Chamber of Digital Commerce Welcomes Mick Mulvaney to Board of Advisors and Adds Goldman Sachs, Six Digital Exchange (SDX), & Visa to its Executive Committee

Chamber of Digital Commerce Welcomes Mick Mulvaney to Board of Advisors and Adds Goldman Sachs, SIX Digital Exchange (SDX), & Visa to its Executive Committee

September 23, 2020

WASHINGTON, D.C., September 23, 2020 – The Chamber of Digital Commerce – the world’s leading blockchain trade association, today announced the addition of Mick Mulvaney, former Acting White House Chief of Staff and Congressional Blockchain Caucus co-founder to its Board of Advisors. In addition, the organization welcomed Goldman Sachs, SIX Digital Exchange (SDX), and Visa to its Executive Committee membership.

“As blockchain innovation and investment continues to drive policy decisions affecting the industry, diverse leadership with private and public-serving experience is needed to assure the future of blockchain in the United States,” said Perianne Boring, Founder and President of the Chamber of Digital Commerce. “Collaborative action driving blockchain adoption is at the heart of our organization’s mission. Uniting Mick Mulvaney’s exceptional government experience alongside the powerful innovative nature of Goldman Sachs, SIX Digital Exchange (SDX) and Visa, the Chamber believes it has significantly strengthened its already accomplished membership and is best positioned as the voice of the blockchain industry.”

“The Chamber of Digital Commerce has long been a voice on Capitol Hill advocating for the adoption of blockchain technologies,” said Mick Mulvaney. “I’m excited to join this passionate team of leaders on their mission to foster industry-beneficial policy and regulatory initiatives for the blockchain ecosystem. As a co-founder of the Congressional Blockchain Caucus, I believe U.S. advancement of blockchain development and policy is crucial to our continued success as a global leader in technological evolution.”

“Blockchain technology represents a clear and significant advancement in how we do financial services work,” said Mathew Mcdermott, Global Head of Digital Assets, Goldman Sachs. “Goldman Sachs recognizes the importance of blockchain technology and its continued adoption. The Chamber of Digital Commerce Executive Committee gives us the opportunity to collaborate with the industry’s strongest innovators, enterprise companies, and government partners to help progress the future of financial services.”

“As SDX aims to launch the world’s first regulated institutional end-to-end digital asset exchange and CSD, we are delighted to bring our industry experience and perspective to the Chamber’s membership as an Executive Committee Member,” said Tim Grant, Chief Executive Oficer, SIX Digital Exchange (SDX). “The Chamber of Digital Commerce has become a strong voice for the financial services industry as we navigate the advances in distributed ledger technology in the context of global regulatory policy. We look forward to collaborating with the membership on the many challenges our industry faces and accelerate the adoption of blockchain technology and digital assets.”

“Visa continuously explores new payment innovations like digital currencies and how they might be able to connect to or expand our existing network and products.,” said Cuy Sheffield, Head of Crypto at Visa. “We look forward to working alongside the Chamber of Digital Commerce and its robust membership to bring our company’s perspective to the table regarding blockchain policy and adoption.”

 

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 on Twitter: @DigitalChamber.

Chamber Media Contact:

Ethan Brady
+1 202-765-3105
ethan@digitalchamber.org

Chamber of Digital Commerce Welcomes Paul Atkins and Colleen Sullivan to Board of Advisors

Chamber of Digital Commerce Welcomes
Paul Atkins and Colleen Sullivan to Board of Advisors

March 12, 2020

40 New Member Companies Join World’s First and Largest Blockchain Trade Association

 

WASHINGTON, D.C., March 12, 2020 – The Chamber of Digital Commerce, the world’s first and largest blockchain trade association, today announced the addition of Paul Atkins, CEO, Patomak Global Partners and former commissioner, Securities & Exchange Commission, and Colleen Sullivan, partner and CEO, CMT Digital, to its board of advisors. In addition, the organization has added 40 new member companies to its membership.

“As blockchain investment and development continues to grow, increased regulatory clarity and policy leadership is critical to drive adoption and confidence.  Paul Atkins brings his tremendous expertise in regulatory issues and financial services to the Chamber at a time when it is needed most,” said Perianne Boring, Founder and President, Chamber of Digital Commerce. “Equally important initiatives are underway as financial services and investment companies expand further into blockchain adoption and development. The Chamber will be working in close collaboration with the industry at all levels, and Colleen Sullivan’s extensive background in digital asset trading and blockchain technology investments is a perfect addition to our Board of Advisors and the many industry and government partners we work with.”

“I am pleased to join the Chamber of Digital Commerce’s Board of Advisors to help in advancing their mission to bring about smart regulatory policy for the digital asset and blockchain space,” said Paul Atkins, CEO of Patomak Global Partners LLC. “Since 2017, I have served as co-chair of the Chamber’s Token Alliance, a working group focused on token issuances, trading platforms, and other areas under the SEC’s purview. The Chamber has been a leader in seeking to bring about regulatory clarity for token projects, and I am honored to continue working with the Advisory Board in a broader capacity.”

“The Chamber of Digital Commerce serves an important role in bringing together diverse organizations in the growing blockchain space to collaborate on the most important issues facing the industry today, including regulatory matters,” said Colleen Sullivan, partner and CEO of CMT Digital. “I’m honored to work alongside the prestigious members of the Board of Advisors and look forward to bringing CMT Digital’s perspective to the organization.”

New member companies include: Anchorage, Binance.US, Bitwise Asset Management, Cozen, Draper Goren Holm, Flexa, Orchid Labs, Prometheum, Stellar Development Foundation, TokenSoft, Vitro Technology, Web3 Foundation, WisdomTree Investments, Inc., among others.  For a full list of the Chamber’s membership, please visit 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 on Twitter: @DigitalChamber.

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

DC Blockchain Summit 2020 Celebrates Five Years of Blockchain Advocacy

DC Blockchain Summit 2020 Celebrates Five Years of Blockchain Advocacy

February 20, 2020

The Chamber of Digital Commerce and Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business Bring Blockchain Industry Leaders to Washington, March 11-12

WASHINGTON, D.C., February 20, 2020 – The Chamber of Digital Commerce, the world’s first and largest blockchain trade association, will hold the fifth annual DC Blockchain Summit on March 11-12, 2020 in partnership with the Center for Financial Markets and Policy at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business.

The DC Blockchain Summit 2020, along with Title Sponsor e-Toro, will bring together blockchain pioneers, industry executives, and policymakers to discuss the key areas of opportunity, considerations, and friction points that need to be resolved to enable institutional engagement.

“This year marks the fifth anniversary of the DC Blockchain Summit and five years since we began this journey of advocating for the acceptance and use of blockchain technologies and digital assets,” said Perianne Boring, Founder and President, Chamber of Digital Commerce. “Blockchain technology will be remembered as one of the most important breakthroughs of the last decade. However, the industry still faces significant hurdles to mass adoption.”

“eToro is proud to support the Chamber of Digital Commerce to be a catalyst to making crypto and decentralization a bi-partisan policy of priority in Congress and the administration,” said

Guy Hirsch, US Managing Director, eToro. “Education is the best way to help law and rule makers see the tremendous value of fostering innovation and this summit is a great opportunity to deliver it.”

DC Blockchain Summit 2020 featured speakers include:

      • U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer, Co-chair of the Congressional Blockchain Caucus
      • Hester Peirce, Commissioner, U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission
      • Thomas Chippas, CEO, ErisX
      • J. Christopher Giancarlo, Chairman Emeritus, CFTC, and Founder, the Digital Dollar Project
      • Anthony Pompliano, Co-Founder & Partner, Morgan Creek Digital
      • James Wo, CEO & Founder, Digital Finance Group
      • Reena Aggarwal, Vice Provost for Faculty and Robert E. McDonough Professor of Business Administration and Finance, Georgetown McDonough, and Director, Center for Financial Markets and Policy
      • John Jacobs, Executive Director and Distinguished Policy Fellow, Center for Financial Markets and Policy

    The Summit will also include workshops and feature engineers debuting their latest technical advancements in supply chain management, anti-money laundering compliance, stablecoins, and market infrastructure.

    DC Blockchain Summit sponsors and participating companies include: e-Toro, KPMG, Discover Financial Services, Deloitte, Bloq, Anchorage, Armanino, Bermuda Business Development Agency, BitPay, CipherTrace, Clifford Chance, CMT Digital, Digital Finance Group, DLA Piper, ErisX, Fiscal Note, Greenberg Traurig, IBM, Intel, Lukka, Marsh, Medici Ventures, Murphy & McGonigle, Perkins Coie, Prometheum, Reed Smith, Steptoe, TRM Labs, Vault12, Vitro Technology, and more.

    Registration is open to the public at dcblockchainsummit.com. Follow the event at @DigitalChamber and #DCBlockchain.

     

    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 on Twitter: @DigitalChamber.

     

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

Digital Finance Group Joins Chamber of Digital Commerce Executive Committee

Digital Finance Group Joins Chamber of Digital Commerce Executive Committee

January 30, 2020

A Shared Commitment to Inclusive Global Advancement of Industry Unites Innovator and Investor Group (DFG) with Strategic Blockchain Leaders

WASHINGTON, DC, January 30, 2020 – The Chamber of Digital Commerce, the world’s leading blockchain trade association, today welcomed Digital Finance Group (DFG) as a member of its Executive Committee. DFG joins a select group of companies working to accelerate and promote the adoption of blockchain-based technology for social good, innovation, jobs and investment. The Chamber of Digital Commerce’s Executive Committee shapes the organization’s vision and strategy, and supports its mission to promote the acceptance and use of digital assets and blockchain technology worldwide.

“At DFG, we share the Chamber’s commitment to advancing and accelerating the development of the global blockchain industry. Their advocacy for a more inclusive business environment will incentivize investment in blockchain across all sectors,” said Terry Culver, CEO, Digital Finance Group USA. “We are pleased to join this impressive group of like-minded industry leaders. We look forward to working closely with this team of innovators to assist the Chamber in influencing and guiding strategic direction for the blockchain ecosystem.”

“Our Executive Committee is a reflection of the diversity in the blockchain sector and our commitment to the growth of the digital asset ecosystem,” said Perianne Boring, Founder and President of the Chamber of Digital Commerce. “DFG has established itself as a global leader in developing and building blockchain companies, and it adds a new sphere of knowledge to the executive team. The Chamber is thrilled to welcome the experience and leadership of DFG to our Executive Committee.”

About the Chamber of Digital Commerce

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., 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 on Twitter @DigitalChamber.

About DFG

Digital Finance Group is a multinational corporation committed to the development of a vibrant, mature, and regulated blockchain and digital asset ecosystem. DFG manages both private equity and digital asset hedge funds with more than $550M AUM, and operates digital custody, wallet, and exchange services, including Matrix, a regulated digital asset exchange scheduled to launch in Abu Dhabi in 2020. Founded in 2015, DFG has locations around the world, including offices in San Francisco, Singapore, Shanghai, and Abu Dhabi. DFG is also the founder of Ethereum Classic Labs, a steward of Ethereum Classic, one of the world’s major public blockchains. ETC Labs is dedicated to research and core technical development to solve issues in deployment for users of the ETC protocol and it invests in innovative initiatives that deliver positive economic and social impact. For more information, please visit: dfg.group and etclabs.org

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

 

Chamber of Digital Commerce to File Amicus Brief Advocating for a Predictable Legal Environment for the Blockchain Industry

Chamber of Digital Commerce to File Amicus Brief Advocating for a Predictable Legal Environment for
the Blockchain Industry

January 21, 2020

The Chamber requests the Court to apply the correct analytical framework in reaching its decision on a preliminary injunction in the SEC v. Telegram case.

WASHINGTON, DC – January 21, 2020 – Today, the Chamber of Digital Commerce submitted a motion for leave to file an amicus curiae brief in the SEC v. Telegram case currently pending in the Southern District of New York.  The Chamber is contributing to this case to be a true “friend of the court” and provide a legal framework based on settled SEC jurisprudence to create a predictable legal environment for the blockchain industry.  In submitting this brief, the Chamber does not take a view on whether the offer and sale of Grams is a securities transaction.

The key determination that the Chamber seeks is to distinguish between the subject of an investment contract (the digital asset) with the securities transaction associated with it. This requires two separate analyses: (i) whether there is an investment contract, offered as a securities transaction; and (ii) whether the subject of an investment contract is a commodity that can be sold in an ordinary commercial transaction. The Chamber further seeks confirmation that a digital asset is not a security solely by virtue of being in digital form or recorded in a blockchain database. Uncertainty as to how the federal securities laws apply to digital assets is stifling economic development in the United States. This technology neutral principle remains consistent with the law established by the Howey case and its progeny.

The Chamber is represented by Lilya Tessler, Partner and New York head of Sidley Austin LLP’s Blockchain and FinTech group. The amicus brief includes feedback from numerous contributors from the Chamber’s blockchain industry membership.

“An extraordinary amount of work went into developing this brief on behalf of the blockchain and digital asset industry. We greatly appreciate the thoughtful analysis that Lilya Tessler and her team provided, as well as the countless hours of contributions from many of our members,” said Perianne Boring, Founder and President, Chamber of Digital Commerce.

“The Court has an important opportunity to establish binding precedent in helping practitioners better discern when the securities laws apply to digital assets and when they do not under the Howey framework,” added Amy Kim, Chief Policy Officer of the Chamber of Digital Commerce.

“We are delighted to represent the Chamber as amicus curiae in this pivotal case, which hinges on the Court’s application of the correct analytical framework to digital assets,” said Lilya Tessler of Sidley Austin LLP “The decision in this case will have far reaching implications for blockchain market participants, including investors, trading platforms, and technology companies that seek to facilitate both securities and commercial transactions in digital assets.”

The Court scheduled a hearing in the SEC v. Telegram case for February 18 and 19 to consider the SEC’s request for a preliminary injunction preventing the delivery of Grams to purchasers. Each party has filed motions for summary judgement that focus their arguments on whether Grams are securities based on the facts in the case, while the Chamber’s proposed brief sets forth the applicable legal standard and implications of the Court’s decision in setting a precedent for the entire industry.

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About the Chamber of Digital Commerce

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., 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 on Twitter @DigitalChamber.

Enterprise Ethereum Alliance & Chamber of Digital Commerce Launch Strategic Partnership

Enterprise Ethereum Alliance and Chamber of Digital Commerce Launch Strategic Partnership to Advance the Token-Enabled Economy

Partnership Facilitates Collaboration Between the Chamber’s Token Alliance and the EEA’s Working Group and Token Taxonomy Initiative Efforts

WASHINGTON, D.C. and WAKEFIELD, Mass. – December 11, 2019 – The Chamber of Digital Commerce, the world’s largest trade association representing the blockchain industry, and the Enterprise Ethereum Alliance (EEA), a collaborative cross-industry effort created to advance enterprise blockchain technology, today announced a strategic partnership to strengthen industry advocacy and education efforts around tokenization. The Chamber of Digital Commerce will become an EEA Associate–Collaborative Member, and the EEA will become a strategic partner of the Chamber of Digital Commerce. The partnership between the two market-leading organizations will further promote the understanding, acceptance, and use of digital assets and blockchain-based technologies.

EEA and Chamber staff will now have full access to their respective token-related efforts enabling joint participation in the EEA’s Working Groups and Token Taxonomy Initiative (TTI), and the Chamber’s Token Alliance. Areas of common interest that the Chamber, TTI, and EEA will immediately begin focusing on include token interoperability initiatives and regulatory considerations. 

“Active engagement and collaboration within the blockchain technology community are essential to delivering real-world value through tokenized enterprise solutions,” said EEA Executive Director Ron Resnick. “We are pleased to partner with the Chamber of Digital Commerce as an Associate–Collaborative Member. Their public policy expertise will be extremely beneficial to our overall goals of driving open blockchain technology as well as token taxonomy standards efforts.”

“Any asset, tangible or intangible, can be tokenized, recorded, tracked and traded on a blockchain, enabling many transactions to be faster, cheaper, and more efficient than ever before. However, from standards to public policy, the adoption of digital tokens faces many hurdles that must first be addressed,” said Chamber of Digital Commerce Founder and President Perianne Boring. “We look forward to working with the technical experts at the EEA to further support our efforts on behalf of the blockchain industry.”

About the Chamber of Digital Commerce

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., 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 on Twitter @DigitalChamber.

About the EEA

The Enterprise Ethereum Alliance (EEA) is a member-driven standards organization whose charter is to develop open blockchain specifications that drive harmonization and interoperability for businesses and consumers worldwide. Our global community of members is made up of leaders, adopters, innovators, developers and businesses who collaborate to create an open, decentralized web for the benefit of everyone. The EEA also hosts the blockchain-neutral Token Taxonomy Initiative formed to define and understand tokens. To learn more about the Token Taxonomy Initiative, please reach out to info@tokentaxonomy.org. For additional information about joining the EEA, please reach out to membership@entethalliance.org. Follow the EEA on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn.

First-ever Canadian Blockchain Ecosystem Report Finds Industry is Among Highest Paying in Canada

First-ever Canadian Blockchain Ecosystem Report Finds Industry is Among Highest Paying in Canada

TORONTO, October 4, 2019 – Today, the Chamber of Digital Commerce Canada, the voice of Canada’s blockchain community, is releasing Canada’s first ever comprehensive report measuring the size, scope and scale of the country’s blockchain ecosystem, reporting on its impacts, strengths, and needs. The report, developed by the Blockchain Research Institute, offers a closer look at the burgeoning Canadian blockchain ecosystem through data collected from the first national survey of ecosystem stakeholders. More than 150 participants from industry, government, and academia provided their input for the report.

The first-of-its-kind report found that the average annual blockchain salary in Canada is more than $98,000, nearly double the average Canadian salary. This makes careers in the industry among the highest paying in the country, on par with senior government officials, engineers, and professors.

“Canada’s existing innovation ecosystem offers best-in-class talent and pro-growth policies that can be leveraged to establish a leading global blockchain hub here at home. It is clear that Canada’s blockchain ecosystem offers tremendous opportunity to those interested in a career in this field,” said Tanya Woods, Managing Director of the Chamber of Digital Commerce Canada.

To elevate Canada’s competitiveness, the industry requires government commitment to advance and grow this highly innovative technology sector. The Chamber of Digital Commerce Canada shared its asks for the next Canadian government earlier this year, including delivering clear federal mandates and coordinated policy making efforts, delivering pro-growth statements and policies to encourage the private sector, and forming an all-party blockchain caucus and cross-departmental industry task force.

“Our strong education and immigration systems, stable financial markets, thought leadership and traditions of stability and consumer protection make Canada’s economy world-class. These strengths need not be at odds with innovation and entrepreneurship,” said Don Tapscott, Executive Chairman of the Blockchain Research Institute. “If policymakers, regulators, and enterprise leaders can rise to this challenge, we have the opportunity to build the Silicon Valley of blockchain right here in Canada.”

The report provides Canadian leaders with a baseline measurement from which to begin observing annual changes and growth over the next five years – and beyond.

The report also includes:

  • An overview of the global market. IDC, a market research firm, predicts that global spending on blockchain solutions will hit almost $16 billion in 2023. Canada is expected to have the single highest five-year compound annual growth rate in the world of 73.3 per cent, and its spending will reach $846.3 million by 2023, according to IDC. The total global market capitalization blockchain platforms is currently around $200 billion.
  • A breakdown of Canada’s blockchain ecosystem by region, sectors, and company size. It also articulates detailed views of the types of innovation taking place in different regions across Canada. Ontario is identified as the province with the most blockchain innovators, as a hub of blockchain-based innovation and products; Quebec as a hub of infrastructure services and applications; British Columbia as a hub for decentralized applications as well as identity solutions; and, Alberta stands out for blockchain innovations that support natural resource and agriculture supply chains.
  • Additionally, the report found that spending by blockchain entrepreneurs is significant and growing fast. One quarter of the Canadian entrepreneurs surveyed reported that they have spent in excess of $1 million each over the last five years on blockchain innovation. There are currently more than 400 companies in Canada identified as actively focused on blockchain innovation.

“This is an important time where Canadians are thinking about the future prosperity of our country, we have an opportunity in front of us now to enable our blockchain innovators to compete on a global level. We look forward to working with our government leaders to help promote and develop programs and policies to attract and retain blockchain innovators and their companies” said Woods.

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About the Chamber of Digital Commerce Canada

The Chamber of Digital Commerce Canada provides dedicated support for Canada’s emerging and rapidly growing blockchain ecosystem. Our mission is to promote the acceptance and use of digital assets and blockchain-based technologies. As broad and multi-sectoral applications of blockchain technology continue to emerge, so too do the complex policy, legislative, and regulatory issues. These unique issues are driving critical conversations across our country. They are also demanding attention and action from governments around the globe and will do so for the foreseeable future. Through education, advocacy, and working closely with policy makers, regulatory agencies and industry, our goal is to develop an environment that fosters blockchain innovation, infrastructure, job creation, and investment in Canada.

For more information, please visit: DigitalChamber.org/Canada

Follow us: @DigiChamberCDN and @DigitalChamber

About the Blockchain Research Institute

The Blockchain Research Institute, founded and headquartered in Toronto, is the world’s largest independent think tank dedicated to understanding the implications of blockchain on business, government, and society. Conducted by a global faculty of over 50 of the world’s leading researchers, its over 100 research projects constitute the definitive investigation into blockchain use-cases, strategies and implementation challenges. The institute is funded by 60 global corporations and governments, including Canada, Ontario, Quebec and the city of Toronto – each who receive proprietary access to the research.

For more information or to schedule an interview with Managing Director, Tanya Woods or the Report authors please contact: 

Madison Simmons
613-233-8906
madison@impactcanada.com

Former CFTC Chairman Joins Chamber of Digital Commerce Board of Advisors

Former CFTC Chairman Joins Chamber of Digital Commerce Board of Advisors

WASHINGTON, D.C. – September 17, 2019 — The Chamber of Digital Commerce, the world’s first and largest trade organization for the blockchain and digital asset community, today announced that the Honorable J. Christopher Giancarlo joined its Board of Advisors.

Giancarlo, is a renowned blockchain technology advocate and key contributor to the global discourse on cryptocurrencies and digital assets. During his tenure as chairman of the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), the agency published primers on virtual currencies and smart contracts, and the first bitcoin futures contracts were offered. The CFTC also launched LabCFTC to provide better tools and resources to the agency. Perhaps most important for the industry, Giancarlo called for a “Do No Harm” regulatory approach towards blockchain technology.

“Chris Giancarlo brings substantial knowledge and a shared commitment towards blockchain innovation to our Board of Advisors,” said Perianne Boring, founder & president, Chamber of Digital Commerce. “His regulatory, legal, and financial markets expertise, coupled with his insightful approach toward encouraging advancements in technology, will be invaluable to the Chamber and our members as we continue to grow the blockchain ecosystem.”

“The Chamber is at the epicenter of this emerging field of technology that can only be described as a movement,” said Giancarlo. “I’m looking forward to joining this group of Advisory Board leaders, from many fields and areas of expertise, whom are already working to promote the adoption of this transformative technology. It is my hope that together we can streamline and modernize the regulatory environment and encourage further blockchain innovation.”

Chris Giancarlo is an American attorney and former business executive who served as 13th Chairman of the United States CFTC. Giancarlo was first nominated as a CFTC Commissioner by President Barack Obama and unanimously confirmed in June 2014. He was subsequently nominated as CFTC Chairman by President Donald Trump and again unanimously confirmed in August 2017. He departed the CFTC in July 2019 following the expiration of his five-year term.  Before entering public service, Giancarlo served as the executive vice president of financial services firm GFI Group Inc. and as executive vice president and U.S. legal counsel of Fenics Software. He has also held partner roles at the law firms of Brown Raysman Millstein Felder & Steiner and Giancarlo & Gleiberman, and was an associate at Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle.

About the Chamber of Digital Commerce

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., 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 on Twitter @DigitalChamber.

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Media Contact

Marie Knowles
+1 202.656.8037
marie@digitalchamber.org

Blockchain Leaders Look to Establish Canada as Global Hub for Development & Innovation

Blockchain Leaders Look to Establish Canada as Global Hub for Development and Innovation

TORONTO, September 3, 2019 – Canada’s foremost leaders in blockchain are convening in Toronto to kick-off the Toronto Global Forum on Wednesday, September 4, 2019 to showcase their vision to see a new Silicon Valley for blockchain built in Canada. The Chamber of Digital Commerce Canada is leading a panel discussing Canada’s opportunity to establish itself as a global hub for blockchain technology development and innovation. 

Panelists will share key insights on the Canadian market opportunity with business and public sector leaders, including an update on the ongoing “Canadian Blockchain Census” to be released later this month. The Census is Canada’s first-ever blockchain ecosystem report, developed in partnership with the Blockchain Research Institute. Based on insights and interviews from hundreds of companies, regulators, government agencies, post-secondary institutions and more, the Census will present leaders with tangible data on the size, scale and value of the blockchain ecosystem. 

Tanya Woods, Managing Director, Chamber of Digital Commerce Canada – will moderate the panel discussion featuring Don Tapscott, Co-founder and Executive Chairman, Blockchain Research Institute; Iliana Oris Valiente, Managing Director and Canada Innovation Hub & Blockchain lead, Accenture; and Wes Fulford, CEO, Bitfarms.

The panel will also build on the set of recommendations issued by the Chamber of Digital Commerce Canada to the federal government, ahead of the upcoming election, to create a clear regulatory framework for the advancement of blockchain technology. 

“With high-paying jobs, skilled talent, and strong innovation ecosystem, Canada’s potential to build the infrastructure of the global digital economy is significant,” said Woods. “The time to seize this opportunity is now. We hope that after Election 2019, we see a stronger commitment from government leaders to embrace and support Canada’s blockchain innovation ecosystem.”

“Canada is in the running to become home to the Silicon Valley of blockchain, the technology which represents nothing less than the second era of the Internet,” said Tapscott. “This opportunity is in our grasp, but it will require meaningful action from our leaders to make the most of it.” 

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About the Chamber of Digital Commerce Canada

The Chamber of Digital Commerce Canada provides dedicated support for Canada’s emerging and rapidly growing blockchain ecosystem. Our mission is to promote the acceptance and use of digital assets and blockchain-based technologies. As broad and multi-sectoral applications of blockchain technology continue to emerge, so too do the complex policy, legislative, and regulatory issues.  These unique issues are driving critical conversations across our country. They are also demanding attention and action from governments around the globe and will do so for the foreseeable future. Through education, advocacy, and working closely with policy makers, regulatory agencies and industry, our goal is to develop an environment that fosters blockchain innovation, infrastructure, job creation, and investment in Canada. 

For more information, please visit: DigitalChamber.org/Canada
Follow us: @DigitalChamber and @DigiChamberCDN.

 

For more information or to schedule an interview with Managing Director, Tanya Woods, please contact:

Madison Simmons
613-233-8906
madison@impactcanada.com

Chamber of Digital Commerce Publishes Series of Reports As Resource for The Token Ecosystem

Chamber Publishes Series of Reports As Resource For The Token Ecosystem

The Chamber’s Token Alliance Introduces Second Edition of “Understanding Digital Tokens”

WASHINGTON, D.C., August 14, 2019 — The Chamber of Digital Commerce, the world’s first and largest trade organization for the blockchain and digital asset community, is introducing its second edition of “Understanding Digital Tokens,” a series of reports focused on the rapidly evolving token landscape.

This new series is a follow-on installment to the initial report released by the Chamber’s Token Alliance last year. The second edition will be released to provide the industry and policymakers with an even deeper dive into the overall regulatory and market landscape of the token ecosystem.

“We are in a moment when technological advancement is pushing the boundaries of decades-long established law. These laws were made at a time when tokenized assets and instantaneous digital transfers of value were not contemplated. It is exciting to be a part of it, but it also entails risks,” said Amy Davine Kim, chief policy officer, Chamber of Digital Commerce. “We view this as an important resource to provide policymakers, regulators, and practitioners with the tools to make informed decisions when engaging in the token economy.”

To facilitate the development of token businesses as well as minimize incidents of fraud and compliance challenges, the next edition of the series will tackle a number of issues impacting this ecosystem.

The series will roll-out over the next few weeks, starting with the following:

  • Considerations and Guidelines for Securities and Non-Securities Tokens – describes securities tokens with corresponding guidelines related to the legal and regulatory frameworks that apply to them. It also details the application of the securities laws, regulations, and rules of the United States for the issuance and trading of tokenized securities.
  • Market Overviews and Trends in Token Project Fundraising Events – presents economic and market trends, facts, and figures from 2013 to the present to better understand the scope of the growing token evolution.

Future segments of the series will include:

  • Considerations and Guidelines for Anti-Money Laundering (AML)
  • Compliance and Combatting the Financing of Terrorism (CFT)
  • Considerations and Guidelines for Consumer Protection
  • Considerations and Guidelines for Advancing Cyber Security in the Token Economy
  • Global Legal Landscapes Governing Digital Tokens

 

To view the series, visit the “Token Policy Guidelines & Resources” page and follow the Chamber on Twitter @digitalchamber and LinkedIn for details on the publication of future segments.

About the Chamber of Digital Commerce 
Headquartered in Washington, D.C., 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