New York Launches Office of Digital Assets and Blockchain; Bitcoin Use Could Be Explored by New Executive Director

• City-level agency created by Executive Order 57 to coordinate digital asset policy across city government.

• Leadership: Moises Rendon appointed Executive Director; he will form an expert commission and report to CTO Matt Fraser.

• Core focus: responsible adoption, economic inclusion for the unbanked, interagency coordination, and public fraud-prevention programs.

Office of Digital Assets and Blockchain: New York City’s new agency to oversee crypto adoption, advance inclusion, and protect residents—learn how it will shape local policy.

By COINOTAG — Published: October 14, 2024. Updated: October 15, 2025.

What is the Office of Digital Assets and Blockchain?

The Office of Digital Assets and Blockchain is New York City’s first dedicated municipal unit for coordinating citywide cryptocurrency and blockchain initiatives, created by Executive Order 57 on October 14. The office will set policy standards, advise city agencies, and pursue programs that expand economic opportunity while safeguarding residents against digital-asset risks.

Moises Rendon, a digital assets policy expert, has been appointed as the office’s first Executive Director and will report directly to Chief Technology Officer Matt Fraser.

New York City has set up a new government office to oversee and coordinate work related to cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. The move comes as the city emerges as a popular hub for crypto offices and attracts attention from the global crypto community.

On October 14, Mayor Eric Adams signed Executive Order 57, creating the Office of Digital Assets and Blockchain, the first city-level agency of its kind in the United States.

According to the announcement, the office will specialize in the proper use of digital assets, making economic opportunities available to New Yorkers, attracting skilled professionals, and advancing the city’s position as a global financial and technology hub.

Leadership and goals

Moises Rendon, a digital assets policy expert, has been appointed as the office’s first Executive Director. His initial mandate is to convene a commission of industry, academic, and civic experts to advise on priorities, governance, and measurable objectives. Rendon will report directly to Chief Technology Officer Matt Fraser and coordinate policy with other municipal departments.

Mayor Adams framed the creation of the office as part of a broader municipal strategy to remain “ahead of the curve” on emerging technology. “The age of digital assets is here, and with it comes the chance to grow our economy, attract world-class talent, expand opportunities for underbanked communities, and make government more user-friendly,” the Mayor’s statement said (official City of New York announcement).

Rendon emphasized a pragmatic approach: “My focus will be on the responsible and practical deployment of blockchain and digital asset tools,” he said. The office intends to balance innovation with consumer protection, drawing on input from fintech specialists, legal experts, and community stakeholders.

How will the new leadership structure operate?

The Executive Director will establish an advisory commission, set internal governance protocols, and create a roadmap for pilot programs. Coordination channels will be formalized between the office, the Mayor’s Office, the Office of the CTO, and relevant city agencies to ensure unified policy and operational clarity.

Responsibilities of the office

The Office of Digital Assets and Blockchain will develop policy frameworks for municipal use of blockchain and digital assets. Primary responsibilities include:

• Interagency coordination: align city departments on standards for pilots, procurement, and security.

• Economic inclusion: design programs to improve access for underbanked and underserved populations to digital financial tools.

• Public protection: build awareness campaigns on fraud, scams, and safety practices for digital-asset transactions.

The office will also serve as the city’s point of contact for state and federal counterparts and engage with the private sector to assess real-world applications of distributed ledger technology in areas such as land records, identity services, grant disbursements, and supply-chain transparency. Official communiqués from the Mayor’s office and the City of New York press release outline these responsibilities in greater detail.

What specific public services might be affected?

Potential applications include streamlining benefit distribution, increasing traceability in public procurement, and improving identity verification for civic services. The office will pilot programs only after due diligence on privacy, security, and equity impacts, and will publish guidance for agencies and residents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the Office of Digital Assets and Blockchain regulate crypto firms in New York?

The office is designed to coordinate municipal policy and adoption; it will not replace state or federal regulatory authorities. Enforcement and licensing remain under the jurisdiction of state regulators and federal agencies. The office will, however, advise on city procurement and operational standards.

How will this office protect residents from scams and fraud?

The office plans targeted public education campaigns, interagency reporting channels for incidents, and collaboration with law enforcement and consumer protection units to reduce fraud. Messaging will be tailored to reach communities with low banking access and higher vulnerability to online scams.

Key Takeaways

• New municipal agency established: Executive Order 57 created the Office of Digital Assets and Blockchain to centralize city efforts on crypto and blockchain.
• Leadership and accountability: Moises Rendon named Executive Director; he will lead an advisory commission and report to CTO Matt Fraser.
• Focus on inclusion and safety: The office will prioritize economic opportunities for underbanked New Yorkers, interagency coordination, and fraud prevention programs.

Conclusion

The creation of the Office of Digital Assets and Blockchain formalizes New York City’s approach to emerging digital-asset technologies, pairing a mission of responsible adoption with public protection and economic inclusion. With leadership in place and a mandate to convene experts, the office is positioned to guide pilot programs and set operational standards—watch for published guidance and program updates from the City of New York and the Mayor’s Office.

Also Read: US Files Largest Crypto Forfeiture Action: $15B in Bitcoin

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Sources: City of New York press release; Mayor’s Office statements; public comments from Moises Rendon. No external links provided.

TAGGED: Blockchain Cryptocurrency United States