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Finance and Tech Leaders Hold DC Blockchain Roundtable on Capitol Hill

Members of Congress, regulatory agencies, and industry pioneers educate, collaborate and explore the potential of blockchain technology

Washington, D.C. – May 26, 2016 – The Chamber of Digital Commerce hosted today a roundtable on Capitol Hill between Members of Congress, regulatory agencies and blockchain technology industry pioneers and leaders.

“There is a constellation of key stakeholders in Washington, DC that can impact and influence the direction and adoption of blockchain technology – from regulatory agencies, law enforcement, intelligence, Congress and many others,” said Perianne Boring, Founder and President of the Chamber of Digital Commerce. “Coordinating the various efforts is imperative to enable a policy framework that is both effective, yet interoperable – and most importantly does not stifle investment, jobs or innovation.”

The DC Blockchain Roundtable included participation from some of the world’s largest technology, financial services and blockchain companies, including Bittrex, Bloq, CME Group, ConsenSys, Deloitte, DTCC, and Microsoft.

“Education and engagement with policy makers about this transformative technology is mission critical for the future development and adoption of blockchain-enabled technologies,” said Matthew Roszak, co-founder and chairman of Bloq, an enterprise blockchain software company.

“Distributed ledger technology offers an opportunity to re-think and improve current inefficient processes within the trade lifecycle. DTCC looks forward to helping to lead discussions on this important topic, in collaboration with market participants and policymakers, as this new technology quickly evolves,” said Mark Wetjen, DTCC Managing Director and Head of Global Public Policy.

Topics covered included general educational information about blockchain technology, solutions blockchain technology can bring to the financial services industry, blockchain applications relevant to policymakers and the public sector, and law enforcement concerns and implications.

“Blockchain technology has been, and I believe will continue to be, a positive market disrupter. It has the potential to revolutionize clearing and settling, and I’m interested to see how private sector financial institutions will adopt and use it. I look forward to monitoring and supporting the continued development of this technology and industry,” said Rep. Mick Mulvaney.

“The opportunities and efficiencies that come from distributive ledger technology are just now becoming understood. My job is to educate fellow members of Congress on what this means for future economic growth,” said Rep. David Schweikert.

This roundtable is part of a series of DC Blockchain Roundtables that the Chamber has originated and sponsored for the benefit of the DC policymaking community.

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About the Chamber of Digital Commerce

The Chamber of Digital Commerce is the world’s leading trade association dedicated to promoting the understanding, acceptance and use of digital assets and blockchain-based technologies. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the Chamber is the founder of the Smart Contracts Alliance, the Blockchain Alliance, the Global Blockchain Forum and many other key industry initiatives. For more information, please visit DigitalChamber.org or follow us on Twitter: @ChamberDigital.

Chamber Media Contact:
Erika Zapanta
cdc@transform.pr
(202) 302-6064

Blockchain Technology and Finance Powerhouses Join Forces in DC Microsoft, USAA, Bloq & Symbiont Announce Executive Membership in the Chamber of Digital Commerce

Microsoft, USAA, Bloq & Symbiont Announce Executive Membership in the Chamber of Digital Commerce

WASHINGTON, DC–(Marketwired – May 2, 2016) – The Chamber of Digital Commerce has added leading blockchain technology and financial services companies into the Chamber’s Executive Committee membership — expanding the Chamber’s expertise into financial services, smart contracts and enterprise software.

As blockchain and distributed ledger technologies are reimagining finance and global commerce, concerted efforts in education and advocacy towards lawmakers are necessary for continued growth and innovation.

Marley Gray, Director BizDev & Strategy for Blockchain at Microsoft, said, “Microsoft is thrilled to join the Chamber of Digital Commerce. We firmly believe industry collaborations are critical to bringing distributed ledger technology to market. The work of the Chamber will advance distributed ledger technology in a thoughtful, pragmatic way.”

Matthew Roszak, Co-Founder and Chairman, Bloq, said, “Through my experience in working in technology and finance, engagement with public policymakers is critical for industry growth and success. Bloq is leading the industry’s efforts in enterprise grade blockchain software and we’re proud to be an Executive Committee member of the Chamber of Digital Commerce and help shape the policy dialogue in Washington, DC.”

Mark Smith, Co-Founder and CEO, Symbiont, said, “The Chamber of Digital Commerce will play an important role in maximizing the benefits of distributed ledger and smart contract technologies and their transformative possibilities. Without accomplished advocates for forward-looking policy, they will always be limited.”

Perianne Boring, Founder and President, Chamber of Digital Commerce, said, “Market leading companies continue to enter the blockchain ecosystem at an unprecedented pace — further underlining the importance and potential of this transformative technology — and they quickly realize that education and advocacy efforts are mission-critical to the success of this industry’s future. We welcome Microsoft, USAA, Bloq and Symbiont, and their innovative teams to the Chamber of Digital Commerce and look forward to driving blockchain and distributed ledger technology forward in DC, and beyond.”

The Chamber of Digital Commerce represents the world’s leading innovators, operators and investors in the digital asset and blockchain technology ecosystem, including start-ups, software companies, global IT consultancies, financial institutions and investment firms. Membership is open to all those committed to supporting and expanding this thriving community.

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About the Chamber of Digital Commerce

Chamber Media Contact:
Erin Tye
Paragon Public Relations
Erin@paragonpr.com
+1.646.558.6226