Facebook hires two more lobbyists for Libra cryptocurrency initiative

Social media giant Facebook has hired two more lobbyists to help navigate its proposed cryptocurrency, Libra, through U.S. lawmakers.

William Hollier, president of Hollier Associates, who has previously worked for Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), the chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, began lobbying for Facebook late last month, according to a disclosure filing.

Hollier worked for Crapo for over ten years during 1993-2002, first as legislative director and then as chief of staff. Hollier Associates counts clients such as Microsoft, Visa and U.S. Chamber of Commerce, among others.

The second hire, Michael Williams of The Williams Group, began lobbying for Facebook in July. Williams was previously a managing director for Credit Suisse Securities in the Public Policy Americas division, and now reportedly has clients including the American Financial Services Association and Delta Air Lines.

Just last week, Facebook hired advisory firm FS Vector, with its partner John Collins, to lead Libra efforts. Collins has previously worked as head of policy for Coinbase.

The social media giant now has at least eight lobbyists for Libra, with previous appointments including Susan Zook of Mason Street Consulting (a former aide to Crapo), Sternhell Group, Davis Polk and others.