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

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

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 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 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

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

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

Newsroom

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