Blockchains and Cryptocurrencies: Privacy, Regulatory Certainty, and Innovation

Blockchain and cryptocurrency experts discussed their 2019 policy priorities at a recent luncheon on Capitol Hill on March 15, 2019 hosted by the Technology Policy Institute in conjunction with the Blockchain Caucus. The conversation focused on stablecoins, privacy, and regulatory uncertainty. Blockchain 201: Policy Questions for 2019, 12:30 – 2:00 PM, Capitol Visitors Center, First Street, NE, CVC – Congressional Meeting Room North (CVC 268), Washington, DC 20515. As firms continue investing in blockchain, which has endured its first boom-bust cycle, policymakers are considering whether and how to regulate this new technology. In this panel, we will discuss whether policymakers are speeding or slowing the rollout of blockchain and what Congress can do to encourage innovation and protect consumers. For private blockchains, are policies supporting continued investment in auditability, interbank settlement networks, and supply chain safety? For public blockchains, such as Ethereum and Bitcoin, will open protocols usher in new innovations in networked communications, or might the technology fail to gain traction? Should light-touch regulation, if any, apply to crypto-asset markets? Join us for a lively discussion about what Congress should consider as it seeks to make policy. This lunch event is in conjunction with the Blockchain Caucus. Speakers include: Jerry Brito, Executive Director, Coin Center, Daniel Gorfine, Chief Innovation Officer and Director of LabCFTC, Mark O’Riley, Technology Policy Counsel, International Business Machines, Diego Zuluaga, Policy Analyst, Center for Monetary and Financial Alternatives, Cato Institute, Sarah Oh (moderator), Senior Fellow, Technology Policy Institute