DeFi Education Fund
Nonprofit advocating for DeFi policy education and research
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About DeFi Education Fund
DeFi Education Fund (DEF) is a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit advocacy group focused on policy research, public education, and legal action for decentralized finance. Its core mission is to secure clear and fair regulatory treatment for DeFi developers and users, particularly preventing non-custodial software developers from being misclassified as exchanges or brokers burdened with traditional financial intermediary obligations.
The market pain point it addresses is that regulators often apply traditional intermediary frameworks to decentralized protocols, creating uncertain compliance risks for developers and underlying technology. DEF influences policy through comment letters, legislative engagement, educational materials, and litigation when necessary.
Key developments from March to September 2026: In March, DEF and Beba voluntarily dismissed their lawsuit challenging the SEC's treatment of free airdrops, following the SEC's public clarification that airdrops do not constitute securities transactions. The organization also published an explainer on the Promoting Innovation in Blockchain Development Act and urged U.S. universities to integrate DeFi into curricula. In April, DEF submitted comments to the SEC urging a functional test for exchange rules so smart contracts and developers are not treated as exchanges. In May, it supported the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act as it advanced out of the Senate Banking Committee on a 15-9 vote, while publicly criticizing amendments that weakened non-controlling developer protections. DEF also co-submitted comments with the Solana Policy Institute on GENIUS Act AML rulemaking. In June, DEF co-launched the Open Protocol Security Coalition (OPSeC) to provide free on-chain security resources, and established Defend Developers PAC to support congressional candidates who protect developer rights.
DeFi Education Fund (DEF) is the only Washington-based policy advocacy organization exclusively focused on DeFi, dedicated to protecting developer and user rights. Key long-term milestones include:
Establishment as a nonpartisan nonprofit, becoming the core representative of the DeFi industry in policy discussions.
Leading efforts to pass a Congressional Review Act resolution overturning the IRS's controversial DeFi broker rule, and successfully securing dismissal of related litigation.
Supporting the GENIUS Act into law, establishing a regulatory framework for stablecoins while ensuring DeFi is not over-restricted.
Pushing the DOJ to issue a memorandum ending 'regulation-by-prosecution' of digital assets, leading to partial dismissal of charges against Roman Storm and Samourai Wallet developers.
Submitting expert reports and amicus briefs in cases involving Tornado Cash developer Roman Storm, Alexey Pertsev, and Samourai Wallet, defending software developers.
Recently filing an amicus brief in the Ethereum MEV case, arguing prosecutorial misinterpretation of law, but opposed by U.S. prosecutors; the case may be retried.
These milestones show DEF shaping DeFi policy through legislative, executive, and judicial channels, with lasting impact.
Over the past six months, DeFi Education Fund (DEF) has advanced its policy and security agenda. In March, DEF and Beba LLC voluntarily dismissed their lawsuit against the SEC after the agency clarified that airdrops are not securities, marking a major regulatory win. DEF also co-signed an open letter urging U.S. universities to integrate DeFi into curricula.
In May–June, DEF and Solana Policy Institute submitted comment letters to the OCC and FinCEN/OFAC on stablecoin and anti-money laundering rules, advocating for custody-based compliance and preserving non-custodial developer exemptions.
On June 23, DEF launched the Open Protocol Security Coalition (OPSeC) with Security Alliance and Asymmetric Research, creating a central hub for free cybersecurity resources, best practices, and educational events for blockchain teams.
Looking ahead, DEF prioritizes: 1) advancing the CLARITY Act and PIBDA for regulatory clarity; 2) expanding OPSeC into a self-sustaining security resource network; 3) deepening academic partnerships for DeFi education; and 4) continued advocacy for developer-friendly policy at state and federal levels.
Amanda Tuminelli (Executive Director): Former Chief Legal Officer of DeFi Education Fund, now Executive Director. She has extensive legal experience, having worked at Kobre & Kim on crypto and blockchain cases, and previously clerked for Judge Ann M. Donnelly of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York.
Greg Xethalis (Board Member): Currently serves as a board member of DeFi Education Fund; detailed biography is not publicly available.
Jennifer Rosenthal (Chief Communications Officer): Oversees communications and marketing. Previously served as Head of Corporate Communications at Grayscale Investments, and worked at FGS Global and Pearson.