Solana Policy Institute Allocates Half-Million Dollars for Developer Legal Support Amid Privacy Protocol Debate

The crypto industry is witnessing a significant shift in how organizations approach developer protection. The Solana Policy Institute announced a substantial $500,000 commitment to support the legal efforts of two prominent developers facing serious federal charges. Roman Storm and Alexey Pertsev, both associated with privacy-focused protocols, are navigating complex legal terrain involving unlicensed remittance business allegations.

Broader Industry Coalition Emerges

This financial pledge represents more than a single donation—it reflects a coordinated response from the crypto community. Over 100 organizations have united behind a formal letter urging U.S. lawmakers to establish legal safeguards for software developers. The initiative emphasizes that builders should not face criminal liability for creating open-source tools, particularly as Congress deliberates new digital asset legislation.

Legal Landscape Evolving

Roman Storm’s recent conviction in New York centers on operating unlicensed remittance services, though the jury deadlocked on money laundering and sanctions-related counts. This mixed verdict outcome has prompted his legal team to prepare a motion challenging the conviction’s validity. The case underscores the gray area between software development and regulatory compliance that continues to trouble the industry.

Industry’s Defense Strategy

The SPI’s substantial financial contribution signals the sector’s commitment to establishing clearer legal boundaries. By coordinating with over a hundred organizations, the crypto space is sending a unified message: developers building privacy-enhancing tools deserve legal protection comparable to researchers or academics in traditional tech sectors. This defense framework may set precedent for how the industry supports creators facing similar prosecutorial challenges going forward.