New York City Mayor Eric Adams inked Executive Order 57, launching the Office of Digital Assets and Blockchain on October 14, 2025. This is the first city-level agency of its kind in the U.S. Adams tapped Moises Rendon, a longtime digital assets adviser within city government, to helm the new office, reporting directly to CTO Matt Fraser.
Mission and mandate of the new office
The charter for the new office, as outlined in the executive order, gives it a multi-pronged approach. The office will help the mayor and city agencies identify opportunities for crypto and blockchain to bolster NYC’s economy, recommending legislative or regulatory changes. It will serve as a bridge between the private digital assets sector and municipal government, working with NYC Economic Development and liaising across agencies.
The office is charged with educating residents about digital assets, evaluating new crypto innovations, and ensuring responsible adoption aligned with legal norms. It must coordinate with the Mayor’s Office of Technology and Innovation to align citywide digital asset initiatives. Rendon’s first action is expected to be launching a commission of crypto and blockchain leaders to advise on programming, policy, and priorities.
A lasting impression before the finish line
Adams’ term as New York Mayor ends on January 1, 2026, and he formally withdrew from the 2025 reelection bid in late September, citing campaign funding challenges and media pressure. In his final months, this move to institutionalize a pro-crypto posture may be seen as part of his legacy.
The November 4, 2025, mayoral election is shaping up as a contest between independent former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani, while Republican Curtis Sliwa has trailed behind. Mamdani has criticized crypto regulation moves and emphasized more traditional urban issues. While, Cuomo has a more mixed crypto record, but has ties to the space through past advisory roles.
With less than three months in office, Adams is attempting to cement New York City’s position as a crypto and blockchain hub, embedding structures that are likely to outlast his tenure.