Attendees at the first New York City Crypto Summit urged Mayor Adams to end the BitLicense, citing it as a barrier to crypto innovation in the city.
The summit, held at Gracie Mansion, gathered key figures from the crypto industry to discuss challenges and solutions in New York.
Mayor Adams empathized with the attendees, acknowledging past persecutions and expressing his desire to make NYC a crypto hub.
The requirement for a BitLicense in New York makes it difficult and expensive for startups to operate in the state.
Suggestions included creating a regulatory sandbox or making NYC a sanctuary city from the BitLicense to promote crypto growth.
Galaxy CEO Mike Novogratz emphasized the need for favorable crypto legislation in New York to foster industry growth.
Attendees also proposed innovative crypto applications, financial services for unbanked residents, and blockchain education in schools.
Mayor Adams called for collaboration with industry experts to navigate crypto regulations and create a more welcoming environment.
The event highlighted the need for proactive steps to make NYC a welcoming place for crypto companies, signaling a potential shift in regulatory approach.
Overall, the summit showcased a shared goal of promoting crypto innovation in New York and overcoming regulatory challenges like the BitLicense.