Chamber of Digital Commerce Canada Calling on Federal Parties to Build National Framework for Blockchain in Canada

Chamber of Digital Commerce Canada Calling on Federal Parties to Build National Framework for Blockchain in Canada

OTTAWA, August 13, 2019 – Chamber of Digital Commerce Canada, the voice of Canada’s blockchain community, is releasing its election campaign and strategy. The plan – “Strategizing for the Future:  Building a National Framework for Blockchain in Canada” – calls on federal parties to recognize Canada’s robust blockchain and digital asset ecosystem.

“The federal government has indicated its interest in expanding Canada’s innovation capacity and leadership around the globe, and we believe blockchain should be a key technology included in these conversations,” said Tanya Woods, Managing Director. “We encourage all federal parties to support blockchain in their election platforms.”

Put simply, a blockchain is a distributed ledger that holds an immutable record of digital asset transactions. Virtually all assets, tangible or intangible, can be recorded, traded, and tracked on a blockchain. Over the last decade, blockchain technology has shown the capacity to improve business processes, increase efficiency, and promote transparency in both private and public sector applications. A survey from the World Economic Forum expects about 10 percent of global GDP to be stored on blockchains by 2025.

Some of the most prominent and forward-thinking blockchain innovators are Canadian. However, lagging policy and regulatory uncertainty in this space are driving businesses out of the country and into more competitive jurisdictions. Without action from the federal government, Canada’s position as a global leader will be threatened.

“We look forward to working with Canada’s political and policy leaders to develop and implement a robust blockchain innovation strategy that drives prosperity, job creation and investment in Canada. We are hopeful for the future of our industry in Canada,” said Woods.

 

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
madison@impactcanada.com

Kayode Southwood
kayode@impactcanada.com

Chamber of Digital Commerce to Host Congressional Blockchain Education Day, July 18

Chamber of Digital Commerce to Host Congressional Blockchain Education Day, July 18

Blockchain Trade Association is Also Celebrating its Five-Year Anniversary This Week

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – July 15, 2019 – The Chamber of Digital Commerce, the world’s first and largest blockchain trade association representing more than 200 member companies, is hosting its third Congressional Blockchain Education Day on July 18. The Education Day will coincide with the Chamber’s fifth anniversary, which will officially be held on July 19. 

Congressional Blockchain Education Day is the world’s largest blockchain advocacy event and will bring together more than 120 Chamber members to educate lawmakers on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. Participating industries will include financial services, insurance, cyber security, supply chain, transportation, manufacturing, advertising, real estate and health care. Meeting with legislators, the delegation will outline the full potential and significance of blockchain technology.

“Regulatory issues continue to be one of the greatest challenges to the adoption of blockchain technology and widespread support from policymakers is critical to its success,” said Perianne Boring, founder and president, Chamber of Digital Commerce. “I look forward to welcoming our members to Washington this week as we celebrate five years of blockchain advocacy.” 

A relatively unknown technology even five years ago, a wide range of economic sectors now engage blockchain and digital assets. Initially formed in 2014, the Chamber of Digital Commerce has played a key role in shaping global blockchain policy and supports hundreds of companies pioneering the blockchain space.

“I am proud to have witnessed the growth of this incredible organization and its positive impact on the industry over the last five years,” said Matthew Roszak, chairman of the Chamber of Digital Commerce and co-founder of Bloq. “The collaboration with its membership has resulted in powerful resources and tools to help move the blockchain ecosystem forward. I’m excited to see what the future brings for this growing organization and the industry it serves.”

Congressional Blockchain Education Day sponsors include eToro, CipherTrace, CULedger, PeerNova and Parsons and Whitmore. Follow the day’s event on Twitter at @DigitalChamber using the hashtag #DCBlockchain. 

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.

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Media Contact

Marie Knowles
+1 202.656.8037
marie@digitalchamber.org

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

New Member Statements:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About the Chamber of Digital Commerce

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

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

Chamber of Digital Commerce Expands Leadership Team

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Chamber of Digital Commerce Expands Leadership Team

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About the Chamber of Digital Commerce

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

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

Chamber of Digital Commerce Delivers Proposed National Action Plan for Blockchain

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Chamber of Digital Commerce Delivers Proposed
National Action Plan for Blockchain
 

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

The proposed National Action Plan is available now.

About the Chamber of Digital Commerce

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

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Chamber of Digital Commerce Unites with Blockchain Association of Canada to Jointly Expand Advocacy Mission

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Chamber of Digital Commerce Unites with Blockchain Association of Canada to Jointly Expand Advocacy Mission

 

February 5, 2019, WASHINGTON, DC and OTTAWA, ONTARIO – The Chamber of Digital Commerce, the world’s first and largest blockchain trade association, has united with the Blockchain Association of Canada (BAC), which will now be called the Chamber of Digital Commerce Canada.

The Chamber of Digital Commerce launched in July 2014 and has seen more than 100 percent growth for the last four consecutive years. Today, the Chamber represents over 200 companies that are investing in and innovating with blockchain technology.

Tanya Woods — a world-class legal and policy strategist and executive director of the BAC — will now serve as managing director of the Chamber of Digital Commerce Canada, leading the organization’s operations from Ottawa. Woods’ experience includes championing Canada’s digital innovation ecosystem, domestically and globally, for the Government of Canada and for multinational companies including BCE, Microsoft and Nintendo.

“Bringing our two organizations under the same banner sends a powerful message to our respective members, blockchain ecosystem participants, and policymakers,” said Perianne Boring, founder and president of the Chamber of Digital Commerce. “Tanya brings more than a decade of strategic advocacy experience and is a trusted advisor to the blockchain community and the Canadian Government at the highest levels. She is a strong advocate for the Canadian blockchain community.”

“Canada is a leader when it comes to driving innovation, entrepreneurship and the digital economy,” said Woods. “Canada’s blockchain leaders and government would like to see a strong and coordinated blockchain ecosystem that is ready and able to effectively collaborate with policymakers to ensure the industry in Canada will thrive.”

Some of the most prominent and forward-thinking blockchain innovators in the world call Canada home. The country’s strong policy commitments to supporting innovation and the digital economy attract global blockchain innovators and investors alike.

“It has been such an honor to see the evolution of the Blockchain Association of Canada,” said Kyle Kemper, chairman of the board for the Blockchain Association of Canada. “Earlier this year it became clear that we need to elevate representation for Canada’s blockchain stakeholders to ensure that Canada can continue to succeed as a leading blockchain hub.”

“Canada is well positioned to be a global leader in the burgeoning blockchain economy,” said Don Tapscott, executive chairman of the Blockchain Research Institute and advisory board member of the Chamber of Digital Commerce. “It is critical for Canada to have a unified local community driving blockchain adoption and I am pleased to see the Chamber of Digital Commerce’s investment in the Canadian blockchain economy.”

About the Chamber of Digital Commerce

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

Media Contact

Fourth Annual DC Blockchain Summit Returns to Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business to Advocate for the Future of Blockchain

 Fourth Annual DC Blockchain Summit Returns to Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business to Advocate for the Future of Blockchain

 Fourth Annual DC Blockchain Summit Returns to Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business to Advocate for the Future of Blockchain

Congressional Blockchain Caucus Co-Chairs to Deliver Keynote

WASHINGTON, D.C., January 23, 2019 – The Chamber of Digital Commerce, the world’s leading blockchain trade association, will hold the fourth annual DC Blockchain Summit on March 6-7, 2019 in partnership with the Center for Financial Markets and Policy at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business. The co-chairs of the Congressional Blockchain Caucus, U.S. Reps. Tom Emmer, Bill Foster and David Schweikert will take the stage to share their views and priorities for the Caucus. The bi-partisan group serves as a platform for industry and government to foster collaboration and ensure competitiveness on the global stage. “We are calling on governments to publicly recognize the importance of blockchain technology and to develop strategies to foster its development,” said Perianne Boring, Founder and President, Chamber of Digital Commerce. “We invite all those who support this to join us at the DC Blockchain Summit to advocate for the future of blockchain.” Chamber of Digital Commerce members from more than 20 countries will participate in the event. Featured speakers include:

    • 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
    • Mark Fisk, Partner, IBM Digital, Public Service Blockchain Leader, IBM
    • Gangesh Ganesan, President & CEO, PeerNova
    • Brad Garlinghouse, CEO, Ripple
    • Michael Hansen, Head of Innovation, Business Technologies, Discover Financial Services
    • John Jacobs, Executive Director and Distinguished Policy Fellow, Center for Financial Markets and Policy
    • Kavita Jain, Director in the Office of Emerging Regulatory Issues, FINRA 
    • Jonathan Johnson, President, Medici Ventures
    • Bernie Moreno, Chairman, Ownum
    • Anoop Nannra, Head of Blockchain, Cisco
    • Matthew Roszak, Chairman & Co-Founder, Bloq

 

The Summit will bring together leading blockchain companies, enterprise executives and policymakers to discuss tokenization, investment in digital assets, smart contracts, enterprise applications of blockchain technology, policy issues and other industry topics.

The event’s Title Sponsor isCisco, an enterprise technology firm and emerging leader in developing trust-based business networks through blockchain. Other DC Blockchain Summit sponsors and participating companies include: Bloq, Discover Financial Services, KPMG, Emergent Technology Holdings, Perkins Coie, PeerNova, DTCC, Deloitte, Ownum, Holland & Knight, IBM, InvestHK, Polsinelli, Fidelity, and BitPay, among others.

Registration is open to the public at dcblockchainsummit.com. Join the conversation on social media by tagging @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  

Chamber of Digital Commerce Releases “Smart Contracts: Is the Law Ready?” White Paper

Chamber of Digital Commerce Releases “Smart Contracts: Is the Law Ready?” White Paper 

Smart Contract Alliance Clears Up Misconceptions About Enforceability of “Smart Legal Contracts”

Washington, D.C., September 27, 2018 – The Chamber of Digital Commerce, the world’s leading blockchain trade association, today released Smart Contracts: Is the Law Ready? Developed by the Smart Contracts Alliance, an initiative of the Chamber of Digital Commerce, the paper shares insights from legal experts on how current laws in the United States and abroad are applicable to the technology. The white paper breaks important ground analyzing the applicability and enforceability of laws governing smart contracts.

Smart contracts are not necessarily legal contracts. They are pre-determined computer code executed using blockchain technology through an established set of parameters. Among the many benefits of smart contracts are the potential for greater operational efficiencies through automation, decreased need for manual processes, and enhanced cost savings, to name a few. For business to realize these benefits, the enforceability of smart contracts is critical. This white paper establishes a foundational legal basis for the enforceability of smart contracts and is an essential step toward increasing the adoption of this transformative technology.

“There is still misunderstanding surrounding the use of smart contracts technology, particularly when it comes applicability of existing law,” said Perianne Boring, Founder and President, Chamber of Digital Commerce. “This in-depth examination is the culmination of more than a year of research from the Smart Contracts Alliance, and aims to further empower innovators and businesses with the legal knowledge to realize this technology’s enormous potential.”

The paper is comprised of the following sections:

  • Smart Contracts Lexicon – a glossary that sets a common ground for practitioners in an industry where formal definitions are lacking.
  • Legal Challenges Associated with the Formation, Modification, and Enforcement of Smart Legal Contracts – an application of traditional concepts of contract law to smart contracts..
  • Smart Contracts, Blockchain, and Commercial Law – an analysis of the applicability of U.S. laws using blockchain and smart contract technology in securing electronic signatures and records.
  • The U.C.C. and State Law Issues in Smart Contracts – an in-depth look at Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code and the perfection of security interests on a blockchain.

The Smart Contracts Alliance is an initiative of the Chamber of Digital Commerce, and is comprised of more than 360 experts in the blockchain and legal space. “Smart Contracts: Is the Law Ready?” is now available at digitalchamber.org.

About the Chamber of Digital Commerce

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

Media Contacts:

Jennifer Darland
+1-443-617-4371
chamber@edelman.com

Marie Knowles
+1-202-656-8037
marie@digitalchamber.org

Chamber of Digital Commerce Expands its Policy Department to Drive Blockchain Initiatives

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Chamber of Digital Commerce Expands its Policy Department

to Drive Blockchain Initiatives

Washington, D.C., August 27, 2018 — The Chamber of Digital Commerce, the world’s leading blockchain trade association, announced today the expansion of its Policy department with the promotion of Amy Davine Kim to the role of Chief Policy Officer and the hire of Paul Brigner as Director of Technology Policy.

Previously the Chamber’s Global Policy Director and General Counsel, Kim will continue to shape the Chamber’s public dialogue and deliver solutions to address important legislative and regulatory needs in the blockchain and digital assets space. She will lead the growing policy and legal team responsible for shaping global, national, and state-specific public policy efforts for the blockchain industry.

As a member of the policy team, Brigner will lead a number of special initiatives at the Chamber, including working groups addressing smart contracts, intellectual property, and accounting.  He joins the Chamber from Georgetown University where he served as Managing Director of the Blockchain Technology and Ecosystem Design Research Center and will continue to serve as an advisor to that group to promote blockchain research for the industry.

“We’re pleased to announce the expansion of the Chamber of Digital Commerce’s leadership team with these two new roles,” said Perianne Boring, Founder and President of the Chamber of Digital Commerce. “Amy and Paul bring tremendous wealth of knowledge and extensive policy experience from across the blockchain, financial services, and technology sectors. Their expertise will be invaluable as we continue to develop a sophisticated policy platform to aggressively promote the blockchain ecosystem.”

Prior to joining the Chamber, Kim served as counsel at leading law firms advising financial institutions, blockchain-based companies, marketplace lenders, investors, and innovators regarding financial services compliance obligations. She has advised financial institutions on the Bank Secrecy Act and anti-money laundering requirements, state money transmitter laws, sanctions compliance, and related consumer financial protection laws. She also advised companies on cross-border, anti-bribery, and trade-related compliance matters, and advised investors in their investments in hedge, private equity, and real estate funds.

Prior to his role at Georgetown University, Brigner was the North American Bureau Director at the Internet Society where he managed projects and activities across its functional and programmatic areas in the United States and Canada. He also served as the Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Policy Officer for the Motion Picture Association of America and the Executive Director, Internet and Technology Policy for Verizon, where he held numerous management positions.

About the Chamber of Digital Commerce

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

Chamber Media Contact:

Marie Knowles
+1 202.656.8037
marie@digitalchamber.org

Token Alliance Issues First Edition of Comprehensive Set of Guidelines for the Token Ecosystem

Token Alliance Issues First Edition of Comprehensive Set of Guidelines for the Token Ecosystem

Chamber of Digital Commerce Initiative Releases Report to Provide Policymakers & Practitioners Tools to Navigate Token Landscape  

Washington, D.C., July 30, 2018 – The Chamber of Digital Commerce’s Token Alliance today released the first edition of a comprehensive set of guidelines to help shape the responsible growth of the token and initial coin offering (ICO) markets. “Understanding Digital Tokens: Market Overviews & Guidelines for Policymakers & Practitioners” is a collaborative report to be used as a resource among industry innovators, investors and policymakers. This first installment addresses so-called “utility tokens,” an aspect of the token economy fighting to be recognized.

“These industry-developed principles are an important tool for responsible growth and smart regulation that strikes the right balance between protecting investors while allowing for innovation in this new technological frontier,” said Paul Atkins, CEO of Patomak Global Partners and former SEC Commissioner. “We think it is important to explain the unique attributes of blockchain-based digital assets, which are not all strictly investment based, and provide guidance to consumers, regulators and the industry.”

The report features three parts:

  • Regulatory Overview: A comprehensive understanding of the regulatory environment and securities law as it relates to tokens in the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Gibraltar.
  • Principles and Guidelines for Utility Tokens: Industry developed principles for token sponsors and trading platforms to promote sound business practices and minimize unintentional regulatory risk.
  • Token Economic Landscape: An in-depth look into the growth and evolution of the global token landscape, with economic data and statistics.

“The Token Alliance is taking a positive and proactive approach towards working with regulators, which could ultimately create unprecedented opportunities for investment, innovation and jobs,” said Dr. James Newsome, Founding Partner of Delta Strategy Group, former Chairman of the CFTC and Co-Chair of the Token Alliance. “This report will serve as an important resource for policymakers seeking to educate themselves and engage in meaningful industry dialogue.”

According to the report, in 2017, startups raised more than $7.3 billion via token issuances, up from $100 million in 2016 – the industry is expected to grow dramatically as cryptocurrency adoption becomes more prevalent and reaches the mainstream.

“We applaud our members who have worked together to form this critical stepping stone on responsible oversight and governance for the token economy,” said Perianne Boring, Founder and President of the Chamber of Digital Commerce. “It is a strong step towards self governance and a powerful tool to help builders and investors create a responsible and successful industry.”

The Token Alliance is an initiative formed by the Chamber of Digital Commerce with more than 350 global participants, including blockchain and token experts, technologists, economists, former regulators, and practitioners from over 20 law firms.

Built on an open-source foundation, the Token Alliance guidelines are based on the current regulatory state of affairs and will likely evolve over time. This is just a first step – the Token Alliance anticipates additions to these guidelines to address other important aspects of the token economy.  All those dedicated to supporting and growing this thriving community are invited to join the conversation and provide feedback to this report on GitHub.

About the Chamber of Digital Commerce

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

Media Contacts:

Jon Temerlies

+1-413-241-0404

chamber@edelman.com

Marie Knowles

+1-202-422-2589

marie@digitalchamber.org