About the IBA
The Illinois Blockchain Association (IBA) is a nonprofit membership organization advocating on behalf of Illinois’ blockchain and digital assets community. We serve as the unified voice for startups, entrepreneurs, academics, small business owners, and others who believe in the power of blockchain and related technology.
Strategic Focus
Since its founding in 2024, the Illinois Blockchain Association has organized its activities around education, advocacy, and community building. Serving as the primary voice for the state’s blockchain community, we aim to solidify Illinois as a premier destination for blockchain innovation, where founders and entrepreneurs can start and grow businesses, and where the industry is guided by sound public policy that promotes innovation, spurs growth, and protects consumers.
ADVOCACY
From engaging with legislators and developing policy proposals to building and activating coalitions, our work helps ensure Illinois remains a top destination for blockchain innovators and startups.
EDUCATION
We provide access to valuable ongoing professional development for members and leverage public-facing campaigns to educate consumers and stakeholders about the promise of blockchain.
COMMUNITY
We know there is power in numbers, so we bring together top blockchain stakeholders for powerful industry events, policy forums, and networking that are fundamental to shaping the future.
Policy
Priorities
We're working to protect and advance blockchain innovation in Illinois through common-sense, purpose-built policy.
Statement of Support
H.R. 3633 | The CLARITY Act
The Illinois Blockchain Association (IBA) strongly supports H.R. 3633, the Digital Asset Market Structure Clarity Act (CLARITY Act), currently before the U.S. House of Representatives.
The CLARITY Act provides long-overdue regulatory certainty for developers, entrepreneurs, and consumers. By establishing clear lines between the SEC and the CFTC, the bill would replace the patchwork, regulation-by-enforcement approach that currently exists with a robust, functional framework that fosters innovation and provides meaningful consumer protections.
As a nonprofit trade association committed to advancing a purpose-built blockchain future, the IBA believes this legislation marks a pivotal step forward for the digital assets industry and is key to cementing Illinois’ future as a leader in blockchain innovation. Here in Illinois, more than 320 startups are innovating in blockchain, and one-third of the top public companies headquartered in Illinois have (or are actively making) significant investments in digital assets, including Web3, blockchain, and cryptocurrency.
For these Illinois business leaders, regulatory clarity is an economic imperative.
The IBA supports the CLARITY Act because it would:
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Establish comprehensive and balanced oversight by appropriately assigning responsibilities between the SEC and CFTC
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Empower developers with clear disclosure requirements and a lawful pathway to build and launch digital assets
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Protect consumers by mandating transparency, fund segregation, and conflict-of-interest mitigation for customer-facing digital asset firms
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Strengthen national security by providing structured oversight that reduces illicit finance risks, including terrorism funding, money laundering, and cybercrime
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Reinforce the U.S.—and Illinois—as a leader in emerging technology markets
As blockchain becomes increasingly integral to our financial and technological infrastructure, the U.S. cannot afford to sit on the sidelines. Federal legislation like the CLARITY Act is exactly what’s needed to allow states like ours to thrive in the next wave of digital innovation.
As such, we urge members of our Illinois delegation to vote YES on H.R. 3633, the CLARITY Act.
IBA Leadership
IN THE NEWS
IBA Board Member Olta Andoni argued the dangers of anti-crypto legislation for entrepreneurs, consumers, and the state of Illinois
IBA General Counsel Mike Frisch appeared on FOX32 Chicago to debate the Digital Assets & Consumer Protection Act
IBA Executive Director Nelson Rosario joined WTAX-AM to talk anti-blockchain legislation in Springfield
Opinion: Illinois can lead the way in digital assets innovation, but this legislation is the wrong move
IBA General Counsel Mike Frisch joined John Williams to unpack the promise of blockchain and cryptocurrency amid threats in Springfield
