Michelle Bond, a failed U.S. House candidate and partner of ex-FTX executive Ryan Salame, has announced the establishment of a new Washington, DC-based think tank focused on advancing regulatory frameworks for financial technology, digital assets, and artificial intelligence (AI) in the United States.

Bond's decision to launch Digital Future comes amidst legal turmoil surrounding her partner, Salame, who faces imminent imprisonment following his involvement in FTX's downfall. Salame was sentenced to 7.5 years in prison for charges including conspiracy to make unlawful political contributions and operating an unlicensed money-transmitting business. His actions during Bond's 2022 congressional campaign, where she sought a Republican nomination for New York's 1st Congressional District, led to legal repercussions that have now culminated in a prison sentence starting on August 29, 2024.

In her announcement on June 20, Bond highlighted Digital Future's mission to advocate for a favorable regulatory environment crucial for fostering innovation in fintech, digital assets, and AI. She emphasized the urgency for impactful legislation in these sectors, lamenting the current legislative inertia concerning crypto and AI technologies.

Before her involvement with Digital Future, Bond served as the CEO of the Association for Digital Asset Markets and has been leading Capitol Advisory since 2023. Capitol Advisory specializes in advising fintech firms on regulatory and legal matters, leveraging Bond's extensive experience as counsel for the U.S. Senate Banking Committee from 2011 to 2012.

The timing of Digital Future's launch raises questions, particularly as it coincides with the final months leading up to the U.S. presidential election and various state primaries in June. Despite inquiries from Cointelegraph, Digital Future has yet to respond, leaving uncertainties about the think tank's operational details.

Ryan Salame's involvement in unlawful contributions during Bond's congressional campaign underscores the complex legal backdrop surrounding both individuals. Despite his impending incarceration, Salame remains active on his X account, engaging with discussions on cryptocurrency markets and U.S. political developments. His situation adds a personal dimension to the professional challenges faced by Bond in navigating the regulatory landscape for emerging technologies.

As Digital Future prepares to influence U.S. policy on fintech and digital assets, it remains to be seen how the think tank will navigate the intersection of innovation and regulatory scrutiny in the evolving landscape of financial technology. Bond's leadership in this endeavor reflects a commitment to shaping a conducive environment for technological advancement amid legal and political complexities.