Unpacking policy issues at Consensus 2023

We’re finally here: Consensus 2023. The team has packed it full of policy-related sessions. We will hear discussions ranging from global regulatory policy around crypto to how both industry and legislators approach the issue of privacy and the use of privacy tools in crypto. I’m landing in Austin, Texas, today (Tuesday) – drop me a note, maybe we’ll meet. Reminder: you can still purchase a discounted ticket, including a virtual ticket if you’re not in Austin.

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CoinDesk is hosting a policy summit on Friday, specifically focused on regulatory and related issues within the industry.

What’s up? That is a question we will discuss during the week.

It has been a bad year for crypto. Celsius Network suspended withdrawals on June 12 last year, the day after Consensus 2022 ended. Since then, we’ve seen a number of other bankruptcies, the collapse of the FTX exchange, and increased attention from politicians who see thousands of their constituents lose access to millions of dollars worth of crypto.

Since then, the US Securities and Exchange Commission has stepped up its efforts to monitor the sector, while US banking regulators have begun issuing statements and guidance warning companies under their charge to be careful with crypto (to say the least). The European Union has finally approved the Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) legislation that has been in the works for years, and member governments will soon implement the multinational framework. Regulators in places including Hong Kong and the UK are rethinking how they approach crypto.

There is also this stark contrast between the US, where lawmakers are still debating and debating crypto issues without moving legislation, and other regions where we see firm laws and additional guidance tailored to the crypto sector.

We will hear about all these issues at the policy summit this week.

I will moderate four sessions: one-on-one discussions with Coinbase Chief Legal Officer Paul Grewal, New York Department of Financial Services Superintendent Adrienne Harris and Commodity Futures Trading Commissioner Christy Goldsmith Romero; and our annual legislative town hall with House Financial Services Committee Chair Rep. Patrick McHenry (RN.C.) and Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.).

We’ll also hear from Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis, Binance Financial Crime Compliance Head Tigran Gambaryan and even Captain Kirk, aka William Shatner.

Check CoinDesk’s website for coverage throughout the week if you can’t make it yourself, and if you’re in attendance, come say hi!

If you have thoughts or questions about what I should discuss next week or any other feedback you’d like to share, feel free to email me at [email protected] or find me on Twitter @nikhileshde.

You can also join the group conversation at Telegram.