Smart regulation required as digital assets, blockchain push innovation faster than ever, entrepreneur says
June 26, 2023 | Jy Maze
Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in this commentary are the author’s alone. Jy Maze is CEO of Maze Freight Solutions and a ForbesNext1000 2021 Honoree.
Kansas has seen much innovation over the past decade, but to continue that growth, we as a state need to look at new economic opportunities to drive business to our state.
These opportunities can come from the blockchain and digital asset industries, which could integrate into the state’s key sectors like manufacturing, agriculture, and energy. These industries would allow companies limited by the traditional banking system the opportunity to build a portfolio and grow.
The blockchain and digital asset industry is revolutionizing operations in finance, energy, agriculture, education, real estate, supply chain management, and more. And while some opposed would say these digital assets have led to increased scams, many people see these as innovative solutions to problems within traditional financial systems.
Sixteen percent of adult Americans have purchased digital assets. About seven million Americans do not have a bank account and another 24 million rely on costly non-bank services like check cashing and money orders for everyday needs. Digital assets and blockchains have the potential to empower individuals in underserved areas throughout all of our communities.
As these industries continue to grow, there needs to be some federal regulation to ensure no illegal activities occur. The protection and regulation of an open and inclusive digital financial infrastructure is a worthwhile starting point for federal regulatory efforts. It’s imperative that political leaders create an environment in which bad actors are held accountable and good actors are given the freedom to innovate.
There is a place for fintech and digital innovation in Kansas. With roughly 237 banks and 70 academic institutions that boast STEM research, state leaders should be on the front lines of efforts to improve federal regulation of digital assets and blockchains.
I believe it’s time for Kansas leaders to come to the forefront of attracting more companies that operate in this space to our state. These industries bring young professionals who would plant roots and contribute to our economy. We must be able to compete with surrounding states when it comes to innovation.
Jy Maze is the president and CEO of Certified Woman-Owned Maze Freight Solutions. She has been in transportation and supply chain management for 15 years. Her success with large and small companies, along with the lack of diversity in the industry, led to the founding of Maze Freight Solutions in 2017.
RELATED: How being Black, religion and mentors shaped Jy Maze, kept her startup from failing
2023 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
What do 1 Million Cups presenters reveal about KC’s entrepreneurial community?
Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in this commentary are the author’s alone. Every Wednesday morning in Kansas City and 91 other cities nationwide, one or two early-stage startups present a six-minute profile of their companies to a diverse audience, followed by 20 minutes of open Q&A. I recently reviewed 51 presentations delivered at 1 Million Cups…
Investor John Fein offers 8 tips to hook a VC
Editor’s Note: John Fein recently announced his departure from Techstars to lead a new $7 million venture fund. The opinions expressed in this commentary are the author’s alone. For the past three Techstars programs in Kansas City, the most important aspect of my job as managing director has been deciding which companies to invite into…
Louis Byrd: Are white women now the face of diversity?
Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in this commentary are the author’s alone. Diversity means different things to different people. For some folks, hearing the word diversity automatically equates to affirmative action and minorities taking jobs away from qualified white men. For others, it simply implies race or ethnicity. Then there’s those who believe it is…
Beasley: How will smart city infrastructure reflect KC’s aspirations?
Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in this commentary are the author’s alone. Reality is often stranger than fiction, and even harder to predict. Will our cities march toward the dizzying New, New York of Futurama’s 30th century; the harsh, crowded streets of Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner; or even the consumerist, transhumanist society of Warren Ellis’…