Boston could be the global hub for blockchain.
We're a volunteer-led nonprofit with one belief: between our roots in finance, our deep tech expertise, and our world-leading academic network — Boston is uniquely positioned to lead the next chapter of blockchain innovation.
From a WeWork meetup to a 3,500-member ecosystem.
The BBA began in 2019 as a small group meeting at a Boston WeWork. The founders saw something the rest of the country was missing — that Boston's combination of finance, deep tech, and academia made it the natural home of blockchain's institutional era.
Six years later, the BBA encompasses more than 3,500 members spanning established institutions and emerging startups, technical professionals and capital investors, academic faculty and enrolled students — all sharing enthusiasm for blockchain's potential impact.
Five pillars. One mission.
Everything we do is designed to grow Boston's blockchain ecosystem from the inside out — institutionally, technically, and academically.
Educate
Events, workshops, and training that demystify blockchain applications and the practical markets they serve.
Advocate
Engaging state lawmakers to develop equitable, knowledgeable legislation that positions Massachusetts as a leader.
Collaborate
Networking for ideas, jobs, partners, and the deep ecosystem relationships that compound over decades.
Cultivate
Linking student blockchain clubs, connecting students with hiring companies, and promoting academic research.
Celebrate
Recognizing the technological milestones and diverse innovators strengthening Boston's blockchain community.
"We learn from each other. Every BBA workshop is part teaching, part Socratic seminar, part show-me-the-code. That's what makes the community sticky."
The board behind the BBA.
A volunteer board of operators, investors, lawyers, and technologists who run the BBA in their nights and weekends.
Doug Mehne
20 years of fintech experience. Joined the BBA in 2021. Sees the BBA as the bridge between technology, innovation, and Boston's unique community.
Mark Cianci
Prominent speaker and writer focused on blockchain and U.S. legal system intersections. With BBA since 2021.
Eric Roux
Founding member with 15 years of nonprofit leadership experience, dedicated to blockchain's institutional transformation potential.
John Hargrave
Founding BBA member and author of Blockchain for Everyone. Ensures every new member feels welcome from day one.
Vijay Kesavan
Chairs technology operations and advocates for blockchain's financial inclusion applications. Joined in 2021.
Karen Knox
Co-Chair of Programming, bringing insurance sector perspective on digital asset needs to the BBA agenda.
Jim Knox
Regional Managing Practice Leader for Technology and Communications at Aon. Leads the Digital Asset team.
Anja von Rosenstiel
Lectures at Boston University Law School and researches decentralization. Joined the BBA in 2025.
Chris Marzilli
Decades of SaaS, fintech, and blockchain leadership. Formerly with Salesforce. Joined in 2025.
Helen Gugel
Partner at Ropes & Gray with over a decade in securities and commodities enforcement advising blockchain innovators.
Trevor Talley
Contributes across panels, events, content, and talent recruitment. With the BBA since 2023.
Sam Nathans
An early BBA member with decade-long decentralized technology expertise guiding our organizational direction.