Mayor Eric Adams announces partnerships for NYC’s crypto initiatives, including advisers from financial firms, ahead of a crypto summit on May 20. He emphasizes long-term values of digital assets and celebrates a legal win after corruption charges were dismissed, steering focus towards economic development.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams is ramping up his enthusiasm for cryptocurrency just ahead of a big summit. In a press conference at Gracie Mansion on May 12, he revealed some intriguing collaborations with financial firms. The announcement included June Ou, founder of Figure, and Richie Hecker, a private equity leader at Traction and Scale, who will be advising the city on its crypto initiatives.
In his speech, Adams emphasized a serious approach towards digital assets. He made it clear that this isn’t just about riding trends. “We are focused on the long-term values of these technologies for our city and its people, not chasing memes or trends,” he said. Adams continued, “If you’re in the crypto, blockchain, Web3 or the fintech space, New York City is open for business.”
This crypto-centric vision began when Adams took office in January 2022, even promising to take his first three paychecks in Bitcoin. In his 2023 financial disclosure, he reported assets between $5,000 and $54,999.99 in Bitcoin, hinting that the actual value might be higher given market fluctuations.
Meanwhile, it’s worth noting that Adams recently shook off some legal troubles. The corruption case against him, linked to alleged illegal contributions from the Turkish government, has been dismissed by the Department of Justice. This action came at the hands of officials appointed by Donald Trump, and it puts the case out of reach for any future reopening.
On May 9, Adams visited the White House, reportedly to express his gratitude to Trump for his support during a recent campaign. While the timing raises questions, it’s unclear how this ties into Adams’ crypto agenda. The mayor’s office was contacted for clarifications lacking clarity but did not reply before press time.
Looking ahead, Adams announced the city’s crypto summit scheduled for May 20, which is most definitely a key event for enthusiasts and city officials alike. It’s a clear reflection of his commitment toward positioning New York as a hub for crypto innovation.
In a landscape that’s rapidly evolving, it will be interesting to see how these partnerships and the summit will shape the future of digital assets in the city. Adams seems to be carving out a promising path, but with the momentum building around crypto, there’s a lot at stake. Stay tuned for developments as they unfold!
In summary, Mayor Eric Adams is solidifying New York City’s place in the cryptocurrency dialogue with new partnerships and a forthcoming crypto summit. His focus on long-term benefits rather than fleeting trends highlights a serious commitment to digital assets. Furthermore, recently resolved legal issues may free him to pursue these goals without distraction. Overall, the future looks intertwined with technology and innovation for the city.
Original Source: cointelegraph.com