Keeping crypto innovation in the U.S. with policy, ft. Sigal Mandelker of Ribbit Capital

In this Block by Block podcast episode, Donnell Dixon interviews Seagal Mandelker about her distinguished career spanning the Justice Department, Homeland Security, and Treasury Department, where she oversaw sanctions, anti-money laundering, and crypto regulation. Mandelker shares how her background as a child of Holocaust survivors motivated her public service focus on preventing illicit finance and human rights violations. She discusses Treasury's collaborative approach to crypto regulation, emphasizing partnership with industry rather than enforcement-only tactics. Mandelker explains why she transitioned to Ribbit Capital, a fintech and crypto-focused VC firm, to address financial inclusion gaps in emerging markets. She advocates for US regulatory clarity to keep crypto innovation domestic, warning that unclear rules push talented founders overseas. The conversation highlights the importance of government-industry dialogue for effective policy and innovation.