Crypto Policy Forum Medici Hires Former Messari Exec as President

Crypto research and policy forum Medici Network has named former Messari executive Maartje Bus as its new president, Decrypt has learned. 

The appointment comes amid rising institutional interest in digital assets—a trend that Bus, whose 25-year career spans both Wall Street and crypto, is well positioned to help Medici capitalize on.

In her new role, Bus, who most recently served as vice president and head of research at crypto research firm Messari, will oversee day-to-day operations and help shape new ventures aimed at scaling Medici’s influence among asset managers, policymakers, and infrastructure providers.

Her appointment comes just days before the start of Medici LA, the network’s flagship annual gathering, which kicks off May 4 in Beverly Hills. The Medici confabs are the brainchild of Adam Winnick, co-founder of the crypto-focused investment firm Finality Capital Partners. Winnick launched Medici LA in 2018 with the goal of helping crypto—then still a relatively nascent industry—gain institutional acceptance.

This year’s invite-only summit is expected to feature a curated group of hedge fund managers, venture capitalists, regulators, and institutional allocators for a series of off-the-record discussions on tokenization, U.S. crypto legislation, and the accelerating convergence of AI and finance. 

“Medici fills a critical gap for institutions exploring digital assets,” Bus told Decrypt. “I’ve been impressed with how the network seamlessly cuts through the noise to create real connections and trusted insights that guide institutional investors in a fast-moving market.”

In addition to expanding Medici’s research capabilities, Winnick told Decrypt that Bus is preparing to lead efforts on policy engagement with U.S. and international regulators. This comes as Washington, under President Donald Trump’s leadership, has increasingly adopted a more open and friendly approach toward the $3 trillion crypto industry and its participants. 

Prior to her career in crypto, Bus held senior roles at Thomson Reuters, Lehman Brothers, and Citigroup, spanning both traditional finance and emerging markets, making her a natural fit to help Medici bridge the worlds of legacy finance and crypto innovation.

“Maartje brings a wealth of experience at the intersection of blockchain and capital markets. She joins at a time of exponential growth for Medici and the broader digital asset industry,” said Winnick. “As the pace of adoption accelerates, we need the most trusted voices at the table. Maartje will be a key partner as we continue to provide world-class insights to our community.”