Newsletter: September 2018
- Token Alliance Releases “Understanding Digital Tokens” Report
- Chamber Expands its Policy Department
- Chamber Blog Now Available
- Executive Committee Meeting Takes Place in Chicago
- Chamber Celebrates Fourth Anniversary
Token Alliance Releases First Report: “Understanding Digital Tokens: Market Overviews & Guidelines for Policymakers & Practitioners”
In case you’ve missed it, the Token Alliance, an initiative of the Chamber of Digital Commerce co chaired by former SEC commissioner Paul Atkins and former CFTC Commissioner and Chair James Newsome released its first installment of a comprehensive set of token and ICO guidelines. The report brings together 350+ industry technologists, economists, executives, lawyers and others to address some of the ideas that are quickly coming into focus for the blockchain industry — including the notion of self-governance for token sponsors and token trading platforms.
The report is the first of a series to equip both industry and policymakers with tools to move the token ecosystem forward. This first edition:
- Provides guidelines for Token Sponsors and Token Trading Platforms for the generation and distribution of digital tokens to enable responsible governance and help to minimize fraud in the industry.
- Contains overviews of the laws impacting digital tokens from five countries (with more to be added in later editions)
- Provides a comprehensive market overview and trends analysis of the token economy.
Chamber Expands its Policy Department to Drive Blockchain Initiatives
We recently announced the expansion of our policy department with the promotion of Amy Davine Kim as Chief Policy Officer and new hire of Paul Brigner as Director of Technology Policy.
Previously the Chamber’s Global Policy Director and General Counsel, Amy will continue to shape the Chamber’s public dialogue and deliver solutions to address important legislative and regulatory needs in the blockchain and digital assets space. She will lead the growing policy and legal team responsible for shaping global, national, and state-specific public policy efforts for the blockchain industry.
As a member of the policy team, Paul will lead a number of special initiatives at the Chamber, including working groups addressing smart contracts, intellectual property and accounting. He joins the Chamber from Georgetown University where he served as Managing Director of the Blockchain Technology and Ecosystem Design Research Center and will continue to serve as an advisor to that group to promote blockchain research for the industry.
View press release here.
Chamber Blog Now Available!
Stay up-to-date on all the latest Chamber endeavors, current events and membership spotlights in the Chamber’s newly published blog!
Check out the new blog here.
Chamber Celebrates its Fourth Anniversary!
This summer, the Chamber of Digital Commerce celebrated its four-year anniversary as the world’s largest trade association representing more than 200 of the most exciting and inventive companies in the digital asset and blockchain industry. We’re proud of the work we’ve accomplished, the relationships we’ve created, and the overall growth and transformation we’ve seen across the blockchain ecosystem!
In July 2014, when we first opened our doors, the sentiment surrounding bitcoin and blockchain technology was that of fear, anxiety, and skepticism. At the time, few in Washington, D.C. understood the key functions and benefits of blockchain. And it was clear that a strong and unified voice was required to move the industry forward. We’re pleased to be that voice, and look forward to helping our members build the future of blockchain!
See the Chamber’s top 10 moments here.
Executive Committee & Advisory Board Meeting Takes Place in Chicago
The Chamber recently held its Executive Committee & Advisory Board Meeting in Chicago to discuss a number of special projects and initiatives underway at the Chamber. The group met to strategize on the future of the Chamber’s working groups, provide feedback on upcoming activities, and to discuss the global blockchain policy landscape. We appreciate the input of those Executive Committee members in attendance who were able to contribute to setting the Chamber’s priorities for the next 12 months.
Interested in joining the Executive Committee? Inquire within!
Blockchain Live
Sept. 26, 2018, London, UKThe Economist’s Finance Disrupted
Oct. 2, 2018, New York, NYCFTC FinTech Conference
Oct. 3, 2018, Washington, DC Wipfli Community Banking Forum
Oct. 9, 2018, Dekalb, ILDC FinTech Week
Nov. 5-8, 2018, Washington, DCBlockchain for Insurance
Nov. 13-14, 2018, Philadelphia, PABlockchain Expo North America
Nov. 28-29, 2018, Santa Clara, CA
Join us for DC FinTech Week November 5-8!
Georgetown University’s Institue of International Economic Law is hosting the second annual DC FinTech Week Nov. 5-8. Join us as thought leaders from FinTech firms across the country describe their business, and explain how their services intersect with markets for a Washington, DC audience consisting of policymakers, market participants, academics, lawyers, and regulators.
See more information here.
Chamber Joins Fox Business’ Morning with Maria
Perianne Boring joined Maria Bartiromo to discuss the current state of bitcoin and other virtual currencies in regards to price, volatility and overall success of the industry.
“The price of bitcoin is not the best indicator of the success of the ecosystem. I would encourage you to look at jobs created, projects underway, new companies and companies who are going public.”
Listen to the full interview here.
Chamber Joins Nasdaq Trade Talks
Perianne Boring, Founder and President, Chamber of Digital Commerce and Paul Atkins, Chief Executive Officer, Patomak Global Partners and Former SEC Commissioner, joined Jill Malandrino on NASDAQ’s Trade Talks to discuss the Token Alliance Report.
“We decided as a community to issue principles on how to facilitate responsible issuances of tokens and how to build proper tokenized networks.”
View interview here.
Current Securities Laws Aren’t Appropriate for Blockchain, ICOs
Perianne Boring and Token Alliance Chair Paul Atkins joined Bloomberg Markets AM with Pimm Fox and Lisa Abramowicz to discuss the Chamber’s new report on digital tokens, and what it means for the digital assets industry.
“Blockchain technology needs to flourish in the United States. This is not about circumventing regulations it’s about coming up with regulatory approaches that are appropriate for the 21st century.”
Listen to the full interview here.
Billions of Dollars Have Migrated to the Blockchain. Now What?
Token Alliance Co-Chairs Paul Atkins and James Newsome discuss the new Token Alliance Guidelines in a Morning Consult op-ed.
“The blockchain sector’s continued innovation will be fueled through the distribution and use of digital tokens – essentially, electronic encrypted contracts that entitle the holder to specific rights.”
View full op-ed here.
WUSA 9 “Climbing the Hill” Featuring Perianne Boring
Perianne Boring showcases the Chamber and its initiatives in the WUSA 9 feature series “Climbing the Hill” with anchor Matt Gregory.
Watch the full feature here.
Enter Bitcoin: Your Future Revealed in George Gilder’s
“Life After Google”
“Life After Google”
George Gilder, an Advisory Board member of the Chamber, published “Life After Google: The Fall of Big Data and The Rise of the Blockchain Economy” earlier this summer. The new book discusses the blockchain movement and its upcoming transformation of our daily lives. This review, written by Chamber Senior Counselor Ralph Benko, summarizes the book and its impact on the industry.
Read the full review here.