New York Launches First Municipal Office for Digital Assets to Boost Crypto Market

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has taken a decisive step to position the city as a leader in the digital assets space. The newly established Office of Digital Assets and Blockchain Technology, created under Executive Order 57, will serve as a centralized hub for crypto innovation within City Hall. Reporting directly to the city's Chief Technology Officer and led by Moises Rendon, this office marks the first of its kind in the U.S.

The office's mandate includes cross-agency coordination, policy development, public education on risks, and collaboration with economic development teams to attract investment and jobs. For startups and institutions, this creates a clear pathway for engaging with city agencies on pilots, procurement, and regulatory challenges—addressing a critical need in a market long constrained by New York's stringent BitLicense framework.

While the office cannot alter state-level crypto regulations, its role in standardizing municipal blockchain evaluations and facilitating public-sector use cases could significantly reduce friction for industry participants. Mayor Adams' MOVE signals a strategic push to reclaim New York's status as a crypto hub amid growing competition from other jurisdictions.