In a major step toward integrating emerging technologies into city governance, New York City Mayor Eric Adams has established the Office of Digital Assets and Blockchain Technology, the first municipal department of its kind in the United States.Â
The new office, created through Executive Order 57, underscores Adams’ long-standing commitment to making New York a global hub for financial and technological innovation.
The office will be led by Moises Rendon, who has served as the city’s blockchain and digital assets policy adviser since 2024.
Under his leadership, the office will coordinate citywide efforts to expand the use of blockchain technologies responsibly, promote digital asset adoption, and strengthen collaboration among public agencies, regulators, and private industry.
“Our city has always been a global center for progress and innovation,” said Mayor Adams. “By embracing digital assets and blockchain today, we’re ensuring that New York stays ahead of the curve, growing our economy, supporting underbanked communities, and modernizing government services.”
According to the mayor’s office, the initiative is designed to boost economic inclusion, attract world-class talent, and position the city at the forefront of on-chain innovation. The new department will also launch public education campaigns to raise awareness about consumer protections, scams, and the risks tied to digital assets.
The office will operate in partnership with the Office of Technology and Innovation, reporting directly to Chief Technology Officer Matt Fraser, and will serve as a liaison between the crypto ecosystem and policymakers.
Adams, who gained attention early in his term for taking his first three paychecks in Bitcoin, has consistently advocated for a balanced yet forward-looking approach to crypto policy. With this new office, his administration aims to lay the groundwork for responsible digital transformation, ensuring that New York City remains the beating heart of financial technology in the years to come.