Founding Members Build the Future of Sound Money
Join the inaugural coalition of business leaders shaping constitutional trade and honest money before the September 30 deadline.
Enrollment closes September 30, 2026
Founding Network
Connect directly with pioneers driving the sound money movement. Founding Members form the leadership circle guiding SMTA's initial policies and standards.
Policy and Representation
Access model legislation, rulemaking templates, and coordinated advocacy tools. Founding Members help shape the national playbook for sound money reform.
Legacy and Recognition
Receive lifetime Founding Member status, early access to private briefings, and permanent name recognition across SMTA materials and press announcements.
What SMTA Does
Five pillars of work on behalf of the sound money industry.
Industry Representation & Lobbying
SMTA directly advocates for the precious metals industry with state and federal lawmakers, regulatory agencies, and state policymakers. Our priorities include:
- Recognition of gold and silver as legal tender
- Removing tax barriers on precious metals
- Preventing state-run bullion exchanges & vaulting services
- Standardized definitions for currency, commodity, and collectible
- Protecting consumer choice and voluntary markets
SMTA represents the industry. C4SM activates the grassroots. Together they form a unified legislative influence structure.
Standards that Support Legislation
Industry-backed standards help lawmakers regulate without harming free markets. SMTA publishes:
- Definitions for currency classes
- Reserve, custody, and redemption frameworks
- Security and vaulting guidelines
- Asset-backed digital currency classifications
- Best-practice benchmarks for merchants, exchanges, and custodians
These standards do not impose government-style control. They guide legislators so good laws get written and bad laws do not.
Networking & Industry Collaboration
Founding Members join a national community of businesses working toward the same goal:
- Access to a vast peer network of industry leaders, suppliers, contractors, and peers
- Opportunities for referrals, business leads, and partnerships
- Knowledge sharing and peer learning
- Mentorship, guidance, and professional development connections
- Enhanced visibility and credibility through events and committees
- Broader ecosystem connections
Education & Merchant Support
SMTA provides:
- Merchant acceptance guides
- Provider training
- Legislative briefings for members
- Templates, manuals, and compliance resources
We help merchants and providers adopt sound money safely and lawfully.
Certification & Market Integrity
SMTA recognizes independent auditors, certifiers, and assessors. Members may seek certification to demonstrate:
- Reserve transparency
- Secure custody
- Honest pricing and fair dealing
- AML/KYC compliance
- Safety of client assets
Certification strengthens your credibility with customers and regulators.
"Sound money begins with principled businesses who lead by example."— Daniel Diaz, SMTA Executive Director & Chartering Member
Founding Cohort: Limited to 100 members nationwide.
How It Works
Apply using the short form below
Complete our streamlined application form with your organization details and membership interest.
Interview with the membership team
Discuss alignment with SMTA's mission and learn about exclusive Founding Member benefits.
Join the Founding Circle
Gain access to exclusive onboarding, resources, and the inaugural leadership community.
Apply to Become a Founding Member Before September 30
Enrollment closes September 30, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can become a Founding Member?
What are the benefits of Founding Membership?
When does the Founding window close?
What is the cost to join?
How will I be recognized?
Sound Money Trade Association | support@soundmoneytradeassociation.org