New York City could soon become a crypto trailblazer — again.
During a speech at Bitcoin 2025, Mayor Eric Adams announced his intention to launch a Bitcoin bond to raise funds for the city and eliminate the controversial BitLicense, a regulatory framework that has long been criticized for stifling innovation.
“We are going to issue a Bitcoin bond, and we are getting rid of the BitLicense,” Adams declared live on stage, drawing loud applause from the audience.
The move marks a dramatic shift in the city’s approach to crypto. The BitLicense, introduced in 2015, has been widely seen as one of the most restrictive state-level regulations for digital assets in the U.S. Its removal — if implemented — could signal a major regulatory pivot and attract blockchain startups back to New York.
While the proposal is still in its early stages, Adams’ statement reflects growing momentum among policymakers who view Bitcoin not just as an asset, but as a tool for civic innovation.The announcement has already sparked debate among industry leaders and legislators alike. Whether symbolic or structural, the mayor’s message is clear: New York wants back in on the crypto future.
