Newsroom

Chamber of Digital Commerce Presents at North Carolina Senate

Raleigh, N.C., Thursday, June 16, 2016 – The North Carolina Senate Finance Committee met this Tuesday to consider a proposed bill that would, among other things, clarify the state’s regulation of virtual currency and distributed ledger-related businesses. As part of the Committee Meeting, the Chamber of Digital Commerce and law firm Perkins Coie presented on blockchain technology.

The North Carolina Money Transmitter Act would update the state’s existing Act in a number of important ways, including the addition of a defined “virtual currency” term, and clarification as to which activity using virtual currency triggers licensure under the Act.

While current North Carolina law can clearly be read to cover certain virtual currency-related business models, its language remains ambiguous – particularly for companies using the underlying technology for applications other than payments. The Act would not only clarify the licensure requirement as to a variety of virtual currency-related business models, but it would also make important distinctions between companies using virtual currency (like bitcoin), and ones that use the underlying software technology (like blockchains or distributed ledgers).

This Act provides clarity to the entire industry by defining what types of companies innovating with blockchain technology need to be licensed and regulated as money transmitters. It also updates the law to include an important agent of the payee exception, which would be available to all potentially regulated entities, whether the business model is virtual currency-related or not. The Act is a more comprehensive and business-friendly approach to regulating virtual currency on the state level, and starkly contrasts New York’s separate licensing regime.

The Act was first introduced in March of last year at the request of the Commissioner of Banks, and was resoundingly passed by the North Carolina House of Representatives in May by a vote of 117-1.

“The state-by-state money transmitters licensing regime is a costly, onerous and labor-intensive path for any company to take,” said Perianne Boring, Founder and President of the Chamber of Digital Commerce. “The passage of this Act into law is good for business, jobs and innovation in North Carolina. We urge Senate leadership to take the next steps to bring it to the floor for a vote.”

“The North Carolina Money Transmission Act represents a thoughtful approach to virtual currency regulation that reflects prior work by the Conference of State Bank Supervisors and the on-going efforts of the Uniform Law Commission,” said Carla Reyes, Associate at Perkins Coie LLP and incoming law faculty at Stetson University College of Law.  “The importance of clarity provided through legislative action for members of the industry cannot be overstated, and the Act offers both that clarity and other important updates to North Carolina money transmission law.”

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

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Newsroom

Chamber of Digital Commerce Gathers at Federal Reserve Annual Meeting to Discuss Blockchain Technology

Chain, Bloq, Goldman Sachs and NASDAQ Share Their Thoughts With the Federal Reserve, World Bank and IMF

WASHINGTON, DC–(Marketwired – Jun 6, 2016) – The Chamber of Digital Commerce, the world’s largest trade association representing the blockchain industry, helped facilitate discussions at an event hosted by the Federal Reserve, World Bank, and IMF in Washington, DC on June 1 through 3, 2016. Central banks from over 90 countries participated at the event titled “Finance in Flux: The Technological Transformation of the Financial Sector.” The theme of this year’s conference was on blockchain and FinTech.

In her remarks, the Chair of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Janet Yellen, addressed heightened concerns about cybersecurity. She also said that it’s undeniable that the global financial system has benefited from FinTech and encouraged central banks to do all they can to learn about financial innovations including bitcoin, blockchain and distributed ledger technologies.

Adam Ludwin, CEO of Chain, delivered the keynote address in the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System’s Board Room. “Blockchain technology will provide central bankers, regulators and policy makers with new tools to enhance the safety, soundness and capabilities of the financial markets and payments systems globally. As participants on industry blockchain networks, regulators will gain real-time transparency to measure systemic leverage and monitor compliance. And as potential operators of networks for issuing central bank digital currencies, policy makers have the opportunity to forge a payments system that will enhance security, reduce settlement times and create new possibilities for monetary policy,” said Ludwin.

Jeff Garzik, CEO of Bloq and Bitcoin Core Developer, outlined the innovative elements of blockchain technology, including trust shifting, decentralization, cryptography, immutability and others. “Some of the greatest potential benefits of blockchain technology are going to be first seen and actively leveraged in emerging nations,” said Garzik.

Perianne Boring, Founder and President of the Chamber of Digital Commerce, encouraged the Federal Reserve and central banks to focus on and embrace innovation in blockchain and distributed ledger technology. “We believe blockchain technologies are capable of providing the Fed and other regulators with next generation tools to fulfill their mission of monitoring the safety and soundness of the financial system more effectively,” said Boring.

The conversations with senior level directors of central banks from around the world were very encouraging and indicated a high level of interest in blockchain technology.

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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
erika@transform.pr

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Newsroom

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

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Newsroom

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

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

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Newsroom

Chamber of Digital Commerce to Testify in US Congress: Hearing Focused on Digital Currencies and Blockchain Technology

Hearing Focused on Digital Currencies and Blockchain Technology

Washington, DC (March 16, 2016) – Today the Chamber of Digital Commerce will testify at 11:00 am ET in the U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee. The hearing is entitled “Disrupter Series: Digital Currency and Blockchain.” Matthew Roszak, co-founder of Bloq, will testify on behalf of the Chamber of Digital Commerce. Roszak will also leverage this important platform to underline the benefits of blockchain technology, its potential to drive innovation, jobs and investment, as well as highlight the industry’s current scalability challenges and potential solutions to build consensus.

“Given the amount of financial and intellectual capital being poured into the blockchain ecosystem, this new technological frontier presents a generational opportunity for entrepreneurs and investors,” said Matthew Roszak. “I am honored to be representing the Chamber at this special gathering in Congress. Maintaining an open dialogue with policymakers is a critical component to this industry’s long term success.”

The Committee on Energy and Commerce, the oldest standing legislative committee in the U.S. House of Representatives, is vested with the broadest jurisdiction of any congressional authorizing committee. It has responsibility for the nation’s telecommunications, consumer protection, food and drug safety, public health research, environmental quality, energy policy, and interstate and foreign commerce.

The Chamber’s full testimony can be downloaded at: https://docs.house.gov/meetings/IF/IF17/20160316/104677/HHRG-114-IF17-Wstate-RoszakM-20160316.pdf

This hearing is open to the public and will be live streamed at: https://energycommerce.house.gov

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

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Newsroom

Press Release – IBM Senior Vice President and Director of Research Arvind Krishna to Keynote DC Blockchain Summit

WASHINGTON, DC–(Marketwired – Feb 17, 2016) – The Chamber of Digital Commerce announces Arvind Krishna, Senior Vice President and Director of IBM Research, as a keynote speaker at the Chamber of Digital Commerce’s DC Blockchain Summit at Georgetown University on March 3, 2016.

“Blockchain technology is re-imagining the way we transfer, store, and secure assets, including currencies, commodities, property, and identity,” said Perianne Boring, Founder and President of the Chamber of Digital Commerce. “We’re honored to welcome IBM to the DC Blockchain Summit to share their perspective on this groundbreaking technology with Washington, DC.”

Krishna oversees IBM’s Blockchain initiatives, which includes the recent proposal of nearly 44,000 lines of code to the Linux Foundation’s Hyperledger Project. IBM Blockchain code is designed to help developers easily build secure distributed ledgers that can be used to exchange most anything of value. IBM recently announced new cloud-based blockchain services for developers, new garages in New York, Tokyo, Singapore and London that will focus on blockchain and a range of added consulting services to rapidly advance the use of distributed ledger technology across multiple industries.

In addition, Krishna helps guide IBM Research’s overall technical strategy, oversees a global organization of approximately 3,000 scientists and technologists located at 12 labs on six continents. He is the recipient of a distinguished alumni award from the University of Illinois, is the co-author of 15 patents, has been the editor of IEEE and ACM journals, and has published extensively in technical conferences and journals.

The DC Blockchain Summit will also feature CEO of Digital Assets Holdings, Blythe Masters, as a keynote speaker. Additional speakers include: Don Tapscott, Best Selling Author; Sean Murphy, Global Head of Blockchain, Norton Rose Fulbright; Matthew Roszak, Founding Partner, Tally Capital; C. Alden Pelker, FBI; Rep. David Schweikert (R-AZ); Jeff Garzik, Core Developer and Co-Founder, Bloq; Adam Ludwin, CEO, Chain; and many more.

The DC Blockchain Summit is open to the DC community, technologists, students, and all those interested in blockchain technology.

For more details, visit: DC Summit

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

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Newsroom

Press Release – Blythe Masters to Keynote DC Blockchain Summit – Inaugural summit to feature market leaders in the blockchain industry

Blythe Masters to Headline DC Blockchain Summit
Inaugural summit to feature market leaders in the blockchain industry

Washington, DC (February 10, 2015) – The Chamber of Digital Commerce announces that Blythe Masters, CEO of Digital Asset Holdings, will be a keynote speaker at the Chamber’s DC Blockchain Summit on March 3, 2016 at Georgetown University.

“The DC Blockchain Summit is a first of its kind event bringing the best and brightest from both industry and government to address the policy challenges facing this technology that has the power to positively disrupt,” said Perianne Boring, Founder & President of the Chamber of Digital Commerce. “We’re thrilled to have some of the most innovative speakers provide insight into this crucial and emerging innovation.”

Masters spent 27 years at J.P. Morgan Chase and rose to Managing Director at the age of 28. She has served in numerous senior level positions at the firm, including Head of Global Commodities, CFO of J.P. Morgan Investment Bank, Head of Global Credit Portfolio and Credit Policy and Strategy. She is the Chair of the Board of Santander Consumer USA Holdings Inc. Masters also serves on the Board of Advisors of the Chamber.

“Distributed Ledger Technology has the potential to solve real world financial problems and create operating and capital efficiencies. However, in order to realize these benefits it is important to preserve the legal and regulatory protections afforded to participants in the existing financial system,” said Blythe Masters, CEO of Digital Asset Holdings. “The DC Blockchain Summit has developed an important platform to enhance the dialogue between policy makers and the industry to promote public trust and confidence in this new technology.”

Digital Asset Holdings recently announced a $60 million+ growth financing, which included ABN AMRO, Accenture, ASX Limited, BNP Paribas, Broadridge Financial Solutions, Citi, CME Ventures, Deutsche Börse Group, Goldman Sachs, ICAP, IBM, J.P. Morgan, Santander InnoVentures, The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation and PNC Financial.

Additional speakers include: Don Tapscott, Best Selling Author; Marley Gray, Director Blockchain Technology Strategy, Microsoft; Arvind Krishna, Senior Vice President and Director, IBM; Sean Murphy, Global Head of Blockchain, Norton Rose Fulbright; Matthew Roszak, Founding Partner, Tally Capital; C. Alden Pelker, FBI; Rep. David Schweikert (RAZ); Rep. Mick Mulvaney (R-SC); Jeff Garzik, Core Developer and Co-Founder, Bloq; Adam Ludwin, CEO, Chain; Vitalik Buterin, Founder, Ethereum; Stephen Pair, CEO and Co-Founder, BitPay; John Beccia, CCO, Circle Internet Financial; and many more.

The Chamber invites the DC community, finance and technology entrepreneurs, students, technologist, and all those interested in the future of finance to attend the DC Blockchain Summit.

Details of the event are as follows and a full slate of speakers can be found here.

DC Blockchain Summit
March 3, 2016
8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Georgetown University
McDonough School of Business
Lohrfink Auditorium
37th and O St., N.W.
bWashington, DC 20007
If you would like to apply for press credentials, please email CDC@transform.pr.

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

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Newsroom

Blockchain Meets the Beltway: Technology Leaders Gravitate to Washington, DC

Inaugural DC Blockchain Summit Features Prominent FinTech Executives

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Chamber of Digital Commerce announces an impressive list of additional speakers for its DC Blockchain Summit (digitalchamber.org/DCSummit), which will take place on March 3, 2016 at Georgetown University. These influential thought leaders will discuss how blockchain technology can solve real world financial problems, and how the current regulatory landscape can affect adoption, growth and investment.

The updated speaker lineup includes:

Rep. Mick Mulvaney (R-SC)

Adam Ludwin – Co-Founder & CEO, Chain

Brian Forde – Director, MIT Digital Currency Initiative

Jim Robinson – Managing Partner, RRE Ventures

Marc Hochstein – Editor in Chief, American Banker

Marco Santori – Global Policy Counsel, Blockchain & Partner, Pillsbury

Sam Cole – Co-Founder, KnCMiner

Stephen Pair – Co-Founder & CEO, BitPay,

Additional speakers include, Don Tapscott, CEO, The Tapscott Group; Marley Gray, Director Technology Strategy – Blockchain, Microsoft; Arvind Krishna, Senior Vice President and Director, IBM; Matthew Roszak, Founding Partner, Tally Capital; C. Alden Pelker, FBI; Rep. David Schweikert; Jeff Garzik, Bitcoin Core Developer; and many more.

The DC Blockchain Summit posed the following question to its distinguished guest speakers: “What is the future of banking and blockchain and what should Washington know about it?” Here’s a sampling of their responses.

“It is imperative Washington understands the breakthrough technologies that comprise the Blockchain. Irrefutable, published value transfer and trade for both digital, and physical, goods is a massive operating system upgrade for all networks. As with the Internet today, we will look back in twenty years and wonder how we ever got along without it. Like the internet, new winners and losers – individual, commercial and nations – will be determined by their capacity to embrace this change.” – Jim Robinson, Managing Partner, RRE Ventures

“Blockchains and other shared ledgers promise to make the financial industry more resilient, efficient and transparent, and there is a fascinating debate underway over how the technology will take hold. From the innovations made possible by bitcoin’s permission-less, open network, to the more cautious recent experiments by financial institutions, this technology has galvanized new thinking in a normally staid industry.” –Marc Hochstein, Editor In Chief, American Banker

“Blockchain technology presents a genuine opportunity for our government to re-examine first principals of regulation and policymaking. The Blockchain Alliance is an important part of this conversation and Pillsbury is happy to represent Blockchain.info on this significant panel.” -Marco Santori, Global Policy Counsel, Blockchain & Partner, Pillsbury

“With some experts predicting over one trillion USD to be saved by the banking and finance industry. The impact of blockchain technology will allow savings not seen since the Internet.” –Sam Cole, Co-Founder & CEO, KnCMiner

“The applications of blockchain technology extend far beyond the financial industry. I believe it’s the most important human invention since the printing press. As far as banking is concerned, it’s difficult to imagine any other way that banking will work in the future than what we see with Bitcoin and blockchain technology.” –Stephen Pair, Co-founder & CEO, BitPay.

The Chamber invites the DC community, finance and technology entrepreneurs, students, technologist, and all those interested in the future of finance to attend the DC Blockchain Summit.

Early Bird registration rates are available until February 10 for $99. The first 100 individuals to register will receive a copy of Don Tapscott and Alex Tapscott’s new book, “Blockchain Revolution.” Special rates are available for government employees, members of nonprofit organizations, and students.

For more information and to register for the conference, visit: DC Summit.

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

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Newsroom

DC Blockchain Summit Adds Prominent New Speakers and Innovation Showcase

WASHINGTON, D.C.–(Marketwired – Jan 21, 2016) – The Chamber of Digital Commerce today announces additional speakers for its DC Blockchain Summit (digitalchamber.org/DCSummit), including: Arvind Krishna (IBM), Helen Wong (FTC), and U.S. Representative David Schweikert. These speakers will join a lineup of thought leaders gathering at Georgetown University on March 3, 2016, to explore policy challenges and opportunities related to blockchain technology.

Blockchain Innovation Showcase
Following the day’s agenda, the Innovation Showcase will bring together top-funded startups and leading technology firms to demonstrate applicable use cases for blockchain technology. Innovators across specialties including smart contracts, consumer technologies, blockchain analytics, Internet of Things, and many others, will be on hand to showcase their services. The first-of-its-kind Innovation Showcase will immediately follow the DC Blockchain Summit, with all registered attendees and media invited to join.

Who’s Attending the DC Blockchain Summit?
Confirmed guests include representatives from American Express, Booz Allen Hamilton, Capital One, IBM, International Monetary Fund, Microsoft, NASDAQ, Royal Bank of Canada, and many more.

Early bird registration is now open, and special rates are available for government employees and nonprofit organizations. The first 100 individuals to register will receive a copy of Don Tapscott and Alex Tapscott’s new book, “Blockchain Revolution.”

For more information and to register for the conference, visit: DC summit.

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

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