In this video podcast interview recorded during an Institutional Digital Assets Forum event in Boston on December 4th, 2023, Blockchain Journal editor-in-chief David Berlind and Boston Blockchain Association (BBA) Chair Doug Mehne talk about the objectives of the BBA, why Boston makes for a great blockchain city, and challenges when it comes to blockchain regulation uncertainties.

The event was produced in partnership with the TABB Group and focused on blockchain adoption within enterprises as well as institutional investment in cryptocurrency. In the interview, Mehne highlights the three pillars of the Boston Blockchain Association: education, advocacy, and leveraging the unique Boston ecosystem on the national and international stage.

On the topic of blockchain regulation, Mehne talked about how regulatory certainty is one of the keys to fostering innovation. He noted how jurisdictions with ever-evolving crypto regulations such as India, Germany, and Singapore, are attracting significant investments while such investments are muted in the US where federal and state regulations have largely been gridlocked. According to Mehne, the BBA is looking to foster a productive dialogue with US regulators to promote responsible blockchain adoption.

As for the city of Boston, Mehne argues that the town's unique blend of world-class universities, traditional finance firms, and a vibrant technological startup scene across various industries, make for a unique ecosystem relative to other global blockchain destinations. 

The interview touches on the challenge of explaining blockchain to individuals with preconceived notions and the negative headlines surrounding cryptocurrency. Mehne emphasized the need to showcase responsible use cases and pointed to some upcoming BBA initiatives designed to further drive adoption strategies.

The full transcript text of this video can be found at 
https://blockchainjournal.com/interview/boston-blockchain-associations-doug-mehne-regulatory-clarity-is-key-blockchain-innovation

The video can also be watched on Blockchain Journal's YouTube Channel at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TEjK_1gZalQ

Boston Blockchain Association's Doug Mehne: Regulatory Clarity is Key to Blockchain Innovation in US

In this podcast, recorded on February 16th, 2024, Blockchain Journal editor-in-chief David Berlind interviews Boston Blockchain Association (BBA) Chairman Doug Mehne during a special event at the downtown Boston campus of Suffolk University. Mehne discusses the BBA's plans for 2024, highlighting its focus on institutional adoption, regulatory clarity, and educational initiatives. 

The conversation delves into the BBA's upcoming events, including a March 11, 2024, panel discussion featuring Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Commissioner Hester Peirce from representatives from major financial institutions like Fidelity and NASDAQ. Mehne emphasizes the importance of collaboration between industry players and regulators to establish responsible frameworks for blockchain and digital asset adoption. Additionally, he touches upon the challenges of navigating regulatory ambiguity and the BBA's role in advocating for clarity and fostering community within the blockchain industry.

Throughout the discussion, David and Mehne explore the motivations behind the Boston Blockchain Association's efforts, emphasizing the organization's commitment to blockchain education, advocacy, and community-building. They discuss a local academic environment that's highly unique to Boston, Massachusetts, with prominent universities like Harvard and MIT actively engaging in blockchain research and education.

To watch the video version of this podcast or read its full-text transcript, go to:
https://blockchainjournal.com/interview/comprehensive-series-blockchain-events-ontap-boston-blockchain-association-2024

The video can also be watched on Blockchain Journal's YouTube Channel at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og01tFslOf0

For information about the Boston Blockchain Association, please visit them at:
Web: https://bostonblockchainassociation.com/ 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/boston-blockchain-association
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bostonblockchainassociatio5811

Comprehensive Series of Blockchain Events On-Tap For Boston Blockchain Association in 2024

In this special edition of the Blockchain Journal podcast recorded on February 16th, 2024, Blockchain Journal editor-in-chief David Berlind engages in a conversation with Ken Mooney, an adjunct professor at Suffolk University and an angel investor in blockchain technologies. The discussion takes place during a Boston Blockchain Association event at Suffolk University, where Mooney moderated a panel focusing on the challenges of distinguishing blockchain from cryptocurrency and the need for education to clarify this distinction. Mooney emphasizes the importance of education in dispelling misconceptions and highlights the diverse applications of blockchain beyond the applications of cryptocurrency. 

Throughout the interview, Mooney shares insights into his approach to teaching blockchain to his University, discussing the practical applications covered in his classroom, such as blockchain-enabled opiate prescription tracking in healthcare (an example of the anti-double spend feature of blockchain can be used in contexts besides the double-spending of money). The conversation also delves into the potential of blockchain in revolutionizing voting systems despite current challenges and skepticism. Mooney underscores the incremental nature of blockchain adoption, the varied opportunities available for individuals interested in blockchain careers, and the need for skilled blockchain professionals within enterprises.

To watch the video version of this podcast or read its full-text transcript, go to:
https://blockchainjournal.com/interview/university-professor-discusses-urgency-educating-differences-between-crypto-and

The video can also be watched on Blockchain Journal's YouTube Channel at:
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXWLKQthAzQ

For information about the Boston Blockchain Association, please visit them at:
Web: https://bostonblockchainassociation.com/ 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/boston-blockchain-association
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bostonblockchainassociatio5811

University Professor Discusses Urgency of Educating on Differences Between Crypto and Blockchain

In this podcast recorded on February 16th, 2024, Blockchain Journal editor-in-chief David Berlind interviews Christopher Concheri, founder of Concheri Consulting, during a Boston Blockchain Association event at the Suffolk University campus in downtown Boston, Massachusetts. During one of the event's panel discussions, Concheri expressed concern over the way blockchain is often inextricably conflated with cryptocurrency in a way that many people cannot appreciate the non-crypto applications of blockchain as an application platform.

Concheri sees the need to differentiate between the two technologies. He argues that while cryptocurrency may dominate headlines, blockchain's potential extends far beyond crypto, with broader applications in various industries. Concheri also discusses the challenges that result from this over-association such as an ongoing hindrance to blockchain's widespread adoption.

Throughout the interview, Concheri shares insights into non-crypto applications of blockchain, including its role in enhancing security, enabling fractionalization of assets, and facilitating record-keeping for transactions. He offers examples of blockchain's ability to support lending platforms, emphasizing its potential to disrupt traditional approaches to finance.

To watch the video version of this podcast or read its full-text transcript, go to:
https://blockchainjournal.com/interview/blockchain-consultant-expresses-frustration-over-inextricable-conflation-crypto

The video can also be watched on Blockchain Journal's YouTube Channel at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6G-8SquTl8

For information about the Boston Blockchain Association, please visit them at:
Web: https://bostonblockchainassociation.com/ 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/boston-blockchain-association
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bostonblockchainassociatio5811

Blockchain Consultant Expresses Frustration Over Inextricable Conflation of Crypto with Blockchain

In this podcast, Blockchain Journal editor-in-chief David Berlind interviews Oumayma El Adaoui, a graduate student at Boston University studying banking and financial law with a focus on cryptocurrency regulation. El Adaoui is a part of the first generation of students to enter the workforce who are university-schooled in the many aspects of blockchain technology and cryptocurrency.  Given that students often have a very different and fresh perspective on various subjects, David hoped to get her point of view – particularly given her legal ambitions and Moroccan background  – on the many issues surrounding cryptocurrency regulation and international blockchain industry competition.  

Responding to David's questions, El Adaoui offered her insights on the current state of blockchain and crypto regulation, emphasizing the urgency for the US to enact clear regulatory frameworks to avoid falling behind other countries, such as the European Union, which is making significant strides in this regard. Despite not being a US citizen herself, Oumayma stressed the importance of US leadership in shaping global regulatory standards for the crypto industry.

The conversation delves into the complexities of navigating diverse regulatory landscapes across different jurisdictions, highlighting the need for legal expertise in interpreting and complying with various and sometimes conflicting international regulations. 

El Adaoui also discusses her intention to pursue a career in the legal or compliance aspects of crypto, driven by her fascination with interpreting evolving regulations in a field marked by ambiguity. The interview concludes with David Berlind acknowledging the critical role of legal professionals like her in navigating the intricate regulatory environment of the crypto space, underscoring the importance of ongoing discussions and initiatives within the blockchain community.

To watch the video version of this podcast or read its full-text transcript, go to:
https://blockchainjournal.com/interview/crypto-regulations-are-top-mind-university-student-prepares-enter-blockchain-industry

The video can also be watched on Blockchain Journal's YouTube Channel at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJ-es-60SnU

For information about the Boston Blockchain Association, please visit them at:
Web: https://bostonblockchainassociation.com/ 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/boston-blockchain-association
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bostonblockchainassociatio5811

Crypto Regulations are Top of Mind As University Student Prepares to Enter the Blockchain Industry

In this video, filmed during a special Boston Blockchain Association (BBA) event at the US Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, BlockchainJournal.com editor-in-chief interviews Bitwise president Teddy Fusaro to learn more about the impact of the January 2024 US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) decision to approve of Bitcoin Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs). At the time of the publication of this interview (March 2024), Bitwise was one of only 11 different organizations offering Bitcoin ETFs as a financial product. According to Fusaro, Bitwise is an asset management company focused exclusively on cryptocurrency-based offerings.

The conversation delved into the concept of ETFs and their accessibility to both professional and retail investors who, as a result of the SEC's decision, no longer need a crypto wallet to invest in Bitcoin (nor do they need to work with a cryptocurrency exchange). Fusaro talks about the significance of that single structural change as well as ETFs as pooled investment vehicles traded on public exchanges such as NASDAQ and the New York Stock Exchange.

David asks Fusaro about other Bitcoin ETF issuers (Fidelity and iShares are mentioned) and what the differences are from one Bitcoin ETF to another.  The two also discuss the possibility that an ETF for Ether (a.k.a. ETH), the protocol token for the Ethereum public blockchain, might be next in line for SEC approval.

To watch the video version of this podcast or read its full-text transcript, go to:
https://blockchainjournal.com/interview/bitwise-president-teddy-fusaro-discusses-dynamics-bitcoin-exchange-traded-funds-etfse

The video can also be watched on Blockchain Journal's YouTube Channel at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pS30cemroJo

For information about the Boston Blockchain Association, please visit them at:
Web: https://bostonblockchainassociation.com/ 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/boston-blockchain-association
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bostonblockchainassociatio5811

Bitwise President Teddy Fusaro Discusses The Dynamics of Bitcoin Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs)

In this special edition of the Blockchain Journal Podcast, Blockchain Journal brings you a recording of a "fireside chat" involving  Boston Blockchain Association (BBA) Chair Doug Mehne and Commissioner Hester Peirce of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). 

A key focus of their conversation was Bitcoin Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), their recent (January 2024) approval by the SEC, and the extraordinary amount of time it took for the SEC to finally clear the way for the ETFs to reach investors. At the time of publication, there were 11 such ETFs available on the public markets in the US. Peirce is regretful about the time it took and suggested that she might have taken a different approach had she known back in 2018 what she knows now. It's important to keep in mind that Peirce is one of five commissioners who vote on regulatory matters at the SEC and that she does not bear sole responsibility for the passage of any regulation at the SEC, crypto or otherwise.

Among the many topics they discuss, Peirce is keenly aware of the degree to which the lack of regulatory clarity when it comes to cryptocurrency and blockchain is causing American firms to hesitate with their innovations. She cited the ten-year period that elapsed between 2014, when ShapeShift AG first enabled crypto investors to trade certain cryptocurrencies for other cryptos, and 2023, when the SEC finally closed the books on its enforcement action against the Switerland-based company (for acting as an unregistered dealer of securities). Peirce noted how, even if it's through precedent enforcements of the sort that the SEC took against ShapeShift, ten years was too long to establish such precedents as legal guardrails for other American innovators to observe. It gave other crypto-permissive international jurisdictions an opportunity to not only establish a technological lead over the US but also to foreclose on participation by US companies. Despite her concerns, Peirce feels there is still time for the US to catch up.

An introduction from Blockchain Journal editor-in-chief David Berlind precedes Blockchain Journal's special presentation of the BBA's fireside chat.

To watch the video version of this podcast or read its full-text transcript, go to:
https://blockchainjournal.com/interview/us-sec-commissioner-peirce-says-its-not-too-late-us-catch-blockchain-innovation

The video can also be watched on Blockchain Journal's YouTube Channel at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=slFqO_JL-CM

For information about the Boston Blockchain Association, please visit them at:
Web: https://bostonblockchainassociation.com/ 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/boston-blockchain-association
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bostonblockchainassociatio5811

US SEC Commissioner Peirce: International Blockchain Innovation Comes at a "Cost To US Economy"

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