New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced on May 20 that New York City will launch a cryptocurrency advisory council aimed at bringing fintech jobs to the city. He noted that New York City has enough experts to help its residents find solutions through blockchain technology.

Speaking at the first-ever cryptocurrency summit held at the official residence of the mayor, Gracie Mansion, Adams confirmed that New York City is "open for business in cryptocurrency" and that the proposed Digital Assets Council will consist of individuals from the industry, with confirmation from the mayor in the coming weeks.

Mayor Adams pledged to make New York City "the cryptocurrency capital of the world".

We are taking a new step towards becoming the cryptocurrency capital of the world by hosting the first summit on cryptocurrency and digital assets in our city! Join us live as our events kick off.

— New York City Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) May 20, 2025

Mayor Adams stated during the cryptocurrency conference on Tuesday that he aims to make New York City "the cryptocurrency capital of the world," and will present policy recommendations in the coming weeks. He also noted that, in addition to his business interests, the city will consider the possibility of recording birth and death certificates on the blockchain to facilitate access for relatives of New Yorkers to these documents.

Mayor Adams stated at the New York cryptocurrency summit on May 20 that the plan to create a cryptocurrency advisory council in the city is not intended to chase trends and fads. He added that the world is currently living in the era of tokens - which includes blockchain technology and other financial technology innovations - and that New York City will continue to move forward in this field.

We want to use the technology of the future to better serve New Yorkers today... and that means supporting the development of a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive tech ecosystem. We must embrace this emerging technology and build on the success of our economy.

~ Eric Adams, Mayor of New York City

The so-called "technology mayor" revealed his history as a computer programmer, confirming that he was one of the early designers of the OLTPS system, which preceded COMPStat. He revealed that he entered the tech world with a firm belief that technology can improve people's lives, and that creating the cryptocurrency advisory council was part of "the evolution of this improvement."

New York City Mayor calls on cryptocurrency companies to open stores in Empire State

Mayor Adams urged cryptocurrency firms returning to the U.S. or expanding their presence in the country to establish branches in New York City. He stated at a previous press conference at Gracie Mansion that New York City is looking to build cryptocurrency empires.

Adams, who is running for re-election, reaffirmed his commitment to making New York City a cryptocurrency hub, stating to reporters that he will work with both large and small tech and cryptocurrency companies to create an encouraging environment to attract them and help them succeed. He added that his goal has remained the same since he took office as mayor, which is to assist President Trump in making the U.S. "the cryptocurrency capital of the world."

Adams also asserted that New York will attract world-class talent, provide opportunities for underserved communities, and make government more user-friendly. He indicated that his office is focused on the long-term value of these technologies for the city and its residents.

In the past, Adams criticized the Bitlicense, claiming it stifled regulation, and called for its repeal shortly after taking office as mayor in 2022. However, he seemed to adopt a more conciliatory tone towards NYDFS, stating that it is good to know that the city will establish safe regulations for those investing and that there will be no violations.

KEY Difference Wire: the secret tool used by crypto projects to secure guaranteed media coverage