Author: Megan Thorpe

TDC’s State Network Opens 2026  Microgrant Application Process   

by Megan Thorpe

Applications online now, deadline February 6

Washington, DC – (January 16, 2025) — Today, The Digital Chamber’s State Network (TDC State Network) officially opened the 2026 microgrant application process. This series of five grants, each for $2,000, is designed to fund and scale state-based blockchain organizations that are advancing blockchain policy engagement and programming. The State Network microgrant program is about meeting innovation where it actually happens, in states, communities, and classrooms across the country.  

By investing directly in local leaders and grassroots organizations, those closest to the real-world impact are empowered to engage constructively with policymakers and help shape smart, durable digital asset policy. This investment reflects our belief that lasting progress is built from the ground up and that strong state-level partnerships are essential to America’s leadership in the digital economy.  

State blockchain associations, university blockchain clubs, and community innovation groups are encouraged to apply here. Applications for 2026 are due by February 6, 2026, and winners will be announced live on stage at The Digital Chamber’s DC Summit on March 17-18. 

In addition to the grant, the winners will receive 2 tickets to The Digital Chamber’s DC Summit in March and are encouraged to accept their award in person.  
 
“The Microgrant Program will serve to strengthen and scale grassroots, nationwide blockchain advocacy groups that form the backbone of digital asset advocacy across the country.  Many of these groups are volunteer-led and operate with limited resources, yet they play a critical role in educating policymakers and communities at the local level. These groups are often volunteer led, allowing them to continue building and strengthening local efforts. We are proud to provide tangible support to these groups that are on the frontline of educating policy makers and their communities on the benefits of developing principled digital asset policy,” said Anastasia Dellaccio, Executive Director of TDC’s State Network.  

ABOUT THE DIGITAL CHAMBER’S STATE NETWORK 

The Digital Chamber’s State Network, a project of The Digital Chamber, is a non-partisan program that establishes a collaborative ecosystem connecting policymakers, regulators, industry, and innovators to advance blockchain adoption and digital asset integration across the United States. 
 
ABOUT THE DIGITAL CHAMBER 

The Digital Chamber is a non-profit organization committed to promoting global blockchain adoption. We envision a fair and inclusive digital and financial ecosystem where everyone has the opportunity to participate. Access to digital assets is not merely a technological advancement but a fundamental human right, crucial for economic and social empowerment. Through targeted education, advocacy, and strategic collaborations with government and industry stakeholders, we drive innovation and shape policies that create a favorable environment for the blockchain technology ecosystem.  

The Digital Chamber’s umbrella includes: CryptoUK, Digital Power Network (DPN), TDC’s Digital State Network, and Treasury Council. 

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TDC’s State Network Announces its Newest Partner, Maryland Blockchain Association  

by Megan Thorpe

Agreement includes the first microgrant sponsorship from TDC’s State Network 

Washington, DC – (December 15, 2025) The Digital Chamber (TDC)’s State Network is pleased to announce its latest partner and the first microgrant recipient. The Maryland Blockchain Association (MDBA) has agreed to partner with TDC’s State Network to expand the reach of their work across Maryland to educate and advocate for fair, inclusive blockchain policies and laws.  

“Maryland has set a high bar for state innovation, which is critical to bridging knowledge gaps to advance emerging industries like digital assets and blockchain. The Maryland Blockchain Association has created a welcoming space for blockchain innovators to flourish,” said Cody Carbone, CEO of the Digital Chamber. “We are pleased to support their work, which will serve as a model for how TDC can plug into and strengthen the existing efforts of blockchain advocates, elevating the industry at the state level.”       

“The Maryland Blockchain Association is proud to join the Digital Chamber in support of advancing technology and digital asset compliance applications. As part of a growing statewide coalition, the Maryland Blockchain Association is proud to support Maryland’s education ecosystem by expanding access to blockchain and emerging technology learning opportunities for students, educators, and lifelong learners. Together with our partners, we are building future-ready pathways that prepare Marylanders for high-demand careers in the digital economy.” Jacqueline Cooper, CEO, Maryland Blockchain Association.  

TDC’s State Network microgrant to MDBA is the first in a pilot program designed to help groups involved in state and local blockchain education efforts to formally support their ongoing work. The program awards grants to state blockchain associations, university blockchain clubs, and community innovation groups to build a foundation for success across all 50 states.  

Specifically, small-dollar grants will be awarded to blockchain associations, university blockchain clubs, and community innovation groups in 2026. Formal application will open in January with more grants to be announced in March 2026 at the Digital Chamber’s annual Blockchain Summit.   

“The Microgrant Program means these critical grassroots groups that are often volunteer-led can gain access to funding needed to mobilize education and advocacy efforts in their home state that are key to the formation of principled, digital asset policy development,” said Anastasia Dellaccio, Executive Director of TDC’s State Network.   

TDC’s State Network, launched in 2025, extends support to states and local groups with similarly aligned goals. 

ABOUT TDC and TDC’s State Network  

The Digital Chamber is a non-profit organization committed to promoting global blockchain adoption. We envision a fair and inclusive digital and financial ecosystem where everyone has the opportunity to participate. Access to digital assets is not merely a technological advancement but a fundamental human right, crucial for economic and social empowerment. Through targeted education, advocacy, and strategic collaborations with government and industry stakeholders, we drive innovation and shape policies that create a favorable environment for the blockchain technology ecosystem.  

Major partners and affiliates of The Digital Chamber include: CryptoUK and Digital Power Network.
  

ABOUT MDBA  

The Maryland Blockchain Association is a nonprofit coalition advancing Bitcoin, blockchain, and Web3 innovation, policy, and education across Maryland. Its mission is to connect industry, government, and academia to foster responsible adoption, economic growth, and a skilled blockchain workforce in the state 

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CryptoUK Joins TDC as part of Expanded Global Advocacy Network 

by Megan Thorpe

Washington, DC – (December 9, 2025) The Digital Chamber (TDC) and CryptoUK today announced that CryptoUK will formally join The Digital Chamber, the largest digital asset and blockchain trade association in the United States, as part of an expanded global policy network. This move brings CryptoUK’s team, members, and policy expertise under The Digital Chamber umbrella and creates a unified, cross-border advocacy platform.

Bolstered by a new formal agreement, both entities share a mandate to advocate for responsible regulation that enables global blockchain and digital asset innovation to thrive while protecting consumers’ access to digital assets. 

“We are proud to welcome CryptoUK under The Digital Chamber umbrella. This move strengthens our ability to champion the work our members are building and to advocate for them across global markets,” said Cody Carbone, CEO of the Digital Chamber.

“CryptoUK has always aspired to ensure we are driven by policy-led issues, member collaboration, and regulatory engagement. These are the core pillars of the organisation. In The Digital Chamber, we see a like-minded organisation with shared objectives and approach,” said Crypto UK’s Executive Director, Su Carpenter.

“This move will strengthen both organisations by enabling cross-jurisdictional knowledge sharing and access to broader resources. At a critical time for UK-US regulatory coordination, we see this as an important step forward for our members and the wider digital asset industry,” added Carpenter.

This development follows TDC’s State Network launch in November and marks the next step in TDC’s strategy to unify advocacy at the state, federal, and international levels. 

“Effective digital asset policy requires borderless coordination, looking for opportunities in all governments and markets. CryptoUK is a proven leading voice in the UK, and we are excited to create such a strong bond to expand our global policy expertise,” Carbone added.

ABOUT TDC

The Digital Chamber is a non-profit organization committed to promoting global blockchain adoption. We envision a fair and inclusive digital and financial ecosystem where everyone has the opportunity to participate. Access to digital assets is not merely a technological advancement but a fundamental human right, crucial for economic and social empowerment. Through targeted education, advocacy, and strategic collaborations with government and industry stakeholders, we drive innovation and shape policies that create a favorable environment for the blockchain technology ecosystem.

Major partners and affiliates of The Digital Chamber include: CryptoUK, Digital Power Network, TDC’s State Network, and the Treasury Council.  

ABOUT CryptoUK

The UK’s leading trade association for crypto and digital assets since 2017, CryptoUK represents the digital asset sector, working with policymakers and market participants to shape balanced regulation and governance. It promotes industry growth through events, education, and advocacy, and serves as Secretariat for the Crypto and Digital Assets APPG.

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For media inquiries, contact press@digitalchamber.org   

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State Momentum Around Strategic Bitcoin Reserves

by Megan Thorpe

Momentum is building behind the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve (SBR) concept, with states moving ahead on their own legislation as the federal government works to implement the White House Task Force’s recommendations for crypto agency actions released in July 2025. 

As of November 2025, Arizona, New Hampshire, and Texas have enacted SBR legislation. Another nine proposals remain active, while others failed to advance out of committee during the last session. 

These developments reflect growing momentum at the state level: an area TDC’s State Network is closely tracking and supporting through research, coordination, and member engagement. 

For a deeper look at how states are approaching implementation, explore our Digital Power Network team’s recommendations submitted to the Texas Comptroller in October 2025, offering guidance on how to structure and manage a state-level Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. 

RELEASE: Top Corporate Leaders Unite to Launch Treasury Council, Push Congress on Bitcoin Strategic Reserve

by Megan Thorpe

Washington, DC (September 16, 2025) — Merris Badcock, Executive Director of the Treasury Council (TCo) announced the group’s first members today. The new coalition is an exclusive leadership body of corporate executives, policymakers, and institutional voices advancing crypto’s role in corporate treasury strategy, macro policy, and global finance.  

This group of leaders pioneered holding digital assets on their company’s balance sheets and plan to advocate for others to do so as a part of sound global investment strategy.  
 
The inaugural members of TCo include:  

  • Phong Le, CEO, Strategy 
  • Fred Thiel, Chairman and CEO, MARA 
  • Jason Les, CEO, Riot 
  • Matt Schultz, CEO, CleanSpark 
  • Matt Prusak, CEO, American Bitcoin Corp 
  • Jihan Wu, Chair of the Board and CEO, Bitdeer Technologies Group 
  • Chris Pavlovski, Founder and CEO, Rumble 
  • Jaime Leverton, CEO, ReserveOne 
  • N.G. Zhang, Founder and CEO, Canaan Inc.

“This Council brings together the institutional voices who understand what’s at stake. If the U.S. wants to lead on financial innovation, it must listen to the companies already integrating digital assets into their treasury and operations,” said Badcock.  

While many leadership groups focus on one jurisdiction or region, TCo is a global effort to engage and advance adoption of crypto as a store of value in the U.S. To read the full letter calling on Congress to act on the BITCOIN Act, click here. 
 
The Treasury Council is a project of The Digital Chamber, and builds on the organization’s efforts to support innovation, job creation and global U.S. leadership on digital assets. 
 

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For media inquiries, contact press@digitalchamber.org.  

TDC Hires Dellaccio to Lead Policy Efforts in the States 

by Megan Thorpe

AUGUST 13, 2025 

August 13, 2025 — (Washington, DC) Today, The Digital Chamber (TDC) announced the intention to expand its presence in digital assets policy debates at the state level. To lead this expanded effort, TDC has hired Anastasia Dellaccio to serve as Executive Director of State and Regional Affairs.

“Key states like New York, California, Texas and Wyoming are making huge strides to build regulatory frameworks for crypto. The Digital Chamber is well positioned to utilize our trusted, national brand to monitor and inform those efforts with Anastasia leading the way for us,” Carbone noted. “She is the right person to take on this newly established role at The Digital Chamber, and we are excited to expand our advocacy reach at the state level.”

Dellaccio has extensive experience in leading public policy at all levels of government, most recently serving as Senior Vice President for External Affairs and Engagement at the Export-Import Bank of the U.S. Anastasia’s past experience includes guiding emerging technology policy and engagement at Core Scientific and Booz Allen, in addition to working at WeWork, the UN Foundation, and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. She has demonstrated a passion for digital assets, and as a founder of WCOIN, she has worked to increase the number of women actively engaged in crypto.
 
The Digital Chamber, recently marking its eleventh anniversary, is a non-profit organization committed to promoting blockchain adoption. We envision a fair and inclusive digital and financial ecosystem where everyone has the opportunity to participate. Access to digital assets is not merely a technological advancement but a fundamental human right, crucial for economic and social empowerment. Through targeted education, advocacy, and strategic collaborations with government and industry stakeholders, we drive innovation and shape policies that create a favorable environment for the blockchain technology ecosystem. 
 
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For media inquiries, please contact press@digitalchamber.org.

TDC Hires Zunera Mazhar as Vice President of Policy 

by Megan Thorpe

AUGUST 5, 2025 

August 5, 2025 — (Washington, DC) Today, The Digital Chamber (TDC) announced a key leadership hire in Zunera Mazhar, who will serve as Vice President of Policy to help expand TDC’s federal advocacy efforts. 

“As we looked for expertise to amplify our members’ voices in the fight for fair regulations, Zunera stood out for her strong track record of leading in technology, regulation and digital assets,” said Cody Carbone, CEO of The Digital Chamber.  
 
Mazhar brings more than two decades of experience in banking and government, with a strong focus on aligning innovation with financial inclusion and modern regulatory frameworks. A former FDIC Deputy Director and Deputy Chief Innovation Officer, she has spearheaded national initiatives on digital assets and emerging tech. Earlier in her federal career, she held senior leadership roles at the U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, where she directed large-scale IT modernization and enterprise communication strategies. 
 
“Federal regulatory agencies are assuming more responsibility for reviewing guidance and rulemaking on the heels of the White House’s recommendations to secure the U.S.’s leadership role globally in crypto. Zunera’s experience as a former regulator will be invaluable in The Digital Chamber’s efforts to ensure our members’ voices shape the fit-for-purpose rules and laws to preserve space for innovation and access to crypto for all Americans,” added Carbone. 
 
The Digital Chamber, recently marking its eleventh anniversary, is a non-profit organization committed to promoting blockchain adoption. We envision a fair and inclusive digital and financial ecosystem where everyone has the opportunity to participate. Access to digital assets is not merely a technological advancement but a fundamental human right, crucial for economic and social empowerment. Through targeted education, advocacy, and strategic collaborations with government and industry stakeholders, we drive innovation and shape policies that create a favorable environment for the blockchain technology ecosystem. 
 
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For media inquiries, please contact press@digitalchamber.org.