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Parliamentary Blockchain Industry Roundtable

4 April 2024

Dr. Larisa Yarovaya, Director of the Centre for Digital Finance, has authored over 70 highly cited papers in cryptocurrency and Fintech. Recognized in Stanford's top 2% Global Scientists, she is the founding chair of the Cryptocurrency Research Conference and holds editorial roles in prestigious journals.

As a fintech scholar, I had the privilege of engaging with the UK All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Blockchain Technologies. Policy engagement is a crucial aspect of academic life and a strong pathway for generating impact. I attended APPG's Blockchain Industry Reception, held at Thames Pavillion in the Houses of Parliament on 14 December 2023, bringing together policymakers, regulators, industry, academia, innovators and thought-leaders in Blockchain, This was brilliant networking opportunity, and I have met most influential and inspiring people pushing the frontiers of blockchain adoption in the UK and abroad. The British Blockchain Association as the Secretariat of the APPG organised and hosted the event, with introductory remarks from Prof. Dr Naseem Naqvi MBE, followed by an insightful Keynote speech from APPG Chair, Natalie Elphicke OBE MP.

On 16 January, APPG hosted a Roundtable with Web3 and Blockchain industry representatives in the UK Parliament, where the important topics have been discussed on the role of UK regulators in global blockchain adoption, EDI in industry, financial and non-financial use cases in Blockchain. Minutes and summary of comments are available from the British Blockchain Association website.

During the roundtable, I shared concerns about low Fintech literacy identified in my recent research. Educating the public on blockchain applications is crucial before major innovations like CBDCs are introduced. Our research revealed low awareness of cryptocurrency, even among professional investors in Brazil. Improving Fintech literacy is essential to protect consumers from risks in the rapidly growing crypto asset ecosystem.

I was pleased to witness the discussion on gender balance during the roundtable, especially the inspiring remarks from Lauren Ingram, founder of Women of Web 3, and Doro Unger-Lee, Head of Education and Inclusion at Algorand Foundation. Gender inequality was prevalent in TradFi and Tech, and unfortunately, it seems that the Web 3 space has inherited this issue. Nevertheless, it is truly inspiring to see the efforts made by various industry players to address and improve gender balance.

I've researched cryptocurrency since 2017, pioneering blockchain technology's potential in financial services and advancing academic scholarship in this field. In 2018, I launched the first Cryptocurrency Research Conference, attracting global finance scholars. Academic research is crucial in the cryptocurrency and blockchain field, where evidence-based scientific results are scarce and misinformation is prevalent. Disseminating research from the Centre for Digital Finance to a wider audience through academic papers, media, policy, and industry engagement is vital. I'll continue engaging with key stakeholders to ensure blockchain technology fosters a more equitable future.

Larisa has been appointed to Advisory Board of the British Blockchain Association.

More information about the BBA:

"Founded in 2017 with the mission of advancing evidence-based adoption of Web3 technologies, the BBA is home to several world-class global initiatives: the UK's National Blockchain Roadmap, The Centre for Evidence-Based Blockchain, The JBBA, The Blockchain Associations Forum, Blockchain International Conferences, BBA's Metaverse initiatives, and more.

BBA is also the Secretariat of the UK All-Party Parliamentary Group APPG on Blockchain Technologies.

BBA president, Prof. Dr Naseem Naqvi MBE was the first person in the world to be awarded a UK National Honour in the field of blockchain - this speaks volumes of the accomplishments of the organisation, and its leadership".