NYC Mayor Eric Adams Doubles Down on Crypto—Launches Advisory Council to Navigate Digital Asset Chaos
New York’s crypto-curious mayor isn’t backing down. Eric Adams—a Bitcoin booster since day one—just greenlit a new advisory council to help the city ‘responsibly’ embrace digital assets. Because nothing says ‘responsible’ like letting politicians navigate volatile, unregulated markets.
The move signals NYC’s push to stay ahead in the crypto arms race—even as Wall Street hedges its bets. Will this council actually bridge the gap between bureaucrats and blockchain? Or just add another layer of red tape to an industry that thrives on bypassing it?
Either way, Adams wins: He gets to look progressive while bankers quietly roll their eyes. Classic political arbitrage.
Blockchain to Safeguard Vital Records
“This is not about chasing memes or trends,” Adams continued, “We want to use the technology of tomorrow to better serve New Yorkers today.”
Beyond high finance, both he and New York City CTO Matthew Fraser flagged blockchain’s potential to secure vital records.
I want to thank all those who joined us for our first-ever Crypto and Digital Assets Summit at Gracie Mansion today!
Our administration has continuously blazed a trail in technology and innovation in our city. It’s all part of our plan to continue growing our economy and bring… pic.twitter.com/LEaNJiZG0B
“We’re also looking at the power of blockchain and how it can be used to manage sensitive information, like our vital records,” said Adams. He noted that birth certificates and death records could remain private while remaining easily accessible to families.
Fraser pointed to financial inclusion as another priority. He suggested that future pilot programs might allow residents without bank accounts to pay for city services with crypto.
“We’re not talking about innovation. We’re talking about survival,” he said, warning that the city risks falling behind without a clear strategy.
Pushing Crypto into Everyday City Services for New York
Adams, who compares himself to Star Trek’s Captain Kirk as he explores new frontiers, said he’s on the lookout for his own “Spock” and other visionaries to join the council. He repeatedly pointed to his commitment to integrating crypto and blockchain into everyday municipal operations.
After his remarks, attendees broke into facilitated tables. There, they brainstormed opportunities and obstacles. The top ideas are slated for formal endorsement from the mayor’s office.
Further, he reassured the industry that its perseverance had paid off. “You were harassed, you were demonized. You were treated as though you were the enemy,” he said, “But you withstood it. Your resiliency is admirable, and it will all pay off, because everyone is going to come around.”
Adams earned the nickname “Bitcoin Mayor” in 2022 when he converted his first three paychecks into Bitcoin and Ethereum. This gesture followed a friendly challenge from Miami’s mayor. Since then, his early embrace of digital assets has made him one of the most prominent US politicians to back crypto publicly. Consequently, it has reinforced New York’s bid to lead in the sector.
