Author: Megan Thorpe

Latin America’s Surge in the Global Race to Adopt Stablecoins 

by Megan Thorpe

The GENIUS Act established the first federal framework for stablecoin issuance in the U.S. in July 2025. In the year since, stablecoin transfer volume has reached roughly $4.5T in Q1 2026. Latin American countries are seeing that success and are working to establish regulations that will likely fuel more crypto adoption in traditional finance in the region. Notably: 

  • Brazil was among the first Latin American countries to adopt such regulations through its “Virtual Assets Law.”  
  • Bolivia reversed its decade-long crypto ban in June 2024. 
  • Argentina introduced mandatory exchange registration in 2025, and many more frameworks are being developed in these markets.  

As adoption and regulation of stablecoins have pushed Latin America’s crypto market into more commercial use cases, 71% of Latin American institutions have already begun using stablecoins for cross-border payments, the highest regional adoption rate globally. Additionally, on-chain crypto volume in the region rose 60% year-over-year in 2025, driven largely by stablecoins.  

While the drivers of adoption differ, the common effect is that in 2025, there was $324 billion in stablecoin transaction volume across LATAM, representing an 89% year-over-year surge. In Brazil, currently over 90% of all crypto flows are stablecoin-related, and over 60% in Argentina. Hotels, restaurants, and tourism businesses are also beginning to accept stablecoin payments directly from international visitors, saving both businesses and tourists millions previously lost to exchange rates and credit card fees. 

Business-to-business (B2B) stablecoin volumes grew 30x globally in the past two years, and Latin American businesses, banks, and fintechs have been among the first to widely adopt stablecoins.  

  • Mizuho research reports that remittance fees via stablecoins in the US-Mexico corridor are now under 1%, a major improvement for consumers compared to the 5% to 7% average fees charged by traditional money transfer services.  
  • Across the $142 billion that U.S. individuals sent to Latin America in 2025, if conducted through low-cost stablecoin infrastructure, this could result in $6.1-8.9 billion in consumer savings. 

As regulations become clearer and adoption continues to grow, stablecoins are likely to play an increasingly important role in payments, savings, and cross-border transfers throughout Latin America.  

TDC Forums: The Place to Meet and Learn 

by Megan Thorpe

In a world filled with noise, decision makers’ greatest resource is time. TDC Forums are time well spent for these key leaders, and our next engagements in New York City and Chicago are filling up fast. 
 
Though built for a specific locality, the events are globally focused. With limited seating, the conversations remain small but inclusive in these half-day convenings. TDC Forums are in the works for other key international cities and build on The Digital Chamber’s reputation for sophisticated policy engagement and industry-shaping collaboration between the digital assets industry, global financial leaders, and policymakers. 
 
Rather than simply including another panel, the events are built for engagement. Whether in a group setting or one-on-one, the opportunities at TDC Forums are designed to ensure meaningful connections can grow high-impact ideas. 
 
TDC Members are invited to join the events at no cost. Non-members can join for a nominal fee. Each Forum is also open to the public and meant to diversify voices engaging in key policy issue discussions. TDC Forums are another way TDC is helping the broader industry shape the future of the digital economy across the globe. 

To learn more about the latest cities playing host to a TDC Forum and sponsorship opportunities, click here.

Insider Trading and Prediction Markets; Blockchain Transparency Drives Enforcement  

by Megan Thorpe

Recently, insider trading allegations related to prediction markets have been dominating headlines. One of the recent headline grabbers includes allegations a U.S. military official committed fraud and misuse of classified information. The soldier allegedly used classified intelligence related to U.S. military action in Venezuela to place a series of trades on Polymarket’s offshore platform, generating over $400,000 in personal profit. He has been charged with multiple criminal offenses, and the CFTC has also filed a lawsuit against him for civil damages. 

According to the criminal indictment, to bypass the offshore platform’s restrictions against use by U.S. individuals, it is alleged the individual accessed the platform through foreign accounts and attempted to conceal his activity by moving funds through offshore accounts. However, the activity was quickly discovered despite alleged attempts to conceal because the trades at issue were executed through public and immutable blockchain technologies. The suspicious timing and size of the trades were rapidly spotted by the public and quickly uncovered in media reports, leading to a federal investigation and the resulting criminal and civil charges. Since everyone could see the suspicious trading activity, accountability was as transparent as the blockchain ledger. 

As the call for prediction markets regulation bubbles at the state and federal level, this example illuminates a number of key policy discussion points: 

• Transparency: Blockchain-based technologies and platform monitoring appear to have contributed to identifying unusual trading patterns, which were later investigated by authorities.  

• Existing rules: This case represents one of the first major criminal prosecutions and civil enforcement actions for insider trading involving prediction markets. The case suggests that existing fraud, commodities, and misuse-of-information statutes can be applied to conduct on prediction markets.   

• Jurisdictional complexity: U.S. law prohibits certain event contracts, such as those involving war, which is why the individual allegedly had to use workarounds to trade on offshore markets. This highlights that U.S. regulations prohibiting event contracts on things like war and terrorism are still in full force, but the borderless nature of prediction markets and digital assets complicate who and how bad actors are brought to justice.  

• Regulatory scrutiny of prediction markets: The case and similar recent civil enforcement actions are heating up policy discussions around how prediction markets and insider trading with sensitive information on those markets should be regulated. Even though the trades happened on an offshore platform, U.S. authorities can still enforce the law. If someone in the U.S. tries to bypass restrictions to access those markets, they can be held accountable if they break U.S. law.  

Though existing laws already prohibit the insider trading alleged in this matter, clearly tying those existing rules to emerging technology like prediction markets in cases like this is necessary to ensure law enforcement can fairly police online trading activity. As with so many emerging technology products, there is a clear need for consistent regulatory frameworks that address misuse without stifling innovation. 


If you have any questions, please reach out to policy@digitalchamber.org. 

TDC’s State Network: Lawmakers, Industry Leaders Convene for New York State Blockchain Day

by Megan Thorpe

Washington, DC (May 27, 2026) — Industry leaders, technology advocates, and policymakers will gather today at the Legislative Office Building for New York State Blockchain Day. The education event will focus on the growing role of blockchain technology in government modernization, economic development, consumer protection, and energy innovation.

Hosted by the BSV Association, The Digital Chamber’s State Network, and the NYS Blockchain Council, the event will demonstrate to lawmakers about blockchain technology and emerging digital asset applications from industry experts that could strengthen New York’s economy and modernize public services.

Anastasia Dellaccio, Executive Director for The Digital Chamber State Network, said, “Lawmakers will see firsthand how blockchain technology can reduce administrative costs, eliminate duplicative processes, and bring real transparency to how government serves its constituents. New York’s reputation as a global finance leader will be bolstered by the innovations on display today. The Digital Chamber’s State Network is proud to stand with our partners to ensure policymakers have the tools and knowledge to build a policy environment where that innovation can take root.”

New York State Blockchain Day underscored the importance of connecting policymakers, industry experts, and community stakeholders as the state evaluates how blockchain technology can responsibly support economic growth, government efficiency, and consumer trust.

Today’s interactive demonstrations and discussions with blockchain industry leaders show how blockchain technology can:

  • Enhance transparency and accountability in government
  • Improve cybersecurity and reduce fraud
  • Modernize public infrastructure and digital services
  • Drive economic growth and job creation
  • Strengthen energy market resilience and sustainability initiatives

Organizers are also discussing the benefits of pending legislative proposals in the New York State Legislature, including legislation to modernize public sector recordkeeping and health information systems through blockchain-enabled infrastructure. Additionally, advocates will address proposals that could slow innovation, investment, and technological development in the state, including legislation impacting digital asset mining operations, data center regulation, and emerging blockchain-based financial platforms.

Through a supportive innovation ecosystem that enables blockchain businesses and digital infrastructure companies, companies can grow jobs and scale in New York, while maintaining strong consumer protections and transparency standards.

About New York State Blockchain Day

New York State Blockchain Day is an educational advocacy initiative organized by the BSV Association, the Digital Chamber State Network, and the NYS Blockchain Council to raise awareness among policymakers about blockchain technology and its applications across government, finance, healthcare, energy, and public infrastructure.

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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Arizona Sets the Standard: Digital Asset Reserves Next Act

by Megan Thorpe

By Anastasia Dellaccio, Executive Director, Digital Chamber State Network

 The states that move early and with intention will attract capital, talent, and infrastructure that underpins the next generation of financial systems. 

Arizona has advanced one of the most comprehensive state-level digital asset reserve frameworks in the country. The legislature recently passed SB 1649 and SB 1042, sending them to Governor Katie Hobbs’ desk, but whether they will be signed into law still remains uncertain.  

SB 1649 establishes a Digital Assets Strategic Reserve Fund managed by the State Treasurer, seeded with seized and forfeited digital assets at no new cost to taxpayers. The Treasurer is authorized to hold, invest, and where appropriate, lend those assets to generate returns. The bill proposes this effort be governed by a “cryptocurrency fair value” framework that evaluates assets on measurable criteria like market capitalization, network activity, and ecosystem development.  

SB 1042 would complement the reserve by enabling Arizona to diversify a small portion of public funds beyond traditional assets into high-potential digital assets. 

Why This Matters for Arizona’s Fiscal Future

As state debts and unfunded pension liabilities grow, governments face mounting pressure to protect long-term purchasing power without burdening taxpayers. Traditional portfolios have a mix of bonds, cash, and Treasuries. Digital assets offer states a new diversification opportunity, and Arizona’s framework is designed to capture that upside responsibly.

The digital asset industry has grown from roughly $10 billion in total market capitalization a decade ago to between $2 and $3 trillion today and shown increasing stability alongside sustained growth. Critically, SB 1649’s weighted, metrics-based framework for determining eligible assets means Arizona is not relying on a concentrated position on any single token. It is building a diversified digital asset allocation governed by principled, measurable criteria. That is the same discipline we expect from any well-managed public fund, now applied to an asset class most state treasuries haven’t yet had the tools to access.

Good Policy Built Right

Passing the legislation is step one. Implementation is the bigger challenge, and Arizona has the opportunity to set an example for state governments across the country

Diversify thoughtfully within the framework. SB 1649’s fair value framework was designed to allow Arizona to invest across a diversified mix of assets rather than concentrating exposure in a single token. As the Treasurer’s office operationalizes the fund, it should establish clear, repeatable processes for evaluating asset eligibility, reviewing portfolio composition regularly, and resisting any pressure to treat the fund as a single-asset vehicle. Diversification across digital assets with different use cases, network characteristics, and market dynamics is what transforms this reserve from a novelty into a durable fiscal tool.

Go beyond periodic attestation and build out the full reserve stack. As Arizona moves into the next phase of digital asset innovation, it should anchor its framework in transparency and durability. Across unclaimed assets, strategic reserves, and state stablecoin regulation, Arizona should aim for the ceiling in its digital asset administration. Traditional monthly audits show what was true at a single point in time, while programmatic, on-chain proof of reserves can show what is true continuously, every block, every second. But proof of reserves is only the foundation. Proof of composition provides transparency into the makeup of reserve assets to guard against concentration and tail risk, while proof of solvency can continuously demonstrate that total assets exceed liabilities.

Together, these layers distinguish a durable financial system from a compliance checkbox. This framework is ultimately about more than compliance; it’s about building enduring financial infrastructure and services that strengthen Arizona’s long-term fiscal stability. This also offers assurance to regulators that they can cover their bases by leveraging technology to hedge against risk.

Use the custodial flexibility the bill provides. SB 1649’s amended language recognizes secure custody solutions as qualified custodians, and the bill preserves the Treasurer’s ability to self-custody assets directly using technology providers. This is a wise choice, as it is typically more cost-effective, secure, and less exposed to third-party risk than relying exclusively on institutional custodians.

The Bigger Picture

Arizona’s move is not just about reserves. It is a signal. A signal that states are beginning to treat digital assets as a strategic asset class, a legitimate investment opportunity, and a clear message to innovators that Arizona is open for business.

The Digital Chamber State Network stands ready to help ensure what comes next matches the ambition of what has just been achieved.

Maryland Leads the Way: Turning Digital Asset Policy into Progress 

by Megan Thorpe

By Anastasia Dellaccio, Executive Director, Digital Chamber State Network | Jacqui Cooper, CEO, Maryland Blockchain Association 

At its best, digital asset policy is not only about markets or technology. It is about expanding access, strengthening protections, and creating real opportunities. For Maryland communities, from the unbanked to students, to entrepreneurs and workers across the state, they are seeing the benefits of clarity, coordination, and bipartisan action in their legislature to ensure that opportunities for jobs and innovation can flourish in their state. 

As Governor Wes Moore recently underscored at The Digital Chamber’s DC Blockchain Summit, “Innovative technologies like blockchain must work for everyone, including underbanked communities.” Maryland is not just embracing that vision. It is putting it into action.  

The 2026 legislative session will be remembered in Maryland as the year digital asset policy moved from conversation to commitment. As the 2026 legislative session draws to a close, the state has clearly asserted that Maryland is open for business. Lawmakers advanced a cohesive, bipartisan set of policies designed to move blockchain technology from theory into real-world applications and, on a broader scale, have positioned the state to compete for digital assets jobs by embracing responsible innovation. 

Building the Legal Foundation 

The 2026 legislative session will be remembered in Maryland as the year digital asset policy moved from conversation to commitment. 

At the heart of this session, progress is SB 154, which modernizes Maryland’s commercial code to recognize controllable electronic records. Though not flashy, this foundational move aligns UCC Article 12 and considers adopting provisions for Controllable Electronic Records. Simply stated, Maryland has modernized its commercial law to recognize and protect digital assets with the same rigor as traditional physical property. For consumers and businesses, this means digital assets are just like other asset classes, which can be owned, transferred, financed, and secured with distinct legal clarity. 

Putting Blockchain to Work 

Maryland is equally focused on harnessing blockchain technology for tangible public value. SB 168 / HB 810 is now headed to the Governor’s desk and means the state will actively study evaluating recording real property titles on blockchain-based systems. By piloting blockchain-based title verification, the state is making a concrete investment in modern technology that will reduce fraud, streamline transactions, and shine a light on systems traditionally burdened by inefficiency and opacity.  

Playing the Long Game 

Maryland’s work is smart and likely to be successful because it is built on a foundation of technical expertise. 

SB 376 / HB 470 establishes a Digital Asset and Blockchain Technology Task Force, creating a standing engine for the state to continue to lead in policy development. This task force will offer a low-risk, low-cost, and transparent path to policymaking, while enabling lawmakers to build internal expertise, compare approaches taken by peer states, and assess real-world use cases. By doing this work before committing public resources or adopting specific rules, Maryland is more likely to continue their practical and bipartisan regulatory efforts. 

Meanwhile, SB 662 / HB 1355, the Maryland Stablecoin Act, is advancing a clear, credible framework for payment stablecoins, providing the consumer protections and banking standards necessary for digital dollars to flourish in the state’s economy. Although this legislation needs some improvement, primarily around reserves and a few other standards, it does a good job at adhering closely to the federal law, the GENIUS Act, and creating nimble efforts to adapt to future industry needs. 

Next Opportunities 

Not every blockchain legislative effort in Maryland advanced this session, and that matters too. 

Unfortunately, SB 759 / HB 859, which addressed staking and broader financial innovation, did not advance out of committee. Marylanders deserve access to staking-as-a-service offerings, as described in this legislation. The industry’s coalition has engaged in educating policymakers around this topic, and staking legislation remains a top priority as it signals a long-term commitment to sophisticated financial technology.  

The Maryland Blockchain Association calls these education efforts its “Lighthouse” strategy and will continue to push for clarity that attracts serious players and builds a real, durable digital assets innovation ecosystem. 

The next opportunity is the Maryland BlockchAIn Bootcamp & Workforce Expo, will be held from July 13–17, 2026, at Capitol Technology University. The Expo will gather consumers, students, businesses, state leaders, and the new cohort of The Blockchain Legal Institute’s Business of Blockchain Interns to demonstrate real-world applications for blockchain technology. A Replicable Blueprint 

Groups that share Maryland’s ambition are beginning to take root in other states. Together, The Digital Chamber’s State Network and the Maryland Blockchain Association have partnered to help increase awareness of the facts around blockchain.  

We commend the Maryland lawmakers who drove this progress, including Delegate Boafo, Senator Watson, Delegate Amprey, Senator Hayes, and Senator West. Their leadership reflects exactly the kind of policymaking this moment demands, grounded not just in innovation, but in impact. We look forward to our continued work with them to ensure that Maryland continues to prioritize the values of privacy, freedom, and innovation that Marylanders deserve. 

TDC’s State Network Announces its First Competitive Grant Winners  

by Megan Thorpe

Washington, DC (March 17, 2026) — At the DC Blockchain Summit today, The Digital Chamber awarded the first TDC State Network grants to organizations from Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Utah, and West Virginia. These groups stood out from 41 applicants for their action-oriented proposals aimed at advancing education, policy development, and adoption of digital assets in their states.  
 
“TDC’s State Network is about empowering grassroots leaders that are advocating for smart digital asset policy at the state level.  We have found the best way to support these local builders, many of whom are volunteers, is to provide funding that allows them to turn their policy initiatives into action. These leading organizations are on the front line of digital asset policy action in their states, and the contributions they make towards developing sensible policy solutions at the state level is critical to the future of the industry across the nation.” said State Network’s Executive Director, Anastasia Dellaccio. 
 
Each recipient was selected based on key criteria, including stated goals and policy alignment with TDC’s digital assets policy goals, and will receive $2000 to continue to grow in their community. 

The recipients announced today at the DC Blockchain Summit are: 
 
Illinois: The Convergence Tech Policy Institute (C:TPI) from Illinois is a global think tank mapping AI, blockchain, and quantum policy collisions to deliver trusted safeguards before $10T+ in infrastructure is at risk. They plan to build the Policy Convergence Index™ and Chicago Accord to secure a quantum-safe internet—where tech converges, policy leads. With their grant money, they plan to host a reception during the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) summit in Chicago, July 27-29, 2026, focused on the NCSL Tech & Communications Committee and the NCSL Cyber-security & Privacy Task Force.  

Maryland: The Maryland Blockchain Association (MDBA)  is a nonprofit coalition that is focusing on uniting and educating industry, government, and academia within Maryland to advance Bitcoin, Web3 innovation, and responsible digital asset policy throughout the state.  This year, the MDBA will be hosting a major conference, the Blockchain Bootcamp, bringing industry participants to Maryland to exhibit and lead career development workshops from July 13th to July 17th. This will be the first major conference in Maryland focusing on blockchain and related technology career opportunities. Under the leadership of Jacqueline Cooper, Esq.—a prominent legal expert, educator, entrepreneur, and author known as “CryptoMom2″—the association focuses on bridging knowledge gaps and fostering a skilled workforce for high-demand careers in the digital economy. In 2026, the MDBA is actively shaping Maryland’s legislative landscape by participating in supporting education across a variety of introduced legislation to include blockchain applications (real estate), cryptocurrency staking, a stablecoin reserve bill, and the formalization of the state’s Digital Asset and Blockchain Technology Task Force, and as well as advocating for commercial law updates to the Uniform Commercial Code.  The Association and the volunteers supporting the organization continue to empower Marylanders with the technical literacy and tools necessary to thrive in the “Regulatory Renaissance.” 

Michigan: The Detroit Blockchain Center (DBC) is the state’s premier 501(c)(3) dedicated to blockchain, crypto, AI, and emerging tech education. As the leading blockchain educator, formed in 2018 in Michigan, the Detroit Blockchain Center helps individuals and organizations better understand blockchain/web3 technology; attracts and encourages outside investments into businesses building on decentralized systems in Michigan; and creates opportunities for area blockchain/Web3 startups and entrepreneurs. This grant will serve as a seed investment to launch and strengthen DBC’s policy education track, delivered through events, legislative roundtables, fireside discussions, and voter education/awareness content that translates digital-asset policy into plain language for Michigan stakeholders. 

 
Utah: The Utah Blockchain Coalition is an association in Utah that drives blockchain-centric public policy initiatives to educate government officials about the benefits of blockchain technology and a strong community ecosystem in Utah. With this grant, the UBC plans to convene elected officials, innovators, and policy advocates for a discussion and informative working session around key blockchain trends and how Utah should position itself legislatively for digital asset adoption. 
 
West Virginia: The West Virginia Blockchain Foundation works to expand digital asset education and economic opportunities by connecting legislators, universities, and communities across Appalachia to the benefits of blockchain and emerging technologies. With this grant, the WV Blockchain Foundation will deliver a series of in-person and virtual blockchain policy education workshops designed to engage state legislators, county officials, student leaders, and community stakeholders across West Virginia and the greater Ohio Valley. 

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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Money20/20 Announces Strategic Partnership with The Digital Chamber

by Megan Thorpe


Partnership aims to connect fintech leaders with policymakers shaping digital asset policy

Washington, DC – (March 17, 2026) — Money20/20, the world’s leading fintech show and the place where money does business, today announced a strategic partnership with The Digital Chamber (TDC), the largest digital asset and blockchain trade association in the United States. The partnership was announced at The Digital Chamber’s annual DC Blockchain Summit in Washington DC kicking off the two-day event’s convergence of policymakers, regulators, and industry leaders discussing the future of blockchain and digital asset policy.

The collaboration brings together Money20/20’s global fintech community and The Digital Chamber’s leadership in digital asset policy at a time when tokenization, stablecoins, and blockchain-based financial systems are becoming an increasingly important part of global finance.

The partnership will span key moments across the year, beginning with the DC Blockchain Summit 2026 and including Money20/20 USA 2026, with the shared goal of strengthening the connection between policy discussions. The partnership will include exclusive roundtables and podcasts in addition to thought leadership work in Washington.

It will also support The Intersection: Where TradFi & DeFi Converge, a Money20/20 global initiative exploring how traditional financial institutions and decentralized financial technologies are increasingly shaping a shared financial ecosystem.

Scarlett Sieber, Chief Strategy and Growth Officer of Money20/20, said:

“Money20/20 is where the most trusted institutions in finance meet the innovators building what comes next. Business gets done here at an unprecedented pace because of the seniority and diversity of our audience, bringing together global banks, fintech leaders, payment networks, and digital asset pioneers under one roof. That is why we are genuinely excited to partner with The Digital Chamber. Cody Carbone and his team are among the most credible and influential voices in digital asset policy, and together we can deepen the connection between traditional institutions and the builders driving the real‑world convergence of TradFi and DeFi.”

Cody Carbone, CEO of The Digital Chamber, said:

“The Digital Chamber’s mission has always been to connect policymakers with the innovators building the future of financial technology. Partnering with Money20/20 strengthens that mission by bringing policymakers, fintech leaders, and digital asset builders into the same room. Together, we will elevate global understandng of digital assets and blockchain technology and accelerate their responsible growth around the world.”

About Money20/20

Launched by industry insiders in 2012, Money20/20 has rapidly become the heartbeat of the global fintech ecosystem. Over the last decade, the most innovative, fast‑moving ideas and companies have driven their growth on our platform. Mastercard, Airwallex, J.P. Morgan, SHIELD, GCash, Stripe, Google, Visa, Adyen, and more make transformational deals and raise their global profile with us. Money20/20 attracts leaders from the world’s greatest banks, payments companies, VC firms, regulators, and media platforms — convening to cut industry‑shaping deals, build world‑changing partnerships, and unlock future‑defining opportunities in Las Vegas (October 18–21, 2026), Amsterdam (June 2–4, 2026), Riyadh (September 14–16, 2026), and Bangkok (April 21–23, 2026). Money20/20 is where the world’s fintech leaders convene to grow their brands. Money20/20 is part of Informa PLC. Follow Money20/20 on X and LinkedIn for show developments and updates.

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. 

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

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Media Contacts

Tina Loncaric
Global Head of PR
tina@money2020.com
M: +1 469 288 5556


Megan Thorpe
Communications Director, The Digital Chamber
press@digitalchamber.org
M: +1 202 215 1362

What Is DeAI?  

by Megan Thorpe

By Jean-Philippe Beaudet 

Key Provisions  

As Congress and state legislatures advance Artificial Intelligence (AI) legislation, TDC and its members seek to clarify, expand, and stress the concept of “open AI” in design by providing a more comprehensive definition drawn from the blockchain industry. Within our community, these systems are more commonly referred to as “Decentralized AI” or “Blockchain-Based AI.” For consistency, we use the term “Decentralized AI” or DeAI. 

Importantly, Decentralized AI refers to more than open-source models. It encompasses the entire AI technology stack – including compute, data, models, and applications – built on public blockchain infrastructure. By distributing ownership, access, contributions, and governance across these layers, Decentralized AI Systems aim to enhance transparency, accessibility, resiliency, and public trust, and this multi-layered approach reimagines how AI can be developed, trained, deployed, and maintained. 

Because Decentralized AI Systems are built on public blockchains, the concept of “openness” is inherently embedded through transparent ledgers, open access, and decentralized governance. However, both openness and decentralization can vary across each layer of the system. While some components may be entirely public and open-source, others may incorporate permissioning or privacy-preserving tools depending on the use case. Nonetheless, Decentralized AI Systems overall offer unique and compelling benefits that cannot be achieved under traditional, centralized architectures. 

Below we outline the following four core layers of the Decentralized AI technology stack, each of which plays an integral role in creating a resilient and participatory AI ecosystem: 

Across those four layers: 

Computation. DeAI aggregates training and inference across many independent operators (from idle gaming PCs to small data centers) via marketplaces that route and verify jobs. This broadens access, trims costs, eases grid hotspots by spreading load geographically, and hardens resilience. No single facility or vendor becomes a choke point. Contributors are paid automatically for provable work, unlocking latent capacity at scale. 

Example: A biotech startup splits a large protein-folding job into micro-tasks that idle gaming PCs in 40 states process overnight, paying each node a few cents in crypto for its GPU time. When a surge of demand hits Europe the next morning, spare servers in university labs automatically join the mesh, scaling the cluster without a single new data- center rack. 

Data. Decentralized storage scatters encrypted shards across multiple locations, boosting availability while removing single points of failure. Providers can opt-in bandwidth or datasets and receive compensation. With zero-knowledge techniques and trusted execution, models learn from sensitive data without exposing it, enabling privacy-preserving AI in high-stakes domains like healthcare and finance. 

Example: Cancer patients opt in to share anonymized MRI scans that are sliced, encrypted, and scattered across hundreds of storage nodes; researchers query the dataset with zero- knowledge proofs that reveal insights but never raw images. Each time the dataset powers a published paper, the smart contract behind it releases token rewards to the original donors and storage providers. 

Model. Distributed version control and on-chain governance make every fine-tune, weight change, and policy toggle auditable. Usage-based rewards flow to creators and curators, aligning incentives for openness and quality. Public lineage (what data, which versions, who approved) replaces black-box opacity with transparent accountability and fast rollbacks when issues arise. 

Example: An open-source language model lives on a permissioned blockchain where every fine-tuning commit, weight change, and contributor wallet is publicly logged; governance tokens let the community approve or roll back updates. Whenever an app calls the model’s API, a micro-payment is auto-split among all recorded contributors, turning transparency into ongoing revenue. 

Application. Builders compose the above layers to ship agents and apps that spin up inference wherever capacity is cheapest or closest to users. Startups and SMEs get enterprise-grade capability at low marginal cost, while royalties and revenue sharing flow automatically to upstream contributors to fuel a sustainable, participatory AI economy. 

Example: A lightweight AI agent built on the above-described shared models handles real- time customer support for thousands of small e-commerce sites, spinning up inference jobs on whichever community GPUs are cheapest at that moment. Because the cost is pennies per chat, even a two-person shop can deploy enterprise-grade AI while the agent’s creators earn royalties every time it solves a ticket. 

Bonus: Decentralized Operating System. A combination of each of the four layers form a decentralized AI operating system (deAIOS)—a secure, verifiable, and composable foundation for AI development that provides not only access to models, but also tamper-resistant, provable AI development environments. It should be noted that while fully Decentralized AI Systems incorporate decentralization at each layer of the stack above, there are many methods of combining decentralized and centralized layers that still allow for the benefits of decentralization. 

Conclusion 

With this explanation in place, it becomes clear that Decentralized AI Systems represent a fundamentally different approach to building, operating, and governing artificial intelligence. By distributing control across infrastructure, data, models, and applications, these systems offer unique advantages in terms of transparency, security, scalability, and resilience. 

This piece is part of an ongoing series and is substantially pulled from TDC’s Bipartisan House AI Taskforce Report on Artificial Intelligence—Open & Closed Systems, published in June 2025. 

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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For media inquiries, contact press@digitalchamber.org   

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