Author: Chamber

DC Blockchain Summit 2019 Day 2

by Chamber

Fourth Annual
DC Blockchain Summit
Wraps Up

DC Blockchain Summit 2019 Finishes First Day

 

The DC Blockchain Summit 2019 brought together the best and brightest from the industry and the public sector. This morning, we heard from Congressman Tom Emmer, Co-Chair, Congressional Blockchain Caucus (R-MN), who recognized that “the Chamber is in the best position to represent the many diverging branches of the blockchain ecosystem and unify the industry.” Congressman Emmer supported the Chamber’s proposed National Action Plan for Blockchain and reminded his colleagues in government to take pause and consider that “before we stifle, we must encourage the private sector to develop these technologies. The National Action Plan provides a needed call for clear regulation prior to enforcement.”

Matthew Roszak, Co-founder & Chairman, Bloq, and Manmeet Singh, Chief Financial & Investment Officer, EMURGO, discussed their predictions for the future of tokenization. They anticipate that in 2019 we will see more corporations coming out with genuine use cases, particularly in the supply chain.

Jonathan Johnson, President, Medici Ventures, later moderated a panel to discuss the future of blockchain in voting. He noted that “blockchain will be bigger than the Internet and it will transform our lives.”

Mark Fisk, Public Service Blockchain Leader, IBM Global Business Services, highlighted the important shift from placing emphasis on blockchain projects to now discussing innovation projects that also include blockchain technology.

The day wrapped up with Erik Bethel, Executive Director, The World Bank, who discussed how the organization is examining the use of blockchain for financial inclusion and infrastructure projects globally.

The Summit this year focused on the progress and accomplishments of the industry to date, as well as a look forward toward the future of the blockchain industry.

Just because the Summit has ended doesn’t mean the conversation is over. We encourage you to continue to follow @DigitalChamber and join us next year on March 11-12, 2020.

DC Blockchain Summit 2019 Day 1

by Chamber

DC Blockchain Summit 2019
Finishes First Day

DC Blockchain Summit 2019 Finishes First Day

 

Thank you to everyone who joined the Chamber of Digital Commerce, Georgetown University’s Center for Financial Markets and Policy, and our title sponsor Cisco as we kicked off the fourth annual DC Blockchain Summit.

Day one included a presentation on our National Action Plan for Blockchain from Perianne Boring, President and Founder, and Amy Davine Kim, Chief Policy Officer, Chamber of Digital Commerce. The core ideas of the National Action Plan for Blockchain were carried throughout the day.

The Chamber also announced the addition of financial futures industry leader Don Wilson to its Advisory Board. We also heard from regulators and experts who provided insights on token regulation in the United States.

U.S. SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce; Counselor Craig Phillips of the U.S. Dept. of the Treasury; CFTC Chairman J. Christopher Giancarlo; and Under Secretary Manisha Singh of the U.S. Dept. of State shared their views on the industry. Key themes included harmonizing regulatory regimes and modernizing laws to keep pace with innovators. They shared their views on the importance of engaging with industry stakeholders to enable them to explore and build public and private solutions using blockchain.

We learned from Internet pioneer Steve Crocker about how the Internet was built decades ago, why it is relevant to blockchain innovation today, and how it will impact future economies.

In his keynote entitled, “Breaking Barriers to Blockchain Adoption: Getting to ‘Planet Scale’ Trust,” Cisco Head of Blockchain Anoop Nannra proposed that it is time to consider the immense value of blockchain technology for the supply chain.

Jill Malandrino of Nasdaq interviewed Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse who expressed an optimistic outlook on the future of blockchain but also advised innovators to be clear on why they believe blockchain is necessary to their solutions.

Anoop Nannra, Head of Blockchain, Cisco: “It is clear that there is a collaborative environment developing here with the groups interacting through the Chamber to co-develop and co-build our new blockchain-based innovative markets.”

Valerie Szczepanik, Senior Advisor for Digital Assets and Innovation, U.S. SEC: “Internally, government policy and regulatory professionals are seriously thinking about blockchain and, as regulators, we are seeking input from industry. Where there is rapid evolution, we don’t want to prescribe regulations and we want to provide for flexibility.”

Daniel Gorfine, Chief Innovation Officer and Director and LabCFTC, U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission: “We started to get the sense last year that in 2019 people would get beyond seeing blockchain narrowly as crypto-assets, and see that the technology could underpin and support lots of industries through automation and smart contracts.”

Brendan Blumer, CEO, Block.one:  “We’ve always been building with straw and hay. Now we have cement.”

Paul Atkins, CEO of Patomak Global Partners and Former Commissioner, U.S. SEC: “Yes Virginia, there does exist a utility token.”

Manisha Singh, Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment, U.S. Dept. of State: “Blockchain can improve data collection for the census and other valuable applications for the public. We are watching how other nations are utilizing these technologies. We would like to see humanitarian assistance work more effectively and we want to see other countries adopt a light touch regulatory approach. As government, sometimes the best thing we can do is stay out of the way and let innovators innovate.”

Christopher Giancarlo, Chairman, U.S. CFTC: “So, what should your approach be as innovators? My advice to you is this: Keep going! Solve problems. Innovate boldly, innovate with integrity and innovate intelligently. Get competent advice. Follow the law. Keep going. Do not be afraid.”

John Pigott, CEO and Co-founder, ABE Global, “You need all the players at the table, the task now is to combine the best of the best, to bring the energy of the tokenized world together with the compliant capitalized world.”

See our recap from Day 2 of the DC blockchain Summit 2019.

Chamber of Digital Commerce Welcomes Don Wilson to Its Advisory Board & Seven New Executive Committee Members

by Chamber

Newsroom

Chamber of Digital Commerce Welcomes Don Wilson to Its Advisory Board & Seven New Executive Committee Members

Block.one, Cumberland, MakerDAO, Ownum, PwC, Quantstamp and TrustToken
Join Leading Blockchain Trade Association

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – March 6, 2019 – The Chamber of Digital Commerce announces the addition of Don Wilson, founder and CEO of DRW, to its Advisory Board. In addition, seven new companies have joined the Executive Committee of the world’s leading blockchain trade association. The announcement was made today at the DC Blockchain Summit 2019 held in partnership with Georgetown University’s Center for Financial Markets and Policy.

Don Wilson, an influential leader in the financial industry, is a co-founder and board member of blockchain companies ErisX and Digital Asset Holdings. He founded DRW, a proprietary trading firm, after starting his career on the floor of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange in the late 1980s. DRW was also an early adopter of blockchain technology, launching Cumberland, its cryptoasset trading arm, back in 2014. Today, Cumberland is a global leader in cryptoassets, specializing in two-sided, 24/7 liquidity.

“Don Wilson is a prominent figure in both traditional capital markets and the blockchain community, and we are honored to add his passion for blockchain technology and overall financial expertise to our team,” said Perianne Boring, founder and president, Chamber of Digital Commerce. “I’m also pleased to welcome our new Executive Committee members who will serve as strategic partners in achieving our mission toward advancing the long-term success of the blockchain ecosystem.”

“Incredibly grateful and excited to have Don Wilson join the Chamber’s Advisory Board,” said Matthew Roszak, chairman of the Chamber of Digital Commerce and co-founder of Bloq. “This industry’s trajectory is directly correlated to those building and investing in this ecosystem, and we are extremely fortunate to have Don, DRW, Cumberland and his team all making strategic imprints on so many keystone projects and platforms.”

The seven new members bring a wide-range of expertise across a number of industries to the Chamber, including those innovating in financial services, smart contracts, and enterprise blockchain solutions.

New Member Statements:

Block.one
“As we enter the era of data privacy, ownership, and regulation, blockchain technology will introduce a new digital mainframe for society impacting all aspects of commerce, communication, and government. We look forward to working with the Chamber to ensure the United States remains competitive and at the forefront of this fundamental technology,” said Brendan Blumer, CEO of Block.one.

Cumberland – A DRW Company
“Cumberland is one of the most enthusiastic advocates for the crypto community and is committed to initiatives that support the responsible evolution of the ecosystem. As a member of the Chamber of Digital Commerce, we look forward to engaging the policy community around the importance and potential of these technologies and helping this emerging market mature,” Don Wilson, founder and CEO, DRW.

MakerDAO
“The true key to unlocking the great potential of blockchain will come with the widespread adoption of stablecoins. MakerDAO is pleased to be a member of the Chamber of Digital Commerce and we are dedicated to helping educate the policy community on the massive benefits of this technology,” Steven Becker, President and COO, MakerDAO.

Ownum
“As a company focused on unlocking business growth and leveraging blockchain technology to make government more efficient, we’re pleased to join the Chamber’s Executive Committee. Ownum recognizes the Chamber’s commitment and shares its values toward working with policymakers to ensure the future of this technology,” Shane Bigelow, CEO, Ownum.

PwC
“PwC is committed to continuing innovation as a leader in digital services through its research and development of global business solutions. We are pleased to be a member of the Chamber of Digital Commerce,” Scott Likens, New Services and Emerging Technology Leader, PwC.

Quantstamp
“Quantstamp aims to develop new smart contract analysis techniques to lead the industry with our smart contract security services, products, and foundational decentralized protocols. We are pleased to be a member of the Chamber of Digital Commerce and to serve as co-chair of its Smart Contracts Alliance,” Richard Ma, CEO, Quantstamp. 

TrustToken
“The TrustToken platform and TrueUSD stablecoin are transforming the tokenization of assets and democratizing the global economy. As a Chamber member, we want to support efforts to promote acceptance and education of cryptocurrency benefits to businesses globally,” Danny An, CEO, TrustToken.

About the Chamber of Digital Commerce

Headquartered in Washington, DC, the Chamber of Digital Commerce is the world’s first and largest trade association representing the digital asset and blockchain industry. For more information, please visit: DigitalChamber.org, and follow us @DigitalChamber.

Media Contact
Marie Knowles
+1 202.656.8037
marie@digitalchamber.org

Chamber of Digital Commerce Expands Leadership Team

by Chamber

Newsroom

Chamber of Digital Commerce Expands Leadership Team

Leading Blockchain Advocacy Organization Announces the Hire of New
VP of Member Services and VP of Business Development

 

WASHINGTON, D.C., February 26, 2019 – The Chamber of Digital Commerce, the world’s leading blockchain trade association, announced the expansion of its leadership team with the addition of Eric Fredell as Vice President of Member Services and Patrick South as Vice President of Business Development.

The Chamber represents more than 200-member companies, from startups to multinational organizations, which are innovating in and developing solutions in the blockchain and digital asset space. One of the Chamber’s key goals in 2019 is to call among the highest level of U.S. government to recognize the growth of blockchain as a national priority. The addition of these two dynamic leaders will be key in the Chamber achieving its mission.

“The Chamber’s membership drives our many initiatives and we have grown significantly since our inception in 2014. I’m pleased to welcome Eric Fredell to our team to help us grow and expand our membership program,” said Perianne Boring, founder and president, Chamber of Digital Commerce. “I am also excited to welcome Patrick South to our team. The Chamber will greatly benefit from his wealth of experience and shared values for innovation and creativity.”

Eric Fredell joins the Chamber as Vice President of Member Services. Prior to the Chamber, he was Vice President of Membership at the Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA), a trade association serving software and digital content companies in financial services, education and media industries. Previously, he also served for 10 years at the U.S. Department of State and Commerce, working on a range of international trade policy issues and export promotion programs.

Patrick South joins the Chamber as the Vice President of Development. Previously, he was the blockchain practice lead at Accenture Federal Services where he helped clients move beyond traditional technology strategies by shifting to innovative architectures, methods and tools which drive new capabilities, value and outcomes. South has spent the majority of his career focused on the defense sector and intelligence community and brings a wealth of program management experience and systems development knowledge to the Chamber.

Meet the Chamber team at the DC Blockchain Summit, March 6-7, 2019. The Summit is the organization’s annual gathering held in partnership with Georgetown University’s Center for Financial Markets and Policy.

Learn more about the Chamber of Digital Commerce, membership, and its core initiatives and advocacy efforts at digitalchamber.org.

About the Chamber of Digital Commerce

Headquartered in Washington, DC, the Chamber of Digital Commerce is the world’s first and largest trade association representing the digital asset and blockchain industry. For more information, please visit: DigitalChamber.org, and follow us @DigitalChamber.

Media Contact
Marie Knowles
+1 202.656.8037
marie@digitalchamber.org

Chamber of Digital Commerce Delivers Proposed National Action Plan for Blockchain

by Chamber

Newsroom

Chamber of Digital Commerce Delivers Proposed
National Action Plan for Blockchain
 

Leading Blockchain Advocacy Organization Calls for the United States Government to Make a Commitment to Blockchain Technology

 

WASHINGTON, D.C., February 20, 2019 – The Chamber of Digital Commerce, the world’s leading blockchain trade association, today released its proposed National Action Plan for Blockchain. The plan is part of the Chamber’s ongoing mission to advocate for the future of blockchain technology and encourages the United States to recognize and incentivize the development of blockchain solutions for government and industry.

The Chamber is calling on the highest levels of the U.S. government to embrace a comprehensive, national strategy for blockchain technology.

“Other developed nations are promoting the adoption of blockchain and digital assets,” said Perianne Boring, founder and president, Chamber of Digital Commerce. “It is imperative that the U.S. also recognize the power and potential of blockchain technology, along with the economic and commercial benefits that it can bring our country, through a National Action Plan for Blockchain. We can either step forward as visionary leaders or risk falling behind.”

The National Action Plan proposes that the U.S. approach blockchain technology with clear support, coordinated agency efforts, and the encouragement of private sector development that is required of emerging industries.

Blockchain technology has the potential to streamline processes, enhance efficiencies, and improve numerous industries, including: cybersecurity, financial services, and digital identity, among others. The National Action Plan for Blockchain calls on the U.S. to create principles and frameworks to not only benefit Americans, but to be replicated globally as the industry matures.

Matthew Roszak, chairman of the Chamber of Digital Commerce, added “Blockchain-based systems and cryptocurrencies are redefining concepts of ownership, transparency, and financial inclusion. To participate more fully in this rapidly developing global ecosystem, the United States government requires a strong action plan for this foundational, generational shift in technology, finance, and the intersection between the two. It is time that the United States government made a strong statement in support of financial technology innovation and inclusion by reviewing and seriously considering the Chamber’s National Action Plan and the guiding principles it recommends.”

The proposed National Action Plan is available now.

About the Chamber of Digital Commerce

The Chamber of Digital Commerce is the world’s largest trade association representing the digital asset and blockchain industry. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the Chamber is the founder of the Token Alliance, Blockchain Intellectual Property Council, Smart Contracts Alliance, Blockchain Alliance, Global Blockchain Forum and many other key industry initiatives.  For more information, please visit: DigitalChamber.org, and follow us @DigitalChamber.

Media Contact

National Action Plan for Blockchain

by Chamber

It’s Time to Make Blockchain Technology a Priority

It’s Time to Make Blockchain Technology a Priority

Chamber Introduces National Action Plan for Blockchain

 

By Perianne Boring, Founder & President, and Amy Davine Kim, Chief Policy Officer

Feb. 20, 2019

Today we’re proud to release our National Action Plan for Blockchain. Ever since we launched the Chamber of Digital Commerce almost five years ago, our team has been working toward a coordinated effort to ensure blockchain technology is supported in the United States. This plan is part of that ongoing advocacy work and our steadfast efforts to promote the acceptance and use of digital assets and blockchain-based technologies.

Government agencies within the United States are exploring blockchain technology in multiple ways. Yet more needs to be done. It is imperative that support be coordinated for this technology which has transformational potential akin to artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and 5G wireless networks. US laws dating back decades are proving difficult to apply to activities involving digital assets, smart contracts, and transfer systems, to name a few. We need policy makers to support and promote that vision – to help the U.S. economy and blockchain technology flourish for the benefit of industry, government, and consumers.

 

The Key Takeaways from the National Action Plan:

      • Calls on the U.S. Government to publicly support the development of blockchain technology in the United States; and
      • Provides a set of guiding principles for government as it considers how best to support blockchain technology.

 

This initiative has broad industry support:

Nasdaq Inc. – Tal Cohen, Senior Vice President and Head of North America Equities:
“Nasdaq believes there is great potential across the financial services industry to leverage blockchain technology. Ideal for tracking and tracing, blockchain technology improves the audit function and regulatory reporting both from both a quality and efficiency standpoint. These benefits can be realized if we coordinate and have a strategy. We support the Chamber’s National Action Plan for Blockchain.”

Cisco – Anoop Nannra, Head of Blockchain:
“Advancement of Distributed Ledger Technologies represents an opportunity to drive efficiencies and automation of accountability in mission critical networks and ecosystems. Programs backed by a National Action Plan will help ensure leadership in this space on a global scale as others around the world look to accelerate their own local ecosystems.”

IBM Fellow – Jerry Cuomo, VP Blockchain:
“At IBM we believe that at its core blockchain is about strengthening trust in data. We’ve applied the technology far beyond digital currencies, for example using it to help improve food safety, speed cross-border payments, modernize global shipping, and secure digital identity. And while the technology will continue to be studied and enhanced for years to come, now is the right time to encourage thoughtful adoption through public and private partnership. The National Action Plan for Blockchain offers important and much needed recommendations for ways the U.S. government can foster understanding and expand access to one of the most groundbreaking technologies of this era in business and computing.”

IHS Markit – Jeffrey Maron, Managing Director
“Blockchain revenues are projected to reach $462 billion globally by 2030 and 10 percent of global GDP is expected to be stored on blockchains by 2025. This technology can be utilized across multiple industries. Governments must recognize the importance of this technology and provide the necessary regulatory clarity for the private sector to innovate and compete at a global scale.”

Deloitte – Wendy J Henry, Managing Director, GPS Blockchain Lead:
“The Chamber’s call for the US government to develop and launch a framework defining and advocating a blockchain national strategy is an important step forward. As the internet opened the door to information globalization, blockchain creates new transnational business models that US companies and citizens will have to participate in to remain viable, let alone competitive. The US government has an important opportunity to provide the guidance and support that will help protect our interests and support the business models needed for blockchain success. The US has always been a global leader. This technology is a game changer. If the US government wants to continue to be a global technology leader, then devising a national blockchain strategy is a critical priority”

Medici Ventures – Jonathan Johnson, President:
“As blockchain technology matures and blockchain-based products go into production, these products are transforming business processes by making it easier for people to transact with each other without intermediary institutions. Blockchain technology and products are expected to add trillions of dollars to the global economy and create millions of new jobs. The Chamber’s National Action Plan for Blockchain is an important step forward to advance our technologic and economic leadership globally.”

Bittrex – Bill Shihara, CEO:
“Bittrex supports building a secure, fully-compliant environment for blockchain that encourages innovation, economic growth, and U.S. leadership in the industry. That’s why we’re continuing to engage regulators in proactive discussions, and working with the Chamber, on how this may be accomplished in the near future with thoughtful policymaking.”

Civic – Vinny Lingham, CEO and Co-founder: 
“Blockchain is the key to solving challenges that we face every day, like proving and verifying identity. The Chamber’s National Action Plan for Blockchain is critical to embracing the potential of emerging technologies and help business explore the solutions that blockchain makes possible. It is important for our nation to embrace emerging technologies and explore the opportunities that blockchain makes possible. As a global leader in digital identity, we believe that blockchain technology can improve access to good and services through digital identity, and we’re happy to support the Chamber’s effort to make blockchain technology a national priority.”

Bloq – Matthew Roszak, Chairman and Co-Founder:
“Blockchain-based systems and cryptocurrencies are redefining concepts of ownership, transparency, and financial inclusion. To participate more fully in this rapidly developing global ecosystem, the United States government requires a strong action plan for this foundational, generational shift in technology, finance, and the intersection between the two. It is time that the United States government made a strong statement in support of financial technology innovation and inclusion by reviewing and seriously considering the Chamber’s National Action Plan and the guiding principles it recommends.”

As we have written before, the potential of blockchain technology will not be realized if we do not act decisively to maintain our competitive advantage in this evolving technology. To maintain our technological and economic world leadership, we believe the United States must develop a coordinated blockchain strategy or risk falling behind to countries whose governments are embracing the technology and exploring its benefits for private and public use.

Chamber of Digital Commerce Canada Submits Recommendations to Ontario Minister of Finance

by Chamber

Chamber of Digital Commerce Canada Submits Recommendations to Ontario Minister of Finance to Improve Provincial Blockchain Business Ecosystem

Chamber of Digital Commerce Canada Submits Recommendations to Ontario Minister of Finance to
Improve Provincial Blockchain Business Ecosystem

By Tanya Woods, Managing Director, Chamber of Digital Commerce Canada

Feb. 18, 2019

The transformative possibilities of blockchain technology offer tremendous positive impact for economic advancement in Ontario and across Canada.  Increasingly, Canadians are realizing that blockchain technology offers an unprecedented opportunity to improve business processes, increase efficiency, and promote transparency throughout numerous industries. It also can fundamentally reshape ownership of assets, how we interact with each other digitally, and how we transfer value. As a result, its use is reforming the ways in which companies in all sectors conduct business – from financial services, digital identity and privacy, healthcare, insurance, intellectual property, real estate, commerce, and supply chain management. It is clear that blockchain is a revolutionary breakthrough, allowing us to create infrastructure towards an “Internet of Value.”

Ontario is in an enviable position for innovation in blockchain technology, but it does not automatically follow that Ontario will maintain its preeminence. In 2017, blockchain ventures raised approximately $8 billion through token generation events, and in 2018, that number jumped to approximately $27 billion. Two years ago, the entire token market had a value of $11.7 billion. Today, according to CoinMarketCap the token market cap is approximately $162.5 billion in size. Despite rapid cross-sectoral innovation, the blockchain industry continues to confront core implementation and growth challenges with the emergence of an entirely new digital asset class and technology architecture – regulatory risk being a substantial component.

The Chamber of Digital Commerce recently submitted comments to the Ontario Spring Budget Consultation 2019 recognizing Ontario’s promise to create a government ecosystem which would demonstrate to blockchain innovators that the province is “open for business” and ready to “reduce red tape.” Governments around the world at all levels must work to keep pace with the digital innovation ecosystem and demonstrate that they want to harness and attract economic growth from this leading technology and innovation sector.

As a home to thousands of technology businesses, innovators, institutes and investors, Ontario is well-positioned to become a leading global blockchain hub that attracts economic growth and prosperity. To achieve success, the Ontario government will need to simplify, modernize, and harmonize the regulatory requirements applicable to participants in the digital economy. It is imperative that it publicly support blockchain implementation across all sectors, develop a plan to promote coordination across government and enhance the quality and frequency of its blockchain stakeholder collaboration and dialogue. The comments submitting by the Chamber and its member offer suggested paths forward to achieve these objectives.

Chamber Encourages the CFTC and the CFPB to Foster Blockchain Innovation

by Chamber

Chamber Encourages the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to Foster Blockchain Innovation

Chamber Encourages the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
to Foster Blockchain Innovation

By Amy Davine Kim, Chief Policy Officer & Paul Brigner, Director of Technology Policy

In comments submitted this week to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) in separate proceedings, the Chamber encouraged both agencies to foster blockchain innovation and permit the introduction of new financial products based on blockchain technologies.

Our comments to the CFPB on their proposed policy on no-action letters and the product sandbox recognized the potential of both tools to bridge the gap between the deliberate pace of regulation and the rapid pace of innovation, while upholding the principle to first do no harm.  We expressed our broad support for the policy and our strong support for regulatory efforts in the United States that: (i) eliminate unnecessary burdens to apply for access to these tools; (ii) enhance the reliability and practicality of these tools; and (iii) promote coordination among regulators.

Likewise, in our comments to the CFTC, we expressed our broad support for the agency’s efforts with respect to financial products involving virtual currencies through the LabCFTC and a variety of other mechanisms.  While we do not advocate for any particular blockchain technology, we supported the agency’s efforts to learn more about Ether and the Ethereum network as well as the Commission’s self-certification process as the appropriate framework for the introduction of new derivatives, such as those based on Ether.

In comments to both agencies we stressed the need for enhanced coordination among regulators, particularly in light of the byzantine structure of U.S. financial services regulation.  We encourage all financial regulators to collaborate on effective and efficient approaches to achieve regulatory goals while promoting investment and growth.

The Chamber’s comments to the CFPB are available here, and our comments to the CFTC are available here.

September 2018: Newsletter Chamber Launches The Foundation Hosts Business Delegation To Singapore Publishes Sandbox Report More

by Chamber

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.

Read the Report

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”

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.

Blog Guidelines

by Chamber

Chamber of Digital Commerce
Chamber Blog Guidelines

Thank you for your interest in submitting a blog post to the Chamber. Our mission is to promote the acceptance and use of digital assets and blockchain technologies. We only publish those submissions that help us fulfill this mission, and content submitted by members and strategic partners of the Chamber. Through our blog, we intend to feature posts that help promote innovation and our industry, highlight policy matters, and demonstrates what makes blockchain truly unique.

The Chamber uses the following guidelines when reviewing submissions:

Have A Clear Message & Tell A Story – Ensure your post has a clear theme and message and ensure any opinions are supported through concrete data or information. Cover the who, what, when, where, how, and why.

Keep it Concise & Engage Readers  – Consider that less is sometimes more – posts should be under 800 words.

Unified Advocacy Voice: If you choose to comment on specific legislation or regulations, your position should not be in conflict with the Chamber’s policy positions. For reference, please see the policy section of our website, or contact us if you have any questions. The Chamber may suggest edits to submissions to meet this criteria.

Tone of Voice – Our blog was designed to make blockchain and digital assets approachable. Please use a friendly and familiar tone of voice. Imagine you’re talking to a friend.

Avoid Technical Speak — Some of our readers may be turned off by overly technical language or jargon. Please explain any buzzwords or technical speak, if you must use them.

Avoid Self-Promotion & Self-Disclosure – Avoid promoting your product or company, as that might be perceived as overly promotional. Your author bio is a good place to do that instead. Please also disclose any relationships / partnerships you have when providing examples, technologies, etc. (e.g., if an example comes from your company or your client, please indicate this in the post).

Include Approved Artwork or Video – Remember that a picture is worth a thousand words. High resolution images (PNG or JPGs) and/or video or infographic embed codes (when possible) will help add to your story.

Ensure You Have Rights to Your Submission –  Please only use information that you have a right and are authorized to share publicly.