Join the DC Blockchain Summit 2025 Recap Talk.

Morning Sessions from DC Blockchain Summit 2025

CODY CARBONE, THE DIGITAL CHAMBER - PRESIDENT: “We Still Haven’t Gotten the Victories”

Cody set an upbeat tone, emphasizing how far crypto has come politically—yet reminding everyone, “We still haven’t gotten the victories that we need.” He applauded the presence of 25+ members of Congress, a sitting governor, and even “the president’s kid,” signifying a new level of mainstream legitimacy. The policy window is wide open; now is the time to press for clarity in Washington and secure long-term industry growth.

• • Over 25 members of Congress participating.

  • Industry has been “kicked down for years”.

  • The shift in “vibe” is dramatic compared to 2022.

  • Urges continued advocacy and follow-ups in D.C.

SERGEY NAZAROV, CHAINLINK — Co-founder: “The U.S. Must Dominate Web3 Asset Origination.”

Sergey believes the U.S. can dominate Web3 finance if it becomes the premier hub for on-chain asset origination, because “if the assets are originated in the U.S.…everyone gets their digital assets [here].” Expect accelerated tokenization of everything from treasuries to real estate—stablecoins alone rely on U.S.-backed assets for well over 90% of their underlying value. Cross-chain security, proof of reserves, and data-rich tokens will define the next wave of reliable digital assets.

• • Stablecoins derive well over 90% of their underlying value from U.S.-issued assets.

  • “Infinite minting” risk demands robust proof-of-reserve methods.

  • Secure cross-chain transfers are critical to prevent bridge hacks.

  • Real-time asset data (“golden records”) reduces fraud and boosts transparency.

ARI REDBORD, TRM LABS — Global Head of Policy: “$150M Frozen: T3FCU Is Setting a New Standard in Crypto Forensics.”

Ari emphasized the unprecedented success of T3FCU in combating illicit crypto activity globally, noting that “we are talking about $150 million frozen and seized by T3 working with law enforcement over just the last seven months.” TRM’s investigative capabilities, paired with Tron’s infrastructure and Tether’s compliance controls, provide a scalable model for securing digital assets.

• • $150 million in frozen funds over 7 months.

  • Recent case: $27 million seized with Europol and Spanish Guarda.

  • TRM tracks Tether transactions on the Tron blockchain in real time.

  • Close collaboration with U.S., EU, and global law enforcement.

PAOLO ARDOINO, TETHER — CEO: “Stablecoins Are a Superior Tool for Law Enforcement.”

Paolo highlighted how stablecoins offer unparalleled traceability compared to cash, asserting that “blockchain is the worst tool to be used by criminals because you can track every single transaction.” Tether’s collaboration with TRM Labs and Tron enables rapid action to freeze funds and assist law enforcement in preventing illicit activity on a global scale.

• • Average time to impose a freeze: 20 minutes to 1 hour.

  • Tether’s U.S. Treasury holdings make it the 7th largest purchaser globally in 2024.

  • Stablecoins could drive U.S. dollar hegemony by replacing cash in international transactions.

  • Tether collaborates with law enforcement globally, enabling real-time transaction tracking to identify bad actors.

REP. BRYAN STEIL, U.S. HOUSE — Chair of the Digital Assets Subcommittee: “Stablecoin Legislation Could Lock in U.S. Leadership.”

Rep. Steil emphasized the urgency of codifying crypto legislation to provide regulatory certainty, preventing future administrations from reversing progress. “We need to lock in and codify a lot of this work so that we have building blocks for generations to come.” His focus remains on consolidating the STABLE Act and the market structure bill to foster domestic innovation and maintain U.S. competitiveness.

• • The STABLE Act and the GENIUS Act are 80% aligned—consolidation is underway.

  • U.S. House markup on stablecoin legislation expected within the next week.

  • “Regulatory clarity will help companies move the ball forward.” said Avery Ching, APTOS - CEO .

  • The market structure bill (FIT 21) will be reintroduced with updates after April hearings.
  • Steil warned that lack of legislative codification risks future regulatory reversals.

PETER TODD, OPENTIMESTAMPS — Founder: “Trustless Systems Only Succeed with Legal Protections.”

Peter highlighted that trustless systems, like Bitcoin, can only thrive when “the legal framework ensures these systems are viable.” He warned that even the best technologies, like the Lightning Network, can’t gain traction if providers are hesitant due to regulatory uncertainty.

• • Canada’s bank account seizures during COVID exposed financial vulnerability.

  • Lightning wallets like Phoenix avoid U.S. app stores due to regulatory fears.

  • Visa/MasterCard models mimic central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) in practice.

  • Without self-custody, DeFi reverts to centralized account-based systems, as Rep. Davidson warned.

HUNTER SIMS, CAMBRIDGE CENTRE FOR ALTERNATIVE FINANCE — Director: “Digital Miners Are Pivoting to AI to Leverage Infrastructure Expertise.”

Hunter emphasized that mining companies are diversifying into high-performance computing (HPC) for AI to leverage their expertise in data centers and power management. “This strategic shift positions miners to capture AI compute demand, but CapEx requirements remain a significant barrier.”

• • Core Scientific committed 590 MW to AI compute via CoreWeave partnership.

  • HPC CapEx is 8x for infrastructure as a service and 33x for compute as a service.

  • 52% of global mining power now comes from renewable sources.

  • U.S. policy incentives and grid stability will shape future industry dynamics.

TIGRAN GAMBARYAN, BINANCE — Head of Financial Crime Compliance: “Compliance at Scale: Binance’s Global Balancing Act.”

Tigran outlined how Binance built compliance frameworks to operate across multiple jurisdictions with differing regulations. “The challenge was building compliance systems that made regulators comfortable while adapting to evolving global regulations.”

• • Public-private collaboration with Chainalysis shaped early crypto compliance frameworks.

  • Binance’s compliance team customized offerings across regions (e.g., France vs. UAE).

  • Transaction monitoring and regulatory comfort were prioritized despite inconsistencies in global regulations.

  • Industry-wide support and advocacy played a pivotal role in Tigran’s release from Nigerian detention.

DONALD TRUMP JR., WORLD LIBERTY FINANCIAL — Web3 Ambassador: “Simplifying Crypto for Mainstream Adoption.”

Don Jr. highlighted the need to simplify crypto interfaces and bring utility to the masses by enhancing ease of use. He shared personal experiences about being “debanked” and emphasized that stablecoins can democratize financial systems by offering faster, more secure cross-border transactions.

• • Bringing Utility to Crypto: Making crypto as intuitive as traditional banking to drive mass adoption.

  • Demystifying Blockchain for Consumers: Stablecoins backed by U.S. Treasuries offer security and trust for retail and institutional users.

  • Promoting Financial Fairness: Blockchain technology can reduce inefficiencies and increase access to financial services.

TIM SHEEHY, U.S. SENATE – Senator (R-MT): Stable Regulations Will Retain Digital Asset Innovation in the U.S.

Senators Tim Sheehy, Kirsten Gillibrand, Bernie Moreno, and Congressman Troy Downing emphasized the importance of keeping blockchain innovation onshore by ensuring regulatory clarity and improving U.S. infrastructure. The panel highlighted that a stable regulatory framework will encourage companies to incorporate in the U.S., ensuring that U.S.-regulated digital assets set global standards. Key legislative priorities include finalizing stablecoin regulations by Easter 2025 and passing a market structure bill by August 2025, providing jurisdictional certainty for digital asset issuers.

• • Stable Regulatory Environment: Establishing clear rules for stablecoins and digital assets will attract global innovation and prevent companies from moving offshore.

  • Legislative Timeline: Stablecoin regulations are expected by Easter 2025, with a market structure bill targeted for completion by August 2025.

  • Jurisdictional Certainty: New frameworks will clearly define when digital assets transition between security and commodity classifications, preventing regulatory ambiguity.

  • Energy Infrastructure is Essential: Meeting growing computational demands from blockchain and AI technologies requires expanding and modernizing U.S. energy grids, with a focus on nuclear and modular reactors for reliable power.

  • Public-Private Collaboration: Regulatory sandboxes and self-regulatory organizations (SROs) could enable agile oversight and foster innovation while protecting consumers.

Afternoon Sessions from DC Blockchain Summit 2025

MARK GORDON, STATE OF WYOMING – Governor: Wyoming’s StableToken Sets a New Standard for Public Sector.

BILL HAGERTY, U.S. SENATE – Senator (R-TN): Operation Chokepoint 2.0 is Over, But Regulatory Weaponization is Still a Threat

RICHARD TENG, BINANCE – CEO: Risks of Falling Behind Without Embracing Global Crypto Standards

U.S. SEN. CYNTHIA LUMMIS, U.S. SENATE – Senator (R-WY): The Bitcoin Reserve as a Solution to U.S. Debt and Fiscal Stability

BO HINES, WHITE HOUSE – Executive Director, Presidential Council of Advisers for Digital Assets: Accelerating and Building the Infrastructure for Digital Asset Growth

HESTER PEIRCE, SEC COMMISSIONER – The SEC Path to Clarity and Crypto Regulatory Balance.

MAJORITY WHIP TOM EMMER (R-MN) – Closing Remarks: U.S. Crypto Policy at an Inflection Point.