine whether privacy digital cash can coexist with financial oversight — making Washington representation essential for Zcash's survival.
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