The Blockchain Association broadens its reach to address state issues with second office in Albany, New York
Washington, D.C. (March 17, 2022) – The Blockchain Association is proud to announce its expansion with a second office in Albany, New York as it begins to work on regulatory issues at the state level. The Blockchain Association has hired John Olsen to lead the company’s efforts in New York. More than three years since its inception, the Association has forged a role as the leading advocate for the U.S.-based cryptocurrency industry and will now continue its growth by supporting the cryptocurrency industry on the state level.
New York is the center for both the global financial system and a growing and robust cryptocurrency sector. Collaborating with and educating the nation’s top regulatory leadership will be key for the continued growth of the industry. The Association’s New York office will work closely with legislators and regulators statewide to champion the industry and the use of the latest technologies to make digital services more accessible and equitable for New Yorkers, and all Americans. It is essential that state regulators understand the challenges and opportunities that come with New York being the only state to require licensing of blockchain technologies and as the industry continues to grow, policy should reflect that growth.
Olsen stated, “I’m thrilled to join the team at the Blockchain Association in its efforts to educate and advocate on behalf of companies representing the digital services of the future. Establishing an office in Albany is the logical next step for an organization that has grown exponentially in the past few years and I’m excited to begin the work of bringing blockchain technology and cryptocurrency to the forefront of the discussions among policymakers.”
John most recently served as senior vice president of state government affairs for the Internet Association (IA). He successfully opened the second state government affairs office in the country for IA in Albany when he first joined the association. With the Blockchain Association, John will utilize existing relationships with policymakers and build new ones, share information with the Washington office and Blockchain Association member companies, and work with the DC-based team to develop New York State-specific policies and messaging on key issues, including Bitlicense reform and Bitcoin mining legislation.
“The Blockchain Association is excited to work with John as we expand our operations to represent the crypto industry at all levels of government,” said Kristin Smith, Executive Director of the Blockchain Association. “The New York State regulatory framework will have an immense impact on the future of our ecosystem, and with our Albany-based office, we will be able to build relationships and begin working on the ground with state policymakers to guide regulation that encourages unprecedented growth for the crypto industry.”
About Blockchain Association: The Blockchain Association is the collective voice of the cryptocurrency industry. Our members include the sector’s leading investors, companies, projects, and protocols, working together to support a future-forward, pro-innovation national policy and regulatory framework for the crypto economy. Find us at theblockchainassociation.org. Follow us @BlockchainAssn.
