Key Takeaways
- New York City Mayor Eric Adams will create a Digital Assets Advisory Council to position the city as a global leader in fintech and digital innovation
- The council will explore the use of blockchain technology in government functions, including secure and efficient public recordkeeping for vital documents
The announcement was made at a summit with top tech executives, investors, and startups, signaling strong public-private collaboration in shaping NYC’s fintech future - Industry leaders at the summit acknowledged regulatory uncertainty but emphasized New York’s potential to become a premier destination for returning tech talent
- The initiative is part of a broader economic strategy to boost job growth, foster innovation, and reinforce NYC’s role as a fintech and digital finance powerhouse
In a significant move to position New York City (NYC) as a global hub for financial technology and innovation, Mayor Eric Adams has indicated the formation of a Digital Assets Advisory Council. The initiative aims to accelerate the city’s leadership in the fintech space and attract high-tech jobs to the region, as stated through his official X account:
Establishing NYC as a Fintech Leader
Mayor Eric Adams announced the initiative during a high-profile summit at Gracie Mansion, where leading technology executives, investors, and government officials gathered to discuss the future of digital finance.
As per Adams, the new council will offer strategic guidance on integrating digital assets into public services and the city’s broader economic framework. “Our goal is to use the technology of tomorrow to better serve New Yorkers today,” Mayor Adams said in his address.
As a longtime advocate for cryptocurrency and blockchain innovation, Adams highlighted the council as a key component of his vision to drive economic development through emerging technologies. “We have experts right here, and they’re going to help us navigate solutions that serve our city,” he added. “The age of tokenization—including crypto, blockchain, and other fintech innovations—is here, and we’re moving forward with it.”
Although city officials are still finalizing the council’s membership and structure, they plan to name a chairperson in the coming weeks. The group will meet regularly to provide insights on digital innovation, including how to apply blockchain in government services.
Council’s Focus: Integrating Digital Assets and Blockchain
One of the council’s early focus areas will be exploring how blockchain can improve public recordkeeping. Mayor Adams highlighted the possibility of using blockchain to issue and store birth and death certificates, a move aimed at increasing the speed, security, and accessibility of essential records for families.
Building a Supportive Ecosystem for Blockchain Technology
New York State is positioning itself as a leader in digital finance, with lawmakers proposing various cryptocurrency regulations. In April 2025, New York Assemblyman Clyde Vanel put forward a bill that seeks to enable state agencies to accept cryptocurrency for payments. The bill, however, is yet to advance to the full legislative bodies.
The forward-looking approach in New York mirrors a national trend, as at least 18 other U.S. states consider similar crypto legislation, with New Hampshire and Arizona already enacting Bitcoin Reserve laws.
Read more: US Senate Advances GENIUS Stablecoin Act in Bipartisan Vote
