In a move to formalize its crypto policy, New York City has launched the nation’s first office dedicated to digital assets and blockchain technology.
Summary
- NYC becomes the first U.S. city to launch an official digital assets and blockchain office.
- The office will coordinate crypto policy and foster collaboration between city agencies and blockchain innovators.
- Moises Rendon has been appointed as the executive director to lead the city’s blockchain coordination efforts.
New York City has launched the U.S.’ first-ever municipal office focused on digital assets and blockchain, marking a strategic step in the national movement to integrate crypto into public and private infrastructure.
Mayor Eric Adams signed the executive order on Oct. 14, establishing the NYC Office of Digital Assets and Blockchain, designed to coordinate city agencies and private industry in promoting the responsible use of blockchain and digital currencies.
The newly created office is tasked with overseeing policy development, supporting innovation in blockchain applications, and fostering collaboration across regulatory and industry stakeholders.
According to the city’s official report, the office will also focus on ensuring regulatory compliance, raising public awareness about digital asset risks, and improving access for underbanked communities.
The office’s mandate includes forming a commission of digital asset leaders to advise on policy and implementation, reflecting a cooperative stance between local governments and the crypto industry.
“Meanwhile, Moises Rendon, a former technology policy expert, has been appointed as the office’s executive director. ‘I am honored to lead the nation’s first municipal office dedicated to the successful and responsible deployment of these technologies,’ Rendon said.”
NYC’s crypto push joins broader U.S. efforts
Mayor Adams, who famously took his first three paychecks in Bitcoin, has remained a vocal advocate for crypto innovation since taking office. The creation of the Office of Digital Assets and Blockchain builds on his earlier efforts, including the formation of a digital assets advisory board in May and NYC’s first-ever crypto summit earlier this year.
While NYC’s initiative reflects a proactive approach to crypto governance, it also aligns with a broader U.S trend of local and state governments moving to shape the role of blockchain in public services.
Notably, Wyoming recently launched FRNT, the nation’s first state-issued stablecoin, while California approved legislation to allow crypto payments for government services. The state of Louisiana also recently created a legislative subcommittee to study the impact of cryptocurrency, blockchain technology, and Artificial Intelligence.
Collectively, these efforts align with President Donald Trump’s own goal of positioning the U.S. as a global leader in crypto development.
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