G. Dowd Law

CFTC FAQ on Crypto and Blockchain Technologies

G. Dowd Law LLC — Sat, 21 Mar 2026 21:22:49 +0000

CFTC FAQ on Crypto and Blockchain Technologies

March 21, 2026

On March 20, 2026, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s Market Participants Division (MPD) and Division of Clearing and Risk published responses to frequently asked questions regarding registrant and registered entity activities involving crypto assets and blockchain technologies. These responses provide additional clarity on topics addressed in CFTC Staff Letters 25-39 (Tokenized Collateral Guidance) and 26-05 (Staff No-Action Position Regarding Digital Assets Accepted as Margin Collateral).

The CFTC’s FAQ covers several important areas concerning the use of crypto assets and payment stablecoins by market participants in derivatives markets. It discusses whether futures commission merchants (FCMs) can use customer crypto assets, including stablecoins, to secure debit or deficit account balances. It also addresses rules for FCMs depositing their own stablecoins as residual interest in customer accounts, and clarifies restrictions on using other crypto assets like bitcoin or ether for this purpose and on investing customer funds in stablecoins.

The FAQ also examines capital charges FCMs must apply to their proprietary crypto holdings, as well as whether swap dealers may accept crypto assets as margin for uncleared swaps. For derivatives clearing organizations (DCO), it covers the conditions for accepting crypto assets as initial margin and the required haircuts to manage risks. Finally, the FAQ outlines various notification and reporting requirements.

The FAQ is reproduced in its entirety below. It can also be found here.

May an FCM apply a customer’s non-security crypto assets, including payment stablecoins, deposited as margin in futures, foreign futures, or cleared swaps accounts to secure the customer’s debit/deficit account balance?

Yes, an FCM relying on CFTC Staff Letter 26-05 may apply the value of a customer’s non-security crypto assets, after applicable haircuts, deposited to margin futures, foreign futures, or cleared swaps accounts to secure the customer’s debit or deficit account balance. CFTC Staff Letter 26-05 states that MPD would not recommend that the Commission initiate an enforcement action if an FCM takes into account the value, after application of haircuts, of certain crypto assets, including payment stablecoins, held as customer margin when determining whether and to what extent a customer’s futures, foreign futures, or cleared swaps account was undermargined. Consistent with Commission Regulation 1.17(c)(5)(viii)(C)4 and CFTC Staff Letter 26-05, MPD clarifies that non-security crypto assets may also secure customer debit or deficit account balances.

For FCMs relying on MPD’s no-action position, the valuation and haircuts that are to be applied to the non-security crypto assets are detailed in CFTC Staff Letter 26-05.

May an FCM deposit its own payment stablecoins into segregated customer accounts as residual interest?

As stated in CFTC Staff Letter 26-05, MPD would not recommend that the Commission initiate an enforcement action against an FCM that deposits proprietary payment stablecoins as residual interest in customer segregated accounts for futures, foreign futures, and cleared swaps transactions. The FCM shall impose a capital charge on the payment stablecoins deposited into customer segregated accounts as required under Commission Regulation 1.17(c)(5). MPD would not object if the FCM imposed a capital charge of at least 2% of the market value of their payment stablecoins.

MPD notes that the response to this question is consistent with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) approach to the haircut applicable to a broker-dealer’s proprietary positions in payment stablecoins.

May an FCM deposit its own crypto assets, other than payment stablecoins, in segregated customer accounts as residual interest?

No. An FCM relying on the no-action position in CFTC Staff Letter 26-05 may not deposit proprietary crypto assets (e.g., bitcoin, ether, or other crypto assets), other than payment stablecoins, in customer segregated accounts as residual interest.

Under the terms of CFTC Staff Letter 26-05, only proprietary payment stablecoins may be deposited as residual interest in customer segregated accounts.

May an FCM invest customer funds in payment stablecoins?

No. CFTC Staff Letter 26-05 has no effect on the list of permitted investments of customer funds in Commission Regulation 1.25. An FCM may only deposit payment stablecoins in segregated customer accounts if the payment stablecoins represent the FCM’s residual interest in the accounts.

May a DCO accept crypto assets, including payment stablecoins, as initial margin for cleared transactions?

Yes, a DCO may accept crypto assets, including payment stablecoins, as initial margin for cleared transactions provided that such margin collateral meets the requirements of Commission Regulation 39.13(g)(10), which provides that a DCO must limit the assets it accepts as initial margin to those that have minimal credit, market, and liquidity risks.

What haircut should a DCO apply to a crypto asset, including payment stablecoins, deposited as initial margin for cleared transactions?

Pursuant to Commission Regulation 39.13(g)(12), a DCO is responsible for setting haircuts on assets it accepts as initial margin. A DCO is required to apply haircuts to assets deposited as initial margin, including crypto assets and payment stablecoins, that provide appropriate reductions in value to reflect credit, market, and liquidity risks, taking into consideration stressed market conditions. A DCO is required to evaluate the appropriateness of the haircuts on at least a monthly basis.

Is an FCM required to take any action prior to relying on CFTC Staff Letter 26-05?

Yes. CFTC Staff Letter 26-05 states that prior to relying on the no-action position therein, the FCM must file a notice with MPD, which includes the date on which it will commence accepting crypto assets from customers as margin collateral. This notice must be filed via the WinJammer electronic filing system.

What conditions are imposed on FCMs that accept crypto assets as margin collateral under CFTC Staff Letter 26-05?

FCMs that rely on CFTC Staff Letter 26-05 are subject to several conditions, including three that apply during the initial period of reliance on the letter. First, for a period of three months commencing on the date the FCM first accepts crypto assets from customers, the FCM may accept only crypto assets in the form of payment stablecoins, bitcoin, or ether as margin collateral from customers and may deposit only proprietary payment stablecoins as residual interest in futures, foreign futures, and cleared swaps customer accounts.

Second, during the initial three-month period the FCM must provide prompt written notice, via the WinJammer electronic filing system, of any significant operation or system issue, disruption, or failure, including any cybersecurity incident, that affects the use of crypto assets as customer margin collateral.

Third, for three months starting with the calendar month following the month in which the FCM files its notice, the FCM files, via the WinJammer electronic filing system, as of the close of business each week a report of the total amount of crypto assets held in each of the futures, foreign futures, and cleared swaps accounts. The report shall list each crypto asset type separately, including payment stablecoins, for each of the three customer account classes.

What happens after expiration of the three-month period from the commencement of the FCM’s reliance on the no-action position in CFTC Staff Letter 26-05?

After expiration of the three-month period from the commencement of the FCM’s reliance on the no-action position in CFTC Staff Letter 26-05, the conditions limiting acceptable crypto asset margin collateral to payment stablecoin, bitcoin, and ether, as well as the condition requiring the filing of a notice of significant operation or system issue, disruption, or failure, will no longer apply. Therefore, an FCM may accept other crypto assets as margin collateral provided the FCM meets conditions (1) through (3) of CFTC Staff Letter 26-05 as applicable. The margin value and applicable haircuts for purposes of determining whether and to what extent a customer’s account is undermargined or in debit or deficit would continue to follow the process outlined in CFTC Staff Letter 26-05.

The FCM’s weekly reporting requirements begin with the calendar month following the month in which the FCM files its notice of intent to rely on CFTC Staff Letter 26-05, and they would terminate at the end of the third calendar month (at which point the FCM is no longer required to file a weekly report).

The article “CFTC FAQ on Crypto and Blockchain Technologies” first appeared on G. Dowd Law on March 21, 2026.

George Dowd

Founding Attorney

George Dowd is an attorney and also provides subject matter expert consulting services related to the foreign exchange, futures, cryptocurrency, and metals markets. He holds a B.A. in Economics from the College of the Holy Cross, a J.D. from the DePaul University College of Law, and is admitted to practice law in Illinois.

George has testified as an expert in proceedings before the National Futures Association, FINRA, the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA), and the Federal Court of Australia. He served on the Board of Directors of the Global Digital Asset & Cryptocurrency Association in 2020 and 2021.

George has given presentations, or lectured, at the People’s Bank of China (Shanghai), the DePaul University Graduate School of Business, the National Futures Association, and the Chicago Bar Association’s Futures and Derivatives Committee, and has appeared frequently on CNBC, Bloomberg TV, and the Fox Business Network.

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G. Dowd Law Hosts Table at Celtic Legal Society of Chicago’s Annual St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon

G. Dowd Law LLC — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 12:54:57 +0000

G. Dowd Law Hosts Table at Celtic Legal Society of Chicago’s Annual St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon

March 18, 2026

Thank you for a wonderful St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon!

Yesterday, G. Dowd Law was proud to host a table at the Celtic Legal Society of Chicago’s Annual St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon. What a fantastic day it turned out to be!

A big thank you to everyone who attended and stopped by our table. Your warm conversations, great energy, and Irish spirit made the event so much fun and a true success. It was wonderful connecting with fellow members of the legal community while celebrating St. Patrick’s Day.

And a special thanks to the Celtic Legal Society of Chicago for putting on such a memorable luncheon.

Sláinte!

— G. Dowd Law

George Dowd

Founding Attorney

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US Seizures of Pig Butchering Proceeds from Chinese Criminals Tops $580 Million

G. Dowd Law LLC — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 17:22:00 +0000

US Seizures of Pig Butchering Proceeds from Chinese Criminals Tops $580 Million

March 9, 2026

The U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, Jeanine Ferris Pirro, announced that the Scam Center Strike Force has frozen and seized over $580 million in cryptocurrency. This milestone, achieved in just three months since the task force’s launch in November 2025, targets fraud linked to Chinese transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) operating scam compounds in Southeast Asia, including Burma, Cambodia, and Laos.

These groups run “pig butchering” schemes—building trust with victims via U.S. social media or texts before luring them into fake cryptocurrency investment platforms, often defrauding Americans of billions annually (estimated at nearly $10 billion per year). Many scam workers are human trafficking victims, forced to operate under armed guard.

The Strike Force, led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen P. Seifert and involving the DOJ’s Criminal Division (including CCIPS, Fraud, and MLARS sections), FBI, U.S. Secret Service, IRS Criminal Investigation, and partner U.S. Attorney’s Offices in Rhode Island and Western Washington, focuses on identifying key leaders and disrupting operations.

Pirro emphasized aggressive pursuit of forfeitures to return funds to victims, stating the office is “fighting like hell” to recover stolen savings from these crimes. This effort represents a major U.S. response to transnational crypto fraud exploiting everyday Americans.

The Press Release highlights U.S. Attorney Pirro’s following comments:

In November, I announced the creation of our Scam Center Strike Force to lead the charge. In only three months, we have made significant progress, freezing, seizing, and forfeiting cryptocurrency worth more than $580 million from these criminals. These criminals don’t care who you are, what you believe in, or what you ate for breakfast—all they want is to steal from good and honest Americans to line the pockets of Chinese organized crime,”

My office and our law enforcement partners around the country are taking this threat head on. Seizures of cryptocurrency is one important part of the Scam Center Strike Force’s work. Through the legal process, my Office will seek to forfeit these funds and return them to victims to the maximum extent possible. To our American victims: we are here for you, we care for you, and we will continue fighting like hell to claw back your hard-earned savings from the hands of Chinese TCOs.

The United States Attorney’s Office Press Release can be found here.

The article “US Seizures of Pig Butchering Proceeds from Chinese Criminals Tops $580 Million” first appeared on G. Dowd Law on March 9, 2026.

George Dowd

Founding Attorney

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FinCEN Imposes Record $80 Mio Penalty on Canaccord Genuity

G. Dowd Law LLC — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 17:45:24 +0000

FinCEN Imposes Record $80 Mio Penalty on Canaccord Genuity

March 6, 2026

FinCEN, the U.S. Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, has imposed an $80 million civil money penalty on Canaccord Genuity LLC, the largest BSA penalty ever levied against a broker-dealer, for willful violations of the Bank Secrecy Act.

FinCEN Director Andrea Gacki called the action a “wake-up call” to broker-dealers that fail to protect the financial system from illicit actors, emphasizing Treasury’s broader fight against fraud that harms investors and erodes market confidence.

Canaccord’s failures included maintaining an ineffective anti-money laundering (AML) program, neglecting risk-based customer due diligence, and failing to implement internal controls to detect suspicious activity. These deficiencies allowed numerous securities fraud schemes to go unreported, causing significant harm to innocent investors. The firm also onboarded high-risk customers with ties to illicit actors and neglected to file at least 160 Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) covering dozens of over-the-counter securities and thousands of suspicious transactions.

As part of the resolution, Canaccord admitted it willfully violated the BSA by not developing a proper AML program, failing to conduct required due diligence on foreign correspondent accounts, and omitting mandatory SAR filings, thereby depriving law enforcement of critical information.

The Consent Order describes the civil penalty as follows:

FinCEN may impose a Civil Money Penalty of up $71,545 per day for willful violations of the requirement to implement and maintain an AML program. For each willful violation of the SAR reporting requirement, FinCEN may impose a civil money penalty not to exceed the greater of the amount involved in the transaction (but capped at $286,184) or $71,545. For each willful violation of the requirement to implement a risk-based due diligence program for correspondent accounts established, maintained, administered, or managed in the United States for foreign financial institutions, FinCEN may impose a civil money penalty “in an amount equal to not less than two (2) times the amount of the transaction,” but not more than $1,776,364.

After considering all the facts and circumstances, as well as the enforcement factors discussed above, FinCEN is imposing a Civil Money Penalty of $80 million in this matter. FinCEN has agreed to suspend $5 million of the Civil Money Penalty pending Canaccord’s compliance with the Undertaking set forth below, and to credit against the Civil Money Penalty payments of $20 million to the SEC and $20 million to FINRA. Accordingly, Canaccord shall make payment of $35 million to the Department of the Treasury pursuant to the payment instructions that will be transmitted to Canaccord upon execution of this Consent Order.

The FinCEN Press Release can be found here.

The FinCEN Consent Order can be found here.

The article “FinCEN Imposes Record $80 Mio Penalty on Canaccord Genuity” first appeared on G. Dowd Law on March 6, 2026.

George Dowd

Founding Attorney

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The GENIUS Act: Key Highlights and Anticipated Impacts – National Law Review

G. Dowd Law LLC — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 22:04:55 +0000

The GENIUS Act: Key Highlights and Anticipated Impacts – National Law Review

July 22, 2025

George Dowd contributed the article “The GENIUS Act: Key Highlights and Anticipated Impacts” to the National Law Review on July 22, 2025.

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George Dowd Participates in Cryptocurrency Panel at Securities Experts Roundtable Conference

G. Dowd Law LLC — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 22:00:00 +0000

George Dowd Participates in Cryptocurrency Panel at Securities Experts Roundtable Conference

July 17, 2025

George Dowd, Esq., founding attorney of G. Dowd Law LLC, recently joined a distinguished panel discussion titled “Cryptocurrency/Digital Assets: Where Are We Now, and Where Are We Going?” The event explored critical topics in the evolving landscape of digital assets, including potential types and implications of future U.S. regulation, the distinction between securities and non-securities, anticipated litigation trends, and the pivotal role of experts in upcoming disputes.

The event took place at the Securities Experts Roundtable 2025 Annual Membership Meeting & Conference. The Securities Experts Roundtable, established in 1993, is a national association of experienced finance and investment professionals dedicated to securities and commodities dispute resolution.

Moderated by David Hinman, CFA, of Hinman Capital Services LLC, the panel featured Dowd alongside Richard Levin, Esq., of Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP. Drawing on his over 25 years of experience in financial markets, including foreign exchange, futures, and metals, Dowd provided insights informed by his specialized expertise in cryptocurrency and digital assets. As a former board member of the Global Digital Asset & Cryptocurrency Association (2020-2021), he has advised crypto exchanges, startups, and individual participants, and testified as an expert in high-profile proceedings before bodies like the National Futures Association and FINRA.

Dowd’s participation underscored the need for balanced regulation to foster innovation while mitigating risks, leveraging his background as a frequent commentator on CNBC, Bloomberg TV, and Fox Business Network. With a J.D. from DePaul University College of Law and a B.A. in Economics from the College of the Holy Cross, Dowd continues to bridge legal and market expertise in this dynamic field.

The article “George Dowd Participates in Cryptocurrency Panel at Securities Experts Roundtable Conference” first appeared on G. Dowd Law on July 17, 2025.

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2 Million Reasons the CFTC Targeted Debiex

G. Dowd Law LLC — Sat, 22 Mar 2025 22:18:00 +0000

2 Million Reasons the CFTC Targeted Debiex

March 22, 2025

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) recently secured a significant victory against Debiex, a fraudulent digital asset platform. On March 13, 2025, the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona issued a default judgment, holding Debiex liable for misappropriating over $2 million in customer funds through a sophisticated scam. This case underscores the growing prevalence of digital asset fraud and the CFTC’s commitment to protecting investors, offering valuable lessons for graduate students studying regulatory enforcement in financial markets.

Debiex’s scheme, detailed in the CFTC’s January 17, 2024 complaint, relied on a “pig butchering” tactic. Solicitors built romantic or friendly relationships with victims via social media, luring them to fund fake trading accounts. “Instead of using the funds to trade on behalf of the customers, as promised, Debiex misappropriated the customers’ digital assets,” the CFTC alleged. This deception targeted vulnerable Asian Americans, exploiting trust for profit.

2 Million Reasons the CFTC Targeted Debiex

The court orders, issued March 12 and 13, 2025, imposed a $221,466 civil penalty and $2,263,517 in restitution on Debiex, banning it from CFTC-regulated markets. A separate order addressed relief defendant Zhāng Chéng Yáng, a money mule whose wallet facilitated the fraud. His assets were redirected to victims, showcasing the CFTC’s focus on restitution alongside punishment.

CFTC Commissioner Kristin N. Johnson emphasized the human cost of such scams: “In the current case, the fraudsters used a shared native language and other similar evidence of shared identity to build trust – only to later exploit these intimate connections”. This statement highlights the psychological manipulation at play, a critical area of study for understanding modern financial crimes.

CFTC Enforcement Trends

The Debiex case fits into a broader CFTC enforcement trend. A March 20, 2025 press release noted the agency’s collaboration with the FBI to combat digital asset fraud, signaling a proactive stance. With romance scams costing victims $1.3 billion in 2022 alone, per the FTC, the CFTC’s actions reflect an urgent response to an evolving threat landscape, relevant to students exploring regulatory jurisdiction.

Legal scholars may note the CFTC’s jurisdictional reach under the Commodity Exchange Act. The complaint asserted that Debiex’s digital assets were “commodity interests,” enabling CFTC oversight. This interpretation, upheld by the court, reinforces the agency’s authority over crypto-related fraud.

The CFTC cautioned, “Orders requiring repayment of funds to victims may not result in the recovery of any money lost because the wrongdoers may not have sufficient funds or assets”. This reality underscores the practical limits of restitution, a key consideration in victim-centered justice discussions.

The Debiex ruling is a wake-up call for investors and regulators alike. As digital asset markets grow, so do opportunities for fraud.

The article “2 Million Reasons the CFTC Targeted Debiex” first appeared on GDowd.Law on March 22, 2025.

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George Dowd Attends InfraGard Crypto Investment Fraud Presentation

G. Dowd Law LLC — Sun, 16 Mar 2025 17:42:53 +0000

George Dowd Attends InfraGard Crypto Investment Fraud Presentation

March 16, 2025

On March 12, 2025, George Dowd, the founding attorney of G. Dowd Law LLC, attended a pivotal presentation hosted by InfraGard titled “Crypto Investment Fraud: Identifying Scams & Protecting Your Assets.” This webinar, led by an FBI expert, shed light on the escalating threat of cryptocurrency investment fraud, offering attendees critical insights into recognizing and avoiding scams in the rapidly evolving digital asset landscape. Dowd, known for his extensive experience in financial markets and legal counsel in the cryptocurrency space, participated in this timely session to further enhance his expertise and better serve his clients navigating the complexities of digital investments.

InfraGard, the organization behind the presentation, is a unique partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the private sector, designed to foster collaboration and information-sharing to protect U.S. critical infrastructure.

Established in 1996, InfraGard brings together professionals from businesses, academic institutions, law enforcement, and government agencies to address threats ranging from cyberattacks to financial crimes. With a network of over 70 local chapters nationwide, InfraGard facilitates the exchange of intelligence, expertise, and resources to safeguard industries such as finance, energy, and technology. Through events like this webinar, InfraGard empowers its members with actionable knowledge to mitigate risks and respond to emerging challenges, making it a vital player in national security and public safety efforts.

The presentation itself, titled “Crypto Investment Fraud: Identifying Scams & Protecting Your Assets,” tackled the alarming rise of cryptocurrency-related fraud. The FBI expert outlined common tactics used by fraudsters, such as Sha Zhu Pan (Pig Butchering) schemes, pump-and-dump operations, and fake investment platforms promising unrealistic returns.

Attendees learned practical strategies to spot red flags, such as guaranteed high returns with little risk, unsolicited offers, or overly complex jargon meant to confuse potential victims. The session also highlighted the latest trends in crypto scams, including the exploitation of social media and encrypted messaging apps to lure investors, as well as the FBI’s ongoing efforts to investigate and dismantle these criminal operations. For professionals like George Dowd, whose firm advises cryptocurrency exchanges, startups, and individual investors, such insights are invaluable in staying ahead of illicit schemes.

Staying up to date on the latest information regarding crypto investment fraud is more critical than ever as digital assets gain mainstream traction. Cryptocurrency, while offering innovative opportunities for wealth generation, remains a largely unregulated frontier, making it a prime target for scammers.

The FBI has reported billions of dollars in losses annually due to investment fraud, with a significant portion tied to crypto schemes. These scams evolve rapidly, adapting to new technologies and investor behaviors, which underscores the need for continuous education. For legal professionals, financial advisors, and investors alike, understanding the shifting landscape of fraud tactics is essential to protecting assets and ensuring informed decision-making.

George Dowd’s attendance at the InfraGard webinar reflects his commitment to maintaining a cutting-edge understanding of these issues. With over 25 years of experience as a market participant in foreign exchange, futures, and cryptocurrency markets, Dowd brings a seasoned perspective to his legal practice. His firm, G. Dowd Law LLC, provides nuanced counsel to clients in the digital asset space, drawing on his past roles, including serving on the Board of Directors of the Global Digital Asset & Cryptocurrency Association. By engaging with the latest FBI insights, Dowd ensures that his advice remains grounded in the most current threats and defenses against crypto fraud.

As cryptocurrency continues to reshape the financial world, events like InfraGard’s presentation serve as a crucial resource for professionals and the public. For George Dowd and G. Dowd Law LLC, staying informed is not just a professional duty—it’s a cornerstone of the mission to safeguard clients in an increasingly digital economy. With fraudsters growing more sophisticated, such knowledge is the first line of defense in protecting assets and fostering trust in the promise of cryptocurrency.

The article “George Dowd Attends InfraGard Crypto Investment Fraud Presentation” first appeared on G. Dowd Law on March 16, 2025.

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G Dowd Law Attends ETHDenver 2025: A Dive into Web3 Innovation

G. Dowd Law LLC — Sun, 02 Mar 2025 19:49:17 +0000

G Dowd Law Attends ETHDenver 2025: A Dive into Web3 Innovation

March 3, 2025

George Dowd, of G. Dowd Law LLC, recently attended the ETHDenver 2025 conference, held from February 23 to March 2 in Denver, Colorado.

Known as the world’s largest and longest-running Ethereum #BUIDLathon and Community Innovation Festival, ETHDenver brought together over 25,000 innovators from more than 125 countries. As a legal professional with a focus on the digital asset space, Dowd joined blockchain enthusiasts, developers, and thought leaders to explore the future of decentralized systems at this globally renowned event.

ETHDenver 2025 kicked off with #BUIDLWeek on February 23, featuring a series of live workshops, technical presentations, bootcamps, and networking events. The #BUIDLHub opened its doors at 9 AM, launching the #BUIDLathon—a reimagined hackathon—where participants collaborated on groundbreaking blockchain projects. The opening ceremony and bounty presentations followed at noon, setting the stage for a week of innovation.

From February 23 to 26, daily technical talks, bounty workshops, and mini-summits ran from 10 AM to 6 PM, offering attendees a chance to engage with top blockchain minds.

The main ETHDenver 2025 event began on February 27, with an opening ceremony at 10 AM, followed by speakers, panels, and workshops through March 1. Topics ranged from decentralized finance (DeFi) and smart contract development to chain abstraction and the role of decentralized AI in Web3.

A notable session, “Co-Creation and Co-Ownership: The Essential Role of Decentralized AI in Empowering AI Agent Builders and Users,” explored how AI can enhance user autonomy in blockchain ecosystems. Another discussion, “Fat App vs. Fat Wallet Thesis: Where Does User Ownership Fit In?” tackled the balance between application functionality and user control.

Several sessions at ETHDenver 2025 specifically addressed policy and enforcement implications under the new Trump administration, which took office in January 2025. one session examined how the administration’s deregulatory stance might accelerate Web3 adoption, while raising concerns about enforcement gaps in areas like cryptocurrency fraud.

Another session, “What to Expect from the New Era of Crypto Regulation,” debated how Trump’s appointees might approach smart contract legality and digital asset taxation—topics of keen interest to attorneys who practice in the digital asset arena. These discussions highlighted potential shifts in compliance frameworks, offering legal professionals a glimpse into adapting practice to a rapidly evolving policy environment.

On February 28, the #BUIDLHub hosted a 24-hour project push. March 1 saw final project submissions and judging, alongside continued panels, culminating in a closing party. The festival wrapped up on March 2 with a #BUIDLathon Project Fair and pitchfest, followed by closing ceremonies highlighting the top 15 presentations.

For G. Dowd Law, ETHDenver offered a unique opportunity to share George Dowd’s unique insights with the broader digital asset and Web3 community.

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George Dowd Attends Events Around iConnections Global Alts 2025 Miami

G. Dowd Law LLC — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 23:00:00 +0000

George Dowd Attends Events Around iConnections Global Alts 2025 Miami

January 27, 2025

George Dowd Attends Events Around iConnections Global Alts 2025 Miami.

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