The Chamber of Digital Commerce serves as “a unified voice for the blockchain technology ecosystem.” This global trade association connects technology innovators, industry representatives, financial, IT, and legal professionals, and policymakers to advance blockchain technology and support its impact on industries and communities.

Executive Committee membership reflects the breadth of this organization’s interests: Accenture, BNP Paribas, Cisco, Cognizant, IBM, KPMG, Medici Ventures, Microsoft, Overstock, TD Bank, Wells Fargo, and many others.

Known for “blockchain advocacy at the intersection of innovation, investment, and policy,” the Chamber has testified before Congress and has also facilitated blockchain discussions at the Federal Reserve. The World Economic Forum, in its white paper “Realizing the Potential of Blockchain,” recognized the vitality of the Chamber of Digital Commerce and encouraged organizations worldwide to join in the Chamber’s activities.

The Chamber of Digital Commerce has published several white papers focused on the intersection of blockchain technology, industry implementation, policy regulation, and community benefit. The Chamber’s published white papers include “Blockchain Healthcare and Policy Synopsis,” “Smart Contracts: 12 Use Cases for Business and Beyond,” “Blockchain and Financial Inclusion,” “Global Regulatory Sandbox Review,” “A Blockchain Innovator’s Guide to IP Strategy,” and more.

The Chamber’s March 2018 white paper focuses on “Advancing Blockchain Cybersecurity” and its implications and applications for the financial services industry. The study looks at the role of permissioned blockchains and encourages further regulatory consideration as well as harmonization of cybersecurity standards.

The Chamber is more than a springboard for interactive discussion and thought leadership. It is also focused on creating practical initiatives to advance the utilization of blockchain technology. Active working groups that lead to public and industry initiatives are a hallmark of this organization.

The Token Alliance, one such initiative, was created to develop best practices for issuance of tokens, as well as to educate policymakers and the public and shape policy frameworks. The Blockchain Alliance is another Chamber initiative that brings together the blockchain technology and law enforcement communities, in a public-private forum intended to combat criminal activity on the blockchain.

Another alliance initiated by the Chamber is the Smart Contracts Alliance, which educates the public on the benefits of smart contracts and promotes industry best practices. Other workings groups and initiatives focus on intellectual property and digital assets accounting. Chamber members can participate in any and all working groups and initiatives, as well as present their own potential working groups and initiatives for consideration.

The Chamber’s activities through the DC Blockchain Center facilitate technological advancement, government investment and innovation, as well as public-private collaboration on use cases. The Chamber also partners with the Global Blockchain Forum to foster interoperability in global blockchain regulations.

In the United States, the State Working Group of the Chamber educates and coordinates with state governments to facilitate adoption, innovation, regulation, and public benefits of blockchain technology through practical legislation and the establishment of regulatory frameworks. The Chamber’s participation with the state government of North Carolina led to the passage of a “blockchain friendly” bill, which was “the nation’s first comprehensive blockchain-related legislation” established as law. This working group is cooperating with more than 15 states on issues related to blockchain technology and digital currencies.

The Chamber sponsors the annual DC Blockchain Summit in Washington, D.C. The organization has also worked together with other fintech institutions to host events throughout the year, such as a Smart Contracts symposium, a Tokens workshop, and a Code-a-thon.

The Chamber of Digital Commerce invites new members to join its community that is focused on supporting blockchain developments worldwide, through industry applications as well as regulatory policy and implementation. The organization’s key areas of focus includes consumer protection, intellectual property, initial coin offerings, smart contracts, tax accounting, and other areas vital to the responsible growth and maturation of blockchain technology across multiple industries and with responsible public impact. Membership options include Industry Membership and the Lawyers’ Committee.

The key benefits of participation in the Chamber of Digital Commerce come through private-public cooperation on regulatory standards, best practices, and interoperability worldwide, as well as practical initiatives, technological resources, and collaboration in use cases.

By Janet Eriksson, BIG Writer