The Digital Asset Regulatory Authority (DARA), a self-regulatory industry organization, will be represented at the Nordic Blockchain Conference 2026 by Jacqueline Cooper, JD, Executive Director of the Maryland Blockchain Association and Director of DARA. The conference, hosted by the Nordic Blockchain Association at Epicenter in Stockholm on May 26-27, is expected to bring together more than 1,250 delegates and 125 speakers.
Cooper will use the forum to advance DARA’s international focus on establishing jurisdictional working groups in support of local legislative and regulatory actions. The model views responsible oversight of digital assets as the product of organized and accountable coalitions at the local level – bringing together legislators, regulators, technologists, lawyers and industry stakeholders – rather than as single top-down rulemaking.
The approach was recently validated in the United States. On May 13, 2026, Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed two pieces of blockchain legislation, including House Bill 470, which creates a state task force to evaluate distributed ledger applications for public records and recommend implementation pathways. Cooper, who testified in favor of the legislation before the Maryland General Assembly, was instrumental in forming the task force.
“The task force is the most underutilized instrument in digital asset policy,” Cooper said. “It gives policymakers a structured way to contribute expertise without ceding authority or context, and it gives industry a structured way to contribute. Maryland is a real-world example of what this produces.”
DARA’s research and advocacy supports the registration of digital asset service providers in multiple jurisdictions, with regulatory citations and examination workflows tailored to each market’s statutory framework.
At NBC2026, Cooper will participate in sessions on the conference’s three main themes: emerging technologies, regulation and policy, and digital finance. DARA’s Leadership Advisory Committee will also hold a meeting during the multi-day event to focus on the rapid development of the Nordic region.
About the Digital Assets Regulatory Authority (DARA)
The Digital Asset Regulatory Authority is a self-regulatory organization initiative dedicated to advancing industry objectives, registration infrastructure and jurisdictional task force leadership worldwide. DARA partners with national authorities, industry associations and academic institutions in several regions. More information is available at dara.foundation.
About the Maryland Blockchain Association (MDBA)
The Maryland Blockchain Association is a nonprofit industry association representing blockchain technologists, lawyers, entrepreneurs, and policymakers in the state of Maryland. MDBA brings expert testimony, policy research, and stakeholder meetings to support responsible blockchain adoption in Maryland and serves as a partner organization within the DARA Network.
Learn more at marylandblockchainassociation.org.
Register to attend theBlockChAIn Boot Campby visiting:
Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release does not constitute an investment solicitation nor is it intended to constitute investment advice, financial advice or trading advice. Investing involves risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is strongly recommended that you perform due diligence, including consulting a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrencies and securities. You are solely responsible for your investment decisions and assume all associated risks. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be liable for any fraudulent activity, misrepresentation or financial loss arising from the contents of this press release.
