Initiative solidifies Adams’ crypto legacy as New York’s leadership changes
New York City Mayor Eric Adams — known as the “Bitcoin Mayor” — has signed Executive Order 57, which created the Office of Digital Assets and Blockchain. The move strengthens the city’s bid to become the world’s crypto capital.
The new digital assets office, the first of its kind in the United States, will promote responsible blockchain innovation, attract talent, and enhance New York’s position as a financial technology hub. It reflects the mayor’s long-term vision to integrate crypto policy and public governance.
Under Executive Order 57, which Adams signed on Tuesday, the new office will report to Chief Technology Officer Matthew Fraser. Moises Rendon, a blockchain policy expert from the Office of Technology and Innovation (OTI), will serve as executive director.
Rendon will commission industry leaders to advise on digital asset policies and coordinate agency projects.
“New York has always been the center of innovation,” Adams said. “With this office, we’re embracing the technologies of tomorrow — growing our economy and expanding opportunities for underbanked communities.”
First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro said the initiative keeps New York “ahead of the curve,” ensuring residents gain from new economic opportunities.
CTO Fraser added that the office “shows the mayor’s bold vision to make New York the crypto capital of the world.”
The office will connect City Hall with the crypto sector while coordinating with regulators. Its priorities include responsible innovation, financial inclusion, public education about crypto risks, and consumer protection.
“The future is now for digital assets in New York City,” Rendon said. “We aim to make government more transparent and innovative for 8.5 million New Yorkers.”
Rendon said his priority will be forming a commission of blockchain experts to advise on pilot initiatives, such as exploring blockchain use for public records and city service transparency. The office also plans to collaborate with federal and state agencies on crypto education and consumer protection campaigns.
These actions will reinforce New York’s leadership in digital finance and the crypto ecosystem, protect consumers, and foster sustainable economic growth.
The office caps Adams’ two-year campaign to make New York a blockchain and crypto hub. He hosted the city’s first crypto summit and took his first three paychecks in Bitcoin and Ethereum, earning the nickname “Bitcoin Mayor.”
Adams also called for reforming New York’s BitLicense framework, arguing that restrictive rules hurt innovation. He will leave office on January 1 after ending his reelection campaign in September.
With Adams’ exit, Democrat Zohran Mamdani leads the mayoral race, followed by former Governor Andrew Cuomo. Industry figures, including Gemini co-founder Tyler Winklevoss, back candidates who support the digital assets economy. Mamdani, however, has been skeptical of the industry. He endorsed stronger stablecoin consumer protections and criticized Cuomo for advising crypto exchange OKX.
