News: Connect Group | Pioneering the Future of Digital Assets: A Conversation with Sandra Ro, CEO of GBBC

Image: Connect Group | Pioneering the Future of Digital Assets: A Conversation with Sandra Ro, CEO of GBBC

At the beginning of 2025, Global Blockchain Business Council (GBBC) CEO Sandra Ro 🇺🇦 sat down with Connect Group to weigh in on key trends and strategies of blockchain and digital assets within the family office and investment landscape. She emphasizes that for family offices, now is the time to learn about the digital realities ahead. 

“Digital assets aren’t just a new category—they’re a catalyst for rethinking infrastructure, governance, and inclusion,” Sandra shares. “Those who thrive in this transition will be the ones who balance boldness with responsibility.”

Read the full article here.


Connect Group | Pioneering the Future of Digital Assets: A Conversation with Sandra Ro, CEO of GBBC

Video: Perspectives of Gen Z: Blockchain and Cryptocurrency

Image: Perspectives of Gen Z: Blockchain and Cryptocurrency

As digitally native, Gen Z has grown up immersed in technology, naturally navigating the complexities of digital environments. This enables Gen Z to adapt to the fast-paced changes in the tech industry. 

However, with the changing landscape of blockchain and cryptocurrencies, along with the media, hype, and noise that surround them, the key functions behind the technology are not always apparent. 

One of GBBC's Youth Changemakers, Aayush Jetly, a high schooler in Friendswood, Texas, asks his Gen Z peers about their interest and involvement in blockchain and cryptocurrencies. Then, he interviews a few members of GBBC’s Gen Z team, Adrian Matak, Namrritha Senthilkumar, and Justin Legesse to see how blockchain is shaping the future. 

Thank you, Aayush, for gathering these insights! 

Perspectives of Gen Z: Blockchain and Cryptocurrency

News: GBBC Partners with EBA, Blockchain for Europe, CCI, and Adan to Launch Digital Economy Society

Image: Digital Economy Society

Global Blockchain Business Council (GBBC) is thrilled to announce the launch of the Digital Economy Society in the European Parliament, with strong support from across political parties and committees. 

The Digital Economy Society (DES) is a new multistakeholder initiative led in partnership with European Blockchain Association, Blockchain for Europe, Adan, the Crypto Council for Innovation, and GBBC.

DES aims to foster deeper engagement between EU policymakers and the digital economy community. Its mission is to promote collaboration, education, and awareness around the strategic role of emerging technologies, including blockchain, tokenization, privacy-enhancing tools, and AI convergence, in shaping Europe’s economic future.

We look forward to supporting this important initiative and continuing the conversation with stakeholders across sectors.

If you want to learn more about DES and GBBC’s involvement, please contact GBBC.

A sincere thank you to the dedicated individuals who contributed their time, energy, and expertise to help bring this initiative to life: Adriana Torres Vergara, Robert Kopitsch, Erwin Voloder, MES, Tommaso Astazi, Mark Foster, Dimitrios Psarrakis, Emma Joyce, and Alfredo J. Oballos Diaz.


GBBC Partners with EBA, Blockchain for Europe, CCI, and Adan to Launch Digital Economy Society

News: GBBC CEO Sandra Ro Recognized by DISB and DC Mayor's Office on Women's Policy and Initiatives

Image: GBBC CEO Sandra Ro Recognized by DISB and DC Mayor's Office on Women's Policy and Initiatives

In celebration of Women’s History Month, the District of Columbia Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB) Office of Innovation— in partnership with the Mayor’s Office on Women’s Policy and Initiatives (MOWPI)—are honoring the trailblazing women shaping the future of FinTech and digital asset policy. 

On Monday, March 31 from 6:00-7:30pm ET, Global Blockchain Business Council (GBBC) CEO Sandra Ro 🇺🇦 will be acknowledged by DISB and MOWPI during their recognition of women who help impact the FinTech and blockchain ecosystem. 

GBBC CEO Sandra Ro Recognized by DISB and DC Mayor's Office on Women's Policy and Initiatives

News: GBBC's Diana Barrero Zalles Joins Owl Explains Podcast

Image: Diana Barrero Zalles on Owl Explains

Global Standards Mapping Initiative (GSMI), the think tank initiative under GBBC, is the most comprehensive effort to map and analyze the blockchain and digital assets ecosystem. 

GBBC recently released GSMI 5.0 in its 5th yearly iteration, which featured the standalone report “Decentralized Finance (DeFi): Opportunities, Risk Considerations, and Key Principles for Growth,” as an output of the DeFi Working Group co-chaired by Lee Schneider (Ava Labs), Yvette Valdez (Latham & Watkins), and Joseph Cutler (Perkins Coie). 

Tune in to Owl Explains by Ava Lab's podcast with Sylvia Sanchez as Diana Barrero Zalles, Head of GSMI and Research at GBBC, unpacks the opportunities and challenges of DeFi alongside the working group co-chairs.

🔵Listen here.

Access the fact card “What is Decentralized Finance (DeFi)?” below, to learn more and stay tuned for a second fact card series from this report, which will focus on risk assessment for DeFi.

🔵Download the fact card here.
🔵Access the GSMI 5.0 report here. 


GBBC's Diana Barrero Zalles Joins Owl Explains Podcast

News: AI safety: why a new approach is needed

Image: AI safety: why a new approach is needed

John deVadoss, Board Director at GBBC, co-authored the article, "AI safety: why a new approach is needed" with Dr. Matthias Artzt, Editor-in-Chief of GBBC's International Journal of Blockchain Law (IJBL) and Senior Legal Counsel at Deutsche Bank AG Frankfurt.
Read the article here.


AI safety: why a new approach is needed

News: GBBC Announced as Participant in CDOP

Image: GBBC Participant in CDOP

Carbon Data Open Protocol (CDOP) is bringing together 30+ leading organizations to develop a protocol that will harmonize carbon credit data across markets, breaking down data silos and building an open-source framework for greater transparency and trust. Global Blockchain Business Council (GBBC) is delighted to announce our participation in CDOP's Working Group as an Observer.

By unifying perspectives and standardizing data, we can unlock the full potential of carbon markets to drive meaningful climate action. GBBC is committed to advancing transparency and trust, and we look forward to collaborating with fellow CDOP members to explore synergies with GBBC’s existing work in this area spearheaded by our initiative, InterWork Alliance (IWA).

Learn more about CDOP here.

GBBC Announced as Participant in CDOP

News: BxC and GBBC Release Digital Carbon Markets Report

Image: DCM Report

The Digital Carbon Markets Report is now live! Released by Blockchain x Climate (BxC) and GBBC, this report highlights 5 case studies advancing blockchain and other emerging technologies across the environmental market value chain, particularly within the voluntary carbon market (VCM): Carbonmark, Coorest, EcoRegistry, KlimaDAO, and Regen Network.   

As a result of a working group that has led to cross-collaboration across the networks of participants, GBBC is grateful for the contributions of Drew Bonneau (Carbonmark), Nick Zwaneveld (Coorest), Juan David Duran Hernandez (EcoRegistry), Marcus Levine (KlimaDAO), and Dave Fortson (Regen Network). 

Access the paper here to learn about how these use cases are shaping the future of carbon markets using emerging technologies. 


Read the Digital Carbon Markets Report now

BxC and GBBC Release Digital Carbon Markets Report

News: GBBC Responds to UK FCA Discussion Paper 24/4: Regulating Cryptoassets – Admissions & Disclosures and Market Abuse Regime for Cryptoassets

Image: UK FCA Discussion Paper 24/4: Regulating Cryptoassets 

GBBC, with the help of our members, is pleased to have submitted a response to UK FCA Discussion Paper 24/4: Regulating Cryptoassets – Admissions & Disclosures and Market Abuse Regime for Cryptoassets.

We welcome the FCA’s initiative to establish a proportionate regulatory framework tailored specifically for cryptoassets. Our response emphasizes the unique challenges and dynamics of crypto markets, highlighting areas where traditional securities regulation may not be suitable. We stress the importance of proportionality in disclosure obligations, clarity on liabilities (particularly for exchanges in decentralized scenarios), and practical solutions for standardizing disclosures, including centralized FCA oversight or industry-led initiatives.

Key points include the necessity to address gaps around grandfathering existing cryptoassets without whitepapers, the potential role of classificatory frameworks for standardization, and recognizing distinctive market behaviours unique to cryptoassets when designing the market abuse regime. We also underline the importance of balanced on-chain and off-chain monitoring, while highlighting challenges like the free-rider problem in coordinated industry monitoring.

Read the full response here.
GBBC would like to extend its gratitude to the FCA for working with the industry and asking for comments on such critical topics. We would also like to thank our Members and European Policy Analyst, Adrian Matak, for their contributions.


GBBC, with the help of our members, is pleased to have submitted a response to UK FCA Discussion Paper 24/4

GBBC Responds to UK FCA Discussion Paper 24/4: Regulating Cryptoassets – Admissions & Disclosures and Market Abuse Regime for Cryptoassets

News: GBBC's Partner Memberships with CryptoUK and MENA Fintech Association

Image: CryptoUK and MENA Partnership

GBBC is thrilled to solidify our footprint across Europe and the Middle East by announcing partner memberships with two key organizations: CryptoUK and MENA Fintech Association. 

CryptoUK works closely with the UK Government, policymakers and regulators, including the Financial Conduct Authority, HM Treasury, HM Revenue and Customs, and the Bank of England, advocating for fair and balanced policies that align with the government's goal of establishing the UK as a global leader in cryptoasset technology. Learn more: https://cryptouk.io/ 

MENA Fintech Association is an inclusive, non-profit association that fosters an open dialogue for the region’s fintech community. Bringing together all the ‘movers & shakers’ under one roof, the MENA Fintech Association is the voice and nexus of the fintech industry in MENA. Learn more: https://mena-fintech.org/ 

GBBC looks forward to strengthening our presence in regions that are leading the way in institutional adoption of digital assets, especially when it comes to financial services.  

GBBC's Partner Memberships with CryptoUK and MENA Fintech Association

News: GBBC Announces New Team Appointments and Global Policy Network

Image: Global Policy Network

GBBC continues to broaden our team across the globe to support our growing community of leaders, builders, and changemakers. We are pleased to announce our new team appointments and the expansion of our 2025 Global Policy Network to bolster our presence in APAC, EMEA, and USA. Congratulations and welcome!

New GBBC Team Appointments:
Emma Joyce, Chief Revenue Officer
Diana Barrero Zalles, Head of GSMI and Research
Philip Gant, Executive Director, APAC Policy and Partnerships
Jack Williams, U.S. Analyst
Steve Vallas, APAC Policy Advisor
Amanda Wick, Crypto Cybersecurity Advisor
Matthew Hoffmann, U.S. Policy Advisor
Anne-Marie Kelley, U.S. Policy Advisor
2025 Global Policy Network:
APAC: Steve Vallas, Advisor | Philip Gant, Executive Director
China and Japan: Emily Parker, Advisor
Crypto Cybersecurity: Amanda Wick, Advisor
EMEA: Dimitrios Psarrakis, Board Director | Jeff Bandman, Board Director | Emma Joyce, CRO | Nilixa Devlukia, Advisor | Adrian Matak, Analyst
Kenya: Kefa Ngoiri, Co-Chair of Growth Markets Regulatory Council
LATAM: Diana Barrero Zalles, Head of GSMI and Research
Nigeria: Ime Ekong, Co-Chair of Growth Markets Regulatory Council
USA: Anne-Marie Kelley, Advisor | Dina Ellis Rochkind, Advisor | Matt Hoffmann, Advisor | Sandra Ro, CEO | Justin Legesse, Analyst
Zambia: Chika Phiri, IFC-Milken Capital Markets Scholar
Featuring GBBC's Policy & Regulatory Ambassadors: Delphine Forma | Caroline Malcolm | Nilmini Rubin | Lana Schwartzman | Liat Shetret, and Government Affairs Ambassadors: G Clay Miller | Gregory Johnson

GBBC Announces New Team Appointments and Global Policy Network

News: Steve Vallas Joins GBBC as APAC Policy Advisor

Image: Steve Vallas Joins GBBC as APAC Policy Advisor

Global Blockchain Business Council (GBBC) is delighted to share Steve Vallas, Managing Director at Blockchain APAC, has joined us as an APAC Policy Advisor.

Steve has played a longstanding role in shaping the digital assets landscape across Asia and Australia by engaging with regulators, working with international institutions including Australian Securities and Investments Commission, Commonwealth Treasury, New Zealand’s Financial Services Council, Reserve Bank of New Zealand, U.S. Federal Reserve and the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the German Ministry of Economics, APEC, the South Korean National Assembly, and more. 

Welcome to the team, Steve!

Steve Vallas Joins GBBC as APAC Policy Advisor

News: GBBC Joins Forces with 1871

Image: GBBC Joins Forces with 1871

GBBC is thrilled to unveil a new strategic partnership with 1871, a nonprofit global innovation hub, to stimulate blockchain innovation in the U.S. through 1871’s Web3 Innovation Lab. 

Through this partnership, GBBC and 1871 will create opportunities for experts, startups, investors, and corporations in the U.S. by: 

Strengthening the interconnections between GBBC’s and 1871's communities 
Inviting GBBC members to participate in 1871’s Web3 Innovation Lab events and partnerships 
Supporting innovation across sectors through the strategic implementation of emerging technologies 

Read the full announcement here.


GBBC Joins Forces with 1871

New Release: Web3 Infographics in Spanish

Updated May 23rd, 2023 As part of Global Blockchain Business Council (GBBC)’s continuing endeavors to breakdown complex blockchain concepts into easily digestible visualizations, GBBC has introduced varied sets of infographics […]

New Release: Web3 Infographics in Spanish - Global Blockchain Business Council

News: GBBC Releases International Journal of Blockchain Law - Volume XI

Image: IJBL Volume XI Announcement

Written and edited by lawyers, Global Blockchain Business Council (GBBC)’s International Journal of Blockchain Law (IJBL) is designed to help interested business and non-legal communities better understand the regulatory world of blockchain and digital assets. 
Volume XI delves into developments surrounding manipulative and insider trading, a novel triple-token merger, private remedies within securities law, DAO liability, and FIT21 in the U.S.; cryptoasset capital rules in Hong Kong; staking/restaking and AI agents in Japan; and the black box phenomenon of AI applications. It also features the panel recording “Tokenization of Debt and Project Promissa (In Partnership with The World Bank)” from GBBC’s Blockchain Central Davos 2025.
Congratulations to the editors, contributors, and featured panelists: Yumi Ahn, Yojiro Arai, Dr. Matthias Artzt, Roxane Ballew, Joe Castelluccio, Patrick Cheng, Paul C. de Bernier, John deVadoss, Andrew Fei, Rohith P. George, Dave Hirsch, Locknie Hsu, Stephanie M. Hurst, Don Irwin, Elcin Karatay, Thiago Luis Sombra, Dr. Reto Luthiger, Garen Marshall, Jean-Denis Marx, Yu Mizushima, Nina Moffatt, Robert Oleschak, Stephen Palley, Gage Raju-Salicki, Victor Sai, Rhea Saini, So Saito, Rhea Shahane, Liz Towler, Jake van der Laan, Dylan Walsh, and Gary Weingarden.
Read it here: https://www.gbbc.io/initiatives/international-journal-blockchain-law 

Written and edited by lawyers, Global Blockchain Business Council (GBBC)’s International Journal of Blockchain Law (IJBL)

GBBC Releases International Journal of Blockchain Law - Volume XI

News: GBBC Announces 2025 Ambassador Cohort 

2025 Ambassador Announcement

Global Blockchain Business Council (GBBC) Ambassadors are innovators and changemakers who strive to provide powerful insights, particularly in areas of technology, governance, law, finance, civil society, and academia.
Since its inception, GBBC has relied on our global Ambassador network to expand our community, presence, and impact. GBBC Ambassadors act as trusted advisors to GBBC’s leadership and members, providing invaluable guidance and assistance on how to engage with diverse local communities to carry out our mission to the highest standards.
With an immense community that continues to grow at a rapid pace, we have refreshed our network of GBBC Ambassadors to streamline the program, ensuring an engaged cohort for the year ahead. The 2025 GBBC Ambassador cohort enriches GBBC’s global reach with 283 Ambassadors across 124 jurisdictions and disciplines. 
GBBC’s 2025 Ambassador cohort includes 49 new ambassadors and 9 new jurisdictions and disciplines: Bhutan, Cambodia, Energy Infrastructure, Latin America (LatAm), Malaysia, Malta, Paraguay, Standards, and Trading and Markets.


GBBC Announces 2025 Ambassador Cohort 

News: Davos 2025: GBBC partners with AI 2030 initiatives, introduces 2025 Ambassador Cohort, and more

Cointelegraph 2025 - Davos 2025: GBBC partners with AI 2030 initiatives, introduces 2025 Ambassador Cohort, and more

Returning for its 8th year, Global Blockchain Business Council (GBBC), the world’s largest leading non-profit association for blockchain and digital assets, convened thought leaders from across blockchain, digital assets, technology, and government for GBBC’s 8th Annual Blockchain Central Davos this week.  

Learn more on Cointelegraph.


Cointelegraph - Davos 2025: GBBC partners with AI 2030 initiatives, introduces 2025 Ambassador Cohort, and more

Cointelegraph: GBBC partners with AI 2030 initiatives, introduces 2025 Ambassador Cohort, and more

News: GBBC's Philip Gant Joins Seoul National University Center for ESG and Social Innovation’s “Blockchain: Opening the Future” conference on January 17

Philip Gant at SNU January 17

Philip Gant, Director, APAC Policy and Partnerships at GBBC will be joining Blockchain: Opening the Future, hosted by the Seoul National University on Friday, January 17 in Korea.

The conference aims to explore the current state and future possibilities of the blockchain industry. Key topics will include the review of domestic digital asset (virtual asset) regulatory policies and industry ecosystems, innovative use cases for blockchain technology, new business opportunities, and an analysis of blockchain strategies in major Asian countries. Learn more here.

Philip Gant, Director, APAC Policy and Partnerships at GBBC will be joining Blockchain: Opening the Future, hosted by the Seoul National University on Friday, January 17 in Korea.

GBBC's Philip Gant Joins “Blockchain: Opening the Future”

News: GBBC CEO Sandra Ro Contributes to "Pathway 2035 for Financial Innovation – Your Navigator"

"Pathway 2035 for Financial Innovation – Your Navigator" FIND Report

In November 2024, the Swiss Embassy in Singapore hosted the Redesigning Financial Innovation event, with working sessions curated by the Swiss Financial Innovation Desk (FIND). 

These collaborative discussions, drawing on the perspectives from academia, industry, and government, produced the report "Pathway 2035 for Financial Innovation – Your Navigator." GBBC CEO Sandra Ro and Board Director Yuval Rooz (CEO & Co-Founder at Digital Asset) contributed to section three, "Digital Assets." 

Access the paper here to learn how the financial and FinTech sectors can tackle challenges facing the future of finance.

Have any feedback? Submit to info@find.swiss.  

GBBC CEO Sandra Ro Contributes to "Pathway 2035 for Financial Innovation – Your Navigator"

News: GBBC Partners with AI 2030 for Upcoming Initiatives

GBBC Partners with AI 2030 for Upcoming Initiatives Photo of GBBC + AI 2030

AI 2030, a global initiative leading the charge for Responsible AI, announced the launch of two transformative programs: the AI 2030 Data Challenge and the AI 2030 Awards.  

Global Blockchain Business Council (GBBC) is proud to be partnering with AI 2030’s initiatives, alongside industry leaders Sustainable IT, Empire AI, Decentralized AI Society, University of Dubai, and Woxen University. These initiatives aim to address critical challenges in AI adoption, including bias, transparency, governance, and sustainability, while recognizing organizations that exemplify ethical AI leadership and innovation. 

On the announcement, GBBC CEO Sandra Ro shared, “GBBC is thrilled to collaborate with AI 2030 to drive accountability and transparency through blockchain and AI integration. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to human-centric and inclusive technology ecosystems.” 

AI 2030 New Programs

GBBC Partners with AI 2030 for Upcoming Initiatives

News: GBBC releases 2024 Annual Report, “On the Cusp of Mass-Scale Convergence"

Annual Report Announcement 2024

2024 marked a transformative year for blockchain, as real-world use cases demonstrated potential across industries such as supply chain, finance, and sustainability. Jurisdictions worldwide embraced emerging technology with clearer regulations and frameworks, fostering innovation and adoption.
On top of this, public-private collaborations were pivotal in driving progress, showcasing how partnerships can accelerate blockchain’s integration into critical sectors and deliver tangible value.
Global Blockchain Business Council (GBBC) is pleased to release our 2024 Annual Report, showcasing the scope of our various initiatives and our members’ work from 2024 as organizations had the opportunity to bring blockchain into the limelight.
Read GBBC’s 2024 Annual Report, ‘‘On the Cusp of Mass-Scale Convergence ” to explore the use cases developed by our community and learn more about how GBBC was on the move in 2024, including updates from our APAC and EMEA teams, the research done through the Global Standards Mapping Initiative (GSMI) 5.0, meetings with regulators and policymakers, and more.
A special thank you to our GBBC members who contributed to this report. Access the Annual Report and view our full list of contributors.


On the Cusp of Mass-Scale Convergence

GBBC releases 2024 Annual Report, “On the Cusp of Mass-Scale Convergence"

News: Global leaders to gather in Davos to explore blockchain and digital asset innovations

Image: AMBCrypto news item

Global leaders to gather in Davos to explore blockchain and digital asset innovations

News: GBBC Summits Response to HM Treasury

GBBC Summits Response to HM Treasury

GBBC appreciates HM Treasury’s initiative to develop a growth plan for the UK’s financial services sector. Our response emphasizes the importance of fostering innovation, improving regulatory frameworks, and addressing broader ecosystem factors to ensure the UK remains competitive globally.

We focused on identifying key barriers to growth, such as the need for streamlined regulatory processes, enhanced support for startups, and the importance of proportional frameworks for fostering innovation. We also draw on experiences from other jurisdictions, such as the Middle East and EU countries, and their regulatory pathways, offering lessons for the UK to enhance its appeal to global firms. Additionally, we outlined how sandboxes could be made more effective. We hope that by addressing these challenges, particularly in areas such as digital assets, tokenization, and AI-driven solutions, the UK can position itself as a global leader in financial services.

We are grateful to our members for their contributions and would welcome the opportunity to discuss our response further with HM Treasury.

News: GBBC Launches Global Standards Mapping Initiative (GSMI) 5.0

GSMI-5-cover

The fifth iteration of Global Blockchain Business Council (GBBC)’s Global Standards Mapping Initiative (GSMI 5.0) is out now! GSMI 5.0 is the most comprehensive effort to map and analyze the blockchain and digital assets ecosystem. This launch includes the following key highlights:

- Interactive Map of Global Regulatory Developments from 230 Jurisdictions & 6 International Bodies 
- 67 Technical Standards Bodies Advancing Blockchain Developments 
- Taxonomy & Definitions for 391 Key Terms 
- Accredited Universities offering 1,500+ Courses and Professional Certifications 
- Blockchain and Digital Assets Landscape with 2,000+ Stakeholders 
- New In-Depth Reports on Supply Chain, Sustainability, AI Convergence, Digital Identity, and Decentralized Finance 
- Country Spotlight on India

A huge thank you to all our working group members and final reviewers for their valuable inputs leading up to the GSMI 5.0 launch.

Download the full report [here](https://www.gbbc.io/uploads/gsmi50.pdf) and the executive summary [here](https://www.gbbc.io/uploads/gsmi50/GSMI-5.0-Executive-Summary-2024%5b18%5d.pdf). Learn more about GSMI [here](https://www.gbbc.io/gsmi).

GBBC Launches Global Standards Mapping Initiative (GSMI) 5.0

News: GBBC Joins the Equity 2030 Alliance

GBBC Joins Equity 2030 Alliance

GBBC is excited to have joined the Equity 2030 Alliance, an initiative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) that seeks to accelerate actions to normalize gender equity in science and technology. We are proud to share that GBBC members are also taking action to join the Equity 2030 Alliance, including Algorand Foundation, Hedera, and Taxbit.

GBBC is steadfast in its commitment to fostering gender equity within the blockchain and digital asset industry. This commitment extends to ensuring that women's voices are equitably represented in industry discussions, events, and public-facing initiatives at all levels.

GBBC CEO, Sandra Ro, has also joined the Equity 2030 Alliance Expert Group, consisting of individuals who are committed to providing technical and policy guidance for the alliance to drive the change.
Learn more about the Equity 2030 Alliance and how your organization can get involved here.
GBBC would like to thank Nigina Muntean, Emma Hietaniemi, and the rest of the UNFPA team for their leadership in pushing the dial forward when it comes to gender equity. 


GBBC Joins the Equity 2030 Alliance

GBBC Joins the UNFPA's Equity 2030 Alliance

News: Polymesh Association Joins GBBC

Polymesh Joins GBBC

Polymesh Association has joined GBBC as a member.
"We are pleased to welcome Polymesh Association as a member," Sierra Lewis, Director of Community & Operations at GBBC shared. "Tokenized securities and real world assets play a key role in the future of digital finance. By striking the right balance of compliance, governance, and confidentiality, the ability to leverage blockchain can improve opportunities for financial access, globally."
Read the full announcement here. 


Polymesh Association Joins GBBC

News: New Release: What is H.R. 2969?

Announcement: New Release: What is H.R. 2969?

In July 2023, Rep. Zachary Nunn [R-IA-3] introduced H.R. 2969, also known as the Financial Technology Protection Act of 2023, a bill designed to combat the use of cryptocurrency for terrorism and illicit financing.

GBBC has prepared a fact card on "What is H.R. 2969?” as part of our “Just the Facts” infographics series, explaining the key provisions, how the bill passed the House in July 2024, and what the next steps are. 
Download it here. 
GBBC is a non profit focusing on education, partnerships, and standards for the blockchain and digital assets community. GBBC does not lobby. 


New Release: What is H.R. 2969?

News: GBBC Releases Fact Card on Global Layer One (GL1)

GBBC Releases GL1 Fact Card

"Global Layer One", a whitepaper focused on the development of a foundation layer for financial networks, was released in June 2024 as a collaboration between the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), international policymakers, and financial institutions. Global Layer One (GL1) focuses on enhancing cross-border payments and the settlement of capital market instruments by providing an open, standards-based platform for financial institutions using distributed ledger technology.

As part of our "Just the Facts" series, GBBC has released a fact card that focuses on what GL1 is, who is involved, the architecture, design principles, and next steps.
Download it here.
Read the full whitepaper on GL1.

GBBC is a non profit focusing on education, partnerships, and standards for the blockchain and digital assets community. GBBC does not lobby. 


GBBC Releases Fact Card on Global Layer One (GL1)

News: Applications for the GSMI 5.0 Review Committee Are Now Open

Apply to GSMI 5.0 Review Committee

Get involved with the most comprehensive effort to identify resources and recommendations for the blockchain and digital assts community by applying to GBBC's Global Standards Mapping Initiative (GSMI) 5.0 Review Committee!

Each year, we invite the global community to contribute feedback to help shape the discourse around blockchain standards, fostering innovation and collaboration in this transformative field.

This year, GSMI’s Working Groups are centered on taxonomy, technical standards, and applications of blockchain technology for digital identity, sustainability, supply chain, DeFi, and artificial intelligence (AI)'s convergence with blockchain.

Apply now.


Applications for the GSMI 5.0 Review Committee Are Now Open

News: Submit a Course: GSMI 5.0 University Listing

Submit a Course: GSMI 5.0

Are you or your educational institution offering a course on blockchain technology and digital assets? Fill out the form below to let us know.

GBBC’s Global Standards Mapping Initiative (GSMI) features a list of 1,500+ blockchain courses offered by accredited universities and educational institutions. This resource is for students and professionals seeking formalized education and training, as well as academics and researchers seeking to connect with each other on common topics of interest.

Access the form here.

View list of mapped out courses from last year's GSMI 4.0 👉 https://lnkd.in/g7jkX9Wb 

Submit a Course: GSMI 5.0 University Listing

News: GBBC's International Journal of Blockchain Law Volume IX is Now Live

Announcement: IJBL Volume IX

Written and edited by lawyers, GBBC’s International Journal of Blockchain Law (IJBL) is designed to help interested business and non-legal communities better understand the regulatory world of blockchain and digital assets. 
Volume IX encompasses legal updates from around the globe, shining light on Türkiye, South Korea, United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Switzerland, with an overview of regulatory sandboxes across Thailand, Hong Kong, European Union, and United Kingdom. This also includes a link to the recent “Emerging Topics in Blockchain Law” webinar, where lawyers delved into global considerations of digital currencies, the interoperability between CBDCs and stablecoins, and more.
Congratulations to the editors and contributors: Areeb Ahmad, Dr. Matthias Artzt, Diego Ballon Ossio, Roza Celebi, Ahmet Demirtaş, Guilherme Hellwig, Eric Hess, Locknie Hsu, Hyun-Il Hwang, Elcin Karatay, Mooni Kim, Nina Moffatt, Pankhuri Malhotra, Maxime Ochrymowicz, Jaechong Oh, Stephen Palley, Soham Panchamiya, Abhay Raj, Thanaporn Rattanakul, Darko Stefanoski, Thiago Luis Sombra, Jake van der Laan, and Gary Weingarden.
Read it here. 


GBBC's International Journal of Blockchain Law Volume IX is Now Live

News: GBBC-USA, on behalf of USBC, Files Amicus Brief

Cover Image: GBBC-USA, on behalf of USBC, Files Amicus Brief

Global Blockchain Business Council (GBBC)-USA, on behalf of U.S. Blockchain Coalition (USBC), has filed an Amicus Brief on appeal from the United States District Court for the District of Wyoming No. 22-cv-125 alongside The Digital Chamber (TDC). 
GBBC-USA and TDC both have a strong interest in this case and a vital perspective to provide as coalitions with substantial experience in the digital asset space. Denying state-chartered banks a dependable path to participate in the national banking scheme simply because they hold digital assets poses a direct threat not just to the trillion-dollar blockchain industry's sustained growth and success, but also to every present and future industry that may fall into disfavor with federal regulators despite operating completely within legal bounds.  
We extend our sincere thanks to the law firm Clement & Murphy for their incredible oversight in drafting this brief. Their dedication and expertise have been invaluable throughout this process. We also express our gratitude to our members who contributed their deep insights, guaranteeing that the brief reflects the collective wisdom of our community. Additionally, we appreciate the collaboration of The Digital Chamber.
Together, we strive to create an environment where the cryptocurrency industry can flourish without facing prejudice, thereby promoting a secure, dynamic, and inclusive financial ecosystem for all stakeholders. Our collective efforts are a testament to the power of collaboration in driving meaningful regulatory clarity and advancing the future of digital finance. 
View the complete brief here.
Access GBBC's fact card here.
**GBBC is a non-profit focusing on education, partnerships, and standards for the blockchain and digital assets community. GBBC does not lobby


GBBC-USA, on behalf of USBC, Files Amicus Brief

News: GBBC Partners with Digital Euro Association (DEA)

Cover Image: GBBC Partners with Digital Euro Association (DEA)

Global Blockchain Business Council (GBBC) is delighted to share we have partnered with the Digital Euro Association (DEA), a think tank specializing in central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), stablecoins, crypto assets, and other forms of digital money with a focus on the digital Euro. This alliance represents a pivotal collaboration aimed at enhancing the understanding and deployment of blockchain technology and digital currencies across the globe. 
GBBC’s Emma Joyce, Head of EMEA and Senior Managing Director, Financial Services, shared, “GBBC is delighted to partner with the Digital Euro Association, a leading independent think tank. We look forward to working together with our community on advancing education and promoting a greater understanding of digital money, and the intricacies surrounding regulation on this topic." 
Read the full announcement here.
This announcement marks the third partnership for GBBC with digital money think tanks. We are thrilled to support the dedication and momentum behind The Digital Dollar Project (DDP), Digital Pound Foundation (DPF), and Digital Euro Association. 
🇺🇸 Learn more about DDP: https://digitaldollarproject.org/  
🇬🇧 Learn more about DPF: https://digitalpoundfoundation.com/  
🇪🇺 Learn more about DEA: https://home.digital-euro-association.de/en  


GBBC Partners with Digital Euro Association (DEA)

News: TabbFORUM at Consensus 2024: GBBC’s Sandra Ro on Blockchain Evolution

GBBC CEO Sandra Speaks with TABB Group CEO Bruce Morris at Consensus 2024

During CoinDesk’s Consensus 2024 this past May, Global Blockchain Business Council (GBBC) CEO Sandra Ro sat down with TABB Group CEO Bruce Morris to discuss the positive developments and regulatory wins taking place across the blockchain and digital assets space. 

Sandra commented, “We have seen movement on the United States side. We have seen movement on now MiCA being implemented... But we are also seeing movement out of Japan, out of Singapore, out of South Sub-Saharan Africa: these are flashpoints all over the world. And I think what we need to realize and keep reminding ourselves is this is a global trend, a global development.” 

Watch the full interview on TabbFORUM

TabbFORUM at Consensus 2024: GBBC’s Sandra Ro on Blockchain Evolution

News: Dave Treat, GBBC Board Director, Appointed to CTO of Pearson

Cover Image: Dave Treat Joins Pearson

GBBC would like to congratulate Board Director Dave Treat for his new appointment to the Chief Technology Officer of Pearson. 
On the announcement, Dave commented, "Coming from a family of educators and with my own background in education, I'm excited to combine my love of learning with my expertise in the tech space. Human experience is defined by how we learn, what we know, and how we apply knowledge. Now, it’s all up for reinvention. I’ve dedicated my career to the development and application of innovative technologies and I'm looking forward to doing that in service of education and learning.”
Read the full press release here.


GBBC Board Director Dave Treat joins Pearson as CTO

Dave Treat, GBBC Board Director, Appointed to CTO of Pearson

News: GBBC Joins Global Synchronizer Foundation

Cover Image: GBBC Joins GSF 

During Point Zero Forum, the Canton Network announced the go-live of the Global Synchronizer, its decentralized interoperability infrastructure. 

The Global Synchronizer is operated and governed in a decentralized manner, with internet-like scalability, ensuring that no single party controls the service and there is no single point of failure, harnessing the benefits of decentralized finance. 

GBBC is thrilled to announce our role as a governance participant under the Global Synchronizer Foundation, a project supported by The Linux Foundation. The Global Synchronizer Foundation is an independent entity that will provide transparency to governance actions carried out by super validators (the operators of the decentralized infrastructure) and ensure openness and organizational neutrality in the development and deployment of the Global Synchronizer and its related applications. 

Yuval Rooz, CEO and Co-Founder of Digital Asset and Board Director, GBBC shared, “Having convened industry-leading firms over the past year for the initial launch and subsequent testing of the Canton Network, we are excited to have the governance and incentive mechanisms in place to facilitate the adoption and use of the Network as it goes live.” 

Congratulations to the Canton Network, Digital Asset, and Linux Foundation teams for convening organizations from across traditional and digital finance to provide open governance, transparency, trust, and innovation to the future of finance. 
Learn more about the Global Synchronizer Foundation here.
Read the full announcement about the Global Synchronizer here.


GBBC Joins Global Synchronizer Foundation

News: Steering Committee To Propose Disclosure Framework for Digital Asset Tokens

Steering Committee To Propose Disclosure Framework for Digital Asset Tokens

GBBC, the Global Digital Asset and Cryptocurrency Association (Global DCA), Digital Chamber of Commerce, and Proof of Stake Alliance have organized a Senior Steering Committee to propose disclosure guidelines for digital asset tokens offered in the United States. 

The Steering Committee, designed independently of industry stakeholders to provide an objective and impartial disclosure proposal, is composed of top law scholars, finance scholars, and U.S. attorneys across the United States: Chris Brummer (Georgetown Institute), Lewis Cohen (Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP),  Patrick Daugherty (Foley & Lardner LLP and Cornell University Law School), Daniel Davis (Katten, Muchin Rosenman LLP), Zachary Fallon (Ketsal PLLC),  Merrit B. Fox (Columbia Law School), Carol Goforth (University of Arkansas School of Law), Yuliya Guseva (Rutgers Law School), Joel Hasbrouck (NYU Stern School of Business), Lilya Tessler (Sidley Austin LLP) and Yesha Yadav (Vanderbilt University Law School). 

Read the full announcement here 

News: GBBC Submits Response to ESMA75-453128700-1002 Consultation

GBBC Submits Response to ESMA75-453128700-1002 Consultation

Global Blockchain Business Council (GBBC) is delighted to share our consultation response to European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA)’s Consultation on the Technical Standards specifying certain requirements of MiCA (3rd package).  GBBC welcomes ESMA’s work in establishing robust guidelines, standards and procedures which contribute to investor protection, market confidence and prevent market abuse.

This consultation response focuses on the guidelines and technical standards proposed by ESMA. Our analysis addresses several key issues, including the scope of Article 92, identifying and defining PPAETs, and considering whether miners, validators, and CASPs should be encompassed by the regulation.

Through the process of consolidating the different perspectives from around Europe, we stress the necessity of effective cross-border regulatory coordination and adherence to global standards ensuring that EU regulations maintain market integrity and investor confidence.  We  advocate for amendments to the draft guidelines to enhance risk disclosures, security measures, and investor education.

A huge thank you to the GBBC members that contributed to this response, and to GBBC’s Dimitrios Psarrakis and Adrian Matak.  

Event Recap: GBBC at Consensus 2024

Event Recap: GBBC at Consensus

The Global Blockchain Business Council (GBBC) team joined CoinDesk's Consensus 2024.
May 28 | GBBC, in partnership with Zodia Custody, hosted an invitation-only dinner where we discussed key themes impacting institutional adoption, including the potential policy shift, ETF landscape, and the importance of industry collaboration in the digital assets landscape. 
May 29 | GBBC and Latham & Watkins LLP co-hosted, "The Future of Digital Assets in the US," a closed-door roundtable discussion alongside CoinDesk’s Consensus 2024 where Majority Whip of the U.S. House of Representatives Tom Emmer (MN-06) gave opening remarks. GBBC members across the industry discussed developments in innovation and challenges in the U.S. digital assets market, identifying recommended actions and next steps. 
May 31 | GBBC CEO Sandra Ro joined the panel, "From DeGen to ReGen: Using Blockchains to Coordinate Environmental Action" with Jonathan Rackoff (The HBAR Foundation), Steven Haft (Consensys; Ethereum Climate Platform), Catherine Bischoff (Sovereign Nature Initiative), and Lucía Gallardo (Emerge). 
May 31 | To wrap up the week, Sandra delved into the world of AI and deepfakes on the panel, "From Taylor Swift to the 2024 Election: Deepfakes vs. Truth” with Lindsay Walker (Starling Lab for Data Integrity), Pete Pachal (The Media Copilot), and Sarah Brandt (NewsGuard). 

GBBC was grateful for the opportunity to connect with so many of our members and ambassadors. A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for the crucial conversations that need to be had regarding the future of blockchain and digital assets. 


GBBC at Consensus 2024

News: GBBC's Global Standards Mapping Initiative Referenced in Milken Institute's Roundtable

GBBC's Global Standards Mapping Initiative Referenced in Milken Institute's Roundtable

On April 16, 2024 in Washington, D.C., the Milken Institute hosted a private roundtable bringing African policymakers and regulators together with the digital asset industry. 
This roundtable convened industry associations and think tanks specializing in regulatory innovation and financial transformation, corporates and foundations, development partners, Pan-African institutions, and more to discuss what countries in Africa are working on when it comes to digital finance and the upcoming developments. During the overview of digital asset regulation in Africa, participants drew insights from individual countries as well as GBBC's Global Standards Mapping Initiative (GSMI). 
Learn more about the roundtable and the role of GBBC's GSMI here.


News: Sandra Featured on Owl Explains Podcast

GBBC CEO Sandra Ro Joins Owl Explain's Miniseries, "Blockchain Trade Associations"

Recently, Global Blockchain Business Council (GBBC) CEO Sandra Ro joined part 2 of the Owl Explains by Ava Labs miniseries, "Blockchain Trade Associations" with Ava Labs' Sylvia Sanchez.

Sandra, alongside Ian Taylor (KPMG), Alison Mangiero (Proof of Stake Alliance), and Jannah Patchay (Digital Pound Foundation), shared insights into key blockchain developments, policy updates, and the reality of which use cases are being brought to life.

As Sandra discussed the types of use cases emerging and the adoption by governments, she mentioned, “There is a lot of exploration and conversations that we have had at GBBC with different governments around the implementation of blockchain solutions for tracking and tracing."

Listen in to the full podcast to learn how blockchain is reshaping financial inclusion and data management.

News: GBBC Board Director Dimitrios Psarrakis Joins Owl Explains by Ava Labs

GBBC Board Director Dimitrios Psarrakis Joins Owl Explains by Ava Labs

Last week, GBBC Board Director Dimitrios Psarrakis joined the Owl Explains by Ava Labs podcast with Sylvia Sanchez to explore the intersection of blockchain, AI, and financial innovation.

When expanding on the ways blockchain and AI in conjunction can contribute to the competitiveness of the financial system in the European Union (EU), Dimitrios shared, “To me, it's not about having smart assets through the blend of tokenization and artificial intelligence and dump liabilities, or getting the benefits of improving the performance of the asset. It's about a new constellation of activities that will emerge for the banking sector to perform boring activities in a completely different and very productive way.” 
Listen in to the full podcast here.


Event Recap: Kenya Blockchain & Crypto Conference

KBCC Recap

GBBC CEO Sandra Ro headed to Nairobi, Kenya to deliver a keynote during the second edition of the Kenya Blockchain and Crypto Conference (KBCC) 2024, a gathering of industry experts, thought leaders, and enthusiasts passionate about the transformative potential of blockchain and cryptocurrencies. 

This year’s event delved deeper into the “Role of Blockchain in Shaping Africa’s Economic Landscape.” The conference aims to be a nexus of ideas, innovations, and collaborative efforts as we explore the transformative potential of blockchain technology in propelling Africa towards economic prosperity. Watch the recording from Sandra's session (starting at 51:32).


News: GBBC and TABB Group Announce Media and Marketing Partnership

GBBC and TABB Group Announce Media and Marketing Partnership

Global Blockchain Business Council (GBBC) and TABB Group, industry leaders at the forefront of blockchain and financial innovation, have announced an exciting new media and marketing partnership.
As the world continues to embrace blockchain technology and digital assets, collaboration and knowledge-sharing are crucial. This GBBC and TABB partnership expertise and reach to propel adoption and understanding of blockchain in the global business landscape.
What Does This Partnership Mean?
Expanded Reach: By joining forces, GBBC and TABB Group will expand their influence within the blockchain and financial communities, delivering research and insights to a wider audience.
Cross-Industry Collaboration: The partnership facilitates cross-industry collaboration, enabling stakeholders from various sectors to connect, exchange ideas, and drive blockchain and financial innovation.
Educational Initiatives: GBBC and TABB Group will jointly develop educational initiatives, workshops, and events to increase awareness and understanding of blockchain and its applications.

For more information about GBBC and TABB Group, please visit: Global Blockchain Business Council and TabbFORUM
Company Profiles


News: GBBC DSS Consultation Featured in Ledger Insights

GBBC DSS Consultation Featured in Ledger Insights

GBBC was featured in the Ledger Insights article, "UK Digital Securities Sandbox: limits and digital currency highlighted in consultation feedback."
Read the full article here.


GBBC's DSS Consultation Featured in Ledger Insights

News: GBBC Response to Bank of England and FCA Digital Securities Sandbox Consultation Paper

GBBC Response to Bank of England and FCA Digital Securities Sandbox

Global Blockchain Business Council (GBBC), with the help of our members, is pleased to have submitted a response to the Digital Securities Sandbox consultation paper presented by the Bank of England and Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

We welcome the efforts of the Bank of England and the FCA in fostering an innovative financial landscape through the Digital Securities Sandbox. 

In our response, we have outlined recommendations developed by GBBC’s members, throughout a series of roundtables and discussions, as part of the GBBC DSS Working Group. Our response addresses six key themes for the regulators to consider, focusing on inclusiveness, a systemic support framework for innovative emerging business models, and the development of clearer guidelines for communication and negotiations between regulators and Sandbox participants. 

Read the full response here.

GBBC thanks the Bank of England and FCA for working with the industry. We would also like to thank our DSS Working Group, co-chaired by GBBC Board Director Dimitrios Psarrakis and Arun Srivastava, Partner at Paul Hastings, plus all our members who contributed to this response. Special thanks to our European Policy Analyst, Adrian Matak. 
published

GBBC Response to Bank of England and FCA Digital Securities Sandbox


GBBC Response to Bank of England and FCA Digital Securities Sandbox Consultation Paper

News: GBBC Releases "Just the Facts" Infographic Series

GBBC Releases "Just the Facts" Infographic Series

With the latest movements taking place across policy in the U.S., GBBC is thrilled to introduce our "Just the Facts" infographics series, which highlights recent policy developments around the globe to explain what they are and what is next for the industry. 

Check out the "Just the Facts" infographics below to learn more:
"What is FIT 21?"
"What is SAB 121?"
"The ‘Stable’ Divide: USA vs Europe Approach to Regulating Stablecoins"

GBBC is a non profit focusing on education, partnerships, and standards for the blockchain and digital assets community. GBBC does not lobby.


News: GBBC and Hyperledger Foundation Release "Learning Tokens" Special Report

GBBC and Hyperledger Foundation Release Special Report, "Learning Tokens"

Hot Off the Press: Global Blockchain Business Council (GBBC) and Hyperledger Foundation have released "Learning Tokens," a special report that dives into blockchain’s role in representing the value of transmission of knowledge by tokenizing the learning process.   
Education is a fundamental asset that develops human capacities. Drawing on the Token Taxonomy Framework of GBBC’s InterWork Alliance (IWA), use of standardized tokens for evaluation and certification can validate educational achievements at a granular level – not only upon completion of a degree or certificate, but also upon completion of milestones along the way.  Opportunities range from more inclusive and participatory learning environments, transparent and inclusive labor markets, and supporting economic development to improve human lives. 
Thank you to the Hyperledger Foundation team, including the mentorship program's Alfonso Govela, Linux Foundation Mentor, and Tanjin Alam, Linux Foundation Mentee 2023; Linux Foundation Mentor. 
Download the report here.


GBBC and Hyperledger Foundation have released "Learning Tokens"

GBBC and Hyperledger Foundation Release "Learning Tokens" Special Report

News: GBBC Submits Responses to ESMA Consultation Papers on Reverse Solicitation and Criteria for the Classification of Crypto-Assets as Financial Instruments

GBBC Submits Responses to ESMA Consultation Papers on Reverse Solicitation and Criteria for the Classification of Crypto-Assets as Financial Instruments

Global Blockchain Business Council (GBBC), with the help of our members, is pleased to have submitted two responses to European Security and Market Authority (ESMA)'s consultation papers:

ESMA75-453128700-52 MiCA Consultation Paper - Guidelines on the qualification of crypto-assets as financial instruments
We welcome the work of ESMA in providing its suggestions. We recognise the difficulty to establish clear criteria in a space where 27 member-states may have different definitions of what a financial instrument or security is. We understand that this multiplicity of definitions is a major challenge and we believe that it is time for the Union to ensure consistency and clarity.  

Read our response in full here.

ESMA35-1872330276-1619 Consultation Paper - Guidelines on reverse solicitation under MiCA
We believe ESMA should take into account various factors when assessing whether activities are targeted towards EU customers, including the language used, the geographic location of the audience, and the specific content and context of the activities. This nuanced approach can help avoid misinterpretations and ensure that regulatory requirements are applied appropriately. A balanced and pragmatic approach is needed to distinguish between activities targeting EU customers and purely local activities. By considering the specific circumstances and intentions behind these activities, regulators can mitigate the risk of overreach and support the continued participation of non-EU financial service providers in the EU market.

By promoting transparency and cooperation between regulators and industry participants, regulators can effectively enforce regulations while minimising unnecessary burdens and disruptions to legitimate business activities.

Read our full response here.
GBBC thanks ESMA for working with industry and asking for comments.


GBBC Statement on New York State FY23 Budget

GBBC issues statement on new authority for New York State Department of Financial Services to assess supervisory charges for virtual currency businesses.

GBBC Statement on New York State FY23 Budget - Global Blockchain Business Council

News: GBBC Partners with the Digital Pound Foundation

Announcement graphic for GBBC & DPI partnership

GBBC Partners with Digital Pound Foundation

Global Blockchain Business Council (GBBC) is delighted to join the Digital Pound Foundation (DPF) as a strategic partner.

Through this partnership, we will collaborate across a range of shared priorities, including community outreach, policy development, and advocacy initiatives with a focus on educational and awareness campaigns, such as podcasts, webinars and other events.

GBBC's Emma Joyce, Head of EMEA and Senior Managing Director, Financial Services, shared, “GBBC is delighted to partner with the Digital Pound Foundation, a leader in promoting greater understanding of new forms of digital money. Partnerships are integral to our mission, and together with our members and partners, we are committed to advancing adoption of blockchain technology.”

Learn more in DPF's announcement here.

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