Ken Lawson no longer ‘crypto-consulting’ for Jimmy Patronis

No conundrum here: Ken Lawson is “no longer consulting on cryptocurrency matters” for Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, according to a spokeswoman.

Last summer, Lawson agreed to be Patronis’ volunteer “cryptocurrency advisor” when he was CEO of VISIT FLORIDA, the state’s public-private tourism marketing arm.

But, at Gov. Ron DeSantis‘ request, he later switched jobs to become Executive Director of the Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), the jobs-creating agency. That’s when he quit ‘crypto-consulting’ for Patronis.

Patronis had said he wanted Lawson to “lead efforts to identity a ‘cryptocurrency chief’ and collaborate with stakeholders to ensure innovation and economic development are at the forefront while getting ahead of potential fraud.”

Patronis’ Department of Financial Services is often asked to opine on the legality of cryptocurrency concerns that want to do business in Florida through what are called “declaratory statements;” the department enforces the state’s “money services businesses” chapter of state law.

Lawson has held senior positions with federal law enforcement agencies, including serving as the Assistant Secretary of Enforcement for the Department of the Treasury where he had oversight of federal law enforcement agencies responsible for protection of America’s financial system.

He also spent time in the financial services industries in the private sector, including a year as Chief of the Financial Crimes Prevention Project in Jakarta, Indonesia, where he directed international anti-money laundering, anticorruption, and counterterrorist financing projects.

When asked about Lawson’s work during his crypto-advising stint, DEO spokeswoman Tiffany Vause said “it would be best to follow-up with CFO Patronis’ communications office on any advice provided to him by Director Lawson at the time he was serving as a voluntary consultant.”

Devin Galetta, Patronis’ spokesman, didn’t offer details. The CFO was “proud that Lawson continues to serve our great state as head of DEO, and he is grateful for (his) guidance as a cryptocurrency advisor,” he said.

Moreover, Patronis said whoever replaces former Office of Financial Regulation (OFR) Commissioner Drew Breakspear will take the lead on future cryptocurrency concerns.

Breakspear quit last year, a political casualty of then-Gov. Rick Scott‘s administration. Patronis – Scott’s friend and political ally – had told Breakspear he “no longer ha(d) confidence” in his ability to lead OFR, which acts as the state’s watchdog for the financial industry.

“Florida is fortunate to have an incredible slate of candidates for OFR Commissioner and the person who assumes that role will be heavily involved in advising our office on cryptocurrency issues,” Galetta said.

“CFO Patronis plans to work with the next OFR Commissioner to foster innovation while ensuring safeguards are in place for consumers.”