Industry Updates

Association for Digital Asset Markets releases a code of conduct for digital asset markets

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

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Opalesque Industry Update - Today, the Association for Digital Asset Markets (ADAM) published its Code of Conduct to promote integrity, fairness, and efficiency in digital asset markets. All ADAM members plan to sign the Code in early 2020 and adhere to its principles, and its release marks a necessary step for the industry to lead the way in setting high standards of conduct. The Code is intended to inform market participants on best practices and to complement, not replace, existing regulation, part of a long-term effort to define and promote ethical conduct by all digital asset market participants.

Established with a collaborative and transparent mindset, ADAM has sought input from digital asset market participants, former regulators, legal counsel, and academic partners in developing its comprehensive, principles-based Code. ADAM has also engaged with state and federal regulators and policymakers, to keep them informed about ADAM's work. The organization will maintain an active dialogue with these constituencies in the months ahead, soliciting additional feedback ahead of members' eventual signing.

The ADAM Code is divided into principles which guide and define appropriate, professional standards in the following areas:

Compliance and Risk Management
Market Ethics
Conflicts of Interest
Transparency and Fairness
Market Integrity
Custody
Information Security and Business Continuity
Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Finance of Terrorism

"As digital asset markets continue to develop in size and stature and become ever more enmeshed in capital markets, it is important for us and our peers to level the playing field and establish the high standards and operating protocols deserving of this promising and innovative asset class," said Philippe Bekhazi, CEO of XBTO Group, an ADAM founding member.

"Our Code has been developed to complement existing law and regulation, and establishes standards designed to earn the long-term trust of institutions, consumers, financial regulators, and policymakers," said Charles Cascarilla, CEO and Co-Founder of Paxos, an ADAM founding member. "As this dynamic and evolving industry takes shape, we are proud to implement this roadmap to better shape a sustainable future for all market participants."

ADAM is also proud to announce the following new members: