a16z Elevates Wuollet to Lead Crypto Regulatory Affairs and Drive Innovation Strategy

The crypto arm of Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) has elevated Guy Wuollet to the position of General Partner, solidifying his influence over the firm's investment direction as the digital asset industry adapts to ongoing regulatory and market changes. Wuollet, who began his journey at a16z in 2020 following an internship during his time at Stanford University, now stands as the fourth general partner in the crypto division.

. His main interests—blockchain infrastructure, decentralized finance (DeFi), and decentralized physical infrastructure networks (DePIN)—are closely aligned with a16z’s overarching goal to harness blockchain advancements.

This advancement comes at a time when a16z and other leading crypto investors are adapting to a shifting regulatory environment, highlighted by recent U.S. policy updates. In the previous month, the Treasury Department and IRS released new rules permitting crypto exchange-traded products (ETPs) to engage in staking and share rewards with investors, a development praised by industry giants like a16z and Paradigm as a significant step forward for innovation.

. This regulatory clarity has allowed compliant funds to incorporate staking into their products, marking a crucial milestone toward broader acceptance.

At the same time, a16z has been proactive in urging the U.S. to establish regulatory frameworks that nurture the crypto sector. In a recent submission to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), the firm highlighted the need for leveraged spot crypto products to be launched on U.S. exchanges, aiming to reduce the migration of retail trading overseas.

. Reports indicate that the CFTC, under Acting Chair Caroline Pham, is in discussions with platforms such as CME and Coinbase Derivatives to potentially roll out these products as soon as next month. .

a16z’s impact is not limited to policy advocacy. The firm has also strategically invested in projects that enhance crypto infrastructure and accessibility. For example, it recently supported ZAR, a fintech company in Pakistan focused on providing stablecoin solutions to the country’s unbanked communities.

. This move fits with a16z’s broader vision to back initiatives that connect traditional financial systems with decentralized technologies.

Wuollet’s new role underscores a16z’s dedication to nurturing leadership and expertise within the crypto landscape. Having overseen more than 20 investments—including interests in

, , and Morpho—the newly appointed general partner is set to further drive progress in areas such as tokenized collateral and interoperability across blockchains. His leadership will be vital as the firm steers through a market still experiencing significant fluctuations, as demonstrated by recent price volatility and large-scale investor activity .

With the digital asset sector advancing, a16z’s combined emphasis on regulatory involvement and venture investment positions the firm to help define the future of crypto adoption. Wuollet’s knowledge, together with the division’s expanding portfolio, equips a16z to tackle both technical and regulatory hurdles in the evolving market.