Former Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, running for mayor of New York City, announced on Oct. 19, 2025, that his administration would create a Chief Innovation Officer charged with positioning the city as a global center for digital finance and decentralized innovation, according to a campaign statement.
Cuomo explained the CIO and an Innovation Council’s crypto and blockchain advisory committee would work to establish New York as the “world capital” for crypto by exploring ways to replace outdated regulations with a modern framework that protects consumers while encouraging responsible innovation.
The proposal calls for the council to craft policy, industry standards and consumer protections tailored to crypto, coordinate city agencies on blockchain initiatives, and attract investment and jobs across the five boroughs; the campaign provided no timeline, named appointees or specific regulatory changes as of yet.
FAQ 🧭
What did Cuomo propose for crypto in New York City? — He proposed a Chief Innovation Officer and an advisory committee focused on making New York a global hub for digital finance and decentralized innovation.
Will this change New York’s crypto regulations? — The campaign says the council will explore replacing outdated rules with a modern framework that balances consumer protection and responsible innovation.
How will the plan affect jobs and investment in NYC? — The proposal aims to attract crypto and blockchain investment and jobs across all five boroughs, though no timelines or partners were announced.
Who will advise the CIO on crypto policy? — A Crypto and Blockchain advisory committee within the Innovation Council, composed of industry leaders, will recommend policy, standards and consumer safeguards.
