Andrew Cuomo Bets on Crypto to Drive NYC Mayoral Comeback

• Cuomo proposes crypto, AI, and biotech plan to modernize NYC’s innovation landscape.
• His experience with OKX adds credibility to his crypto regulation and compliance approach.
• NYC’s mayoral race could define future crypto and tech policy direction for the city.

Former New York governor Andrew Cuomo has outlined a technology-focused plan centered on crypto and artificial intelligence as part of his campaign for New York City mayor. According to Crypto in America co-host Eleanor Terrett, Cuomo intends to position the city as “the global hub of the future” by coordinating projects across the crypto, AI, and biotech industries. His strategy focuses on modernization, investment attraction, and workforce development as key drivers of economic growth.

As part of this proposal, Cuomo plans to establish a new chief innovation officer position tasked with guiding citywide tech initiatives and encouraging public–private partnerships. The plan also includes an Innovation Council featuring three advisory committees dedicated to crypto, AI, and biotechnology. These committees would focus on technology adoption, regulatory streamlining, and job creation across emerging sectors, according to Terrett’s report.

Crypto Integration and Cuomo’s Industry Experience

Andrew Cuomo’s involvement in crypto extends beyond politics. He previously served as an adviser to exchange platform OKX during a federal probe that resulted in the company pleading guilty to several violations and paying over $500 million in penalties. This background provides Cuomo with experience in digital asset regulation and industry compliance, positioning him among the few U.S. political figures familiar with the complexities of crypto oversight.

If elected, Andrew Cuomo’s administration could mark a shift from a strictly enforcement-driven environment to one that encourages responsible growth within the crypto and tech industries. Analysts note that New York City already serves as a bridge between traditional finance and digital assets.

Wall Street, home to the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq, controls more than $30 trillion in market capitalization, making it the largest financial hub globally. Cuomo’s policies could leverage this foundation to integrate crypto markets more directly with traditional capital systems.

Political Competition and the Future of Tech Policy

Current mayor Eric Adams recently introduced the Office of Digital Assets and Blockchain Technology, the first municipal office of its kind in the United States. The office’s mandate includes promoting the responsible use of blockchain, supporting job growth, and reinforcing New York’s leadership in financial innovation.

Adams withdrew from the race last month, leaving Andrew Cuomo to face Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani and Republican Curtis Sliwa in the November 4 election. Polls from The New York Times show Mamdani leading, with Cuomo trailing. Mamdani has expressed limited views on crypto, though industry figures such as Gemini CEO Tyler Winklevoss have criticized his stance, warning that restrictive policies could discourage innovation within the city’s growing digital economy.