Balancing Innovation and Consumer Protection in the Crypto Space with Debra Brookes

In this episode of The Get Down, Ritzy P. interviews Debra Brookes about her professional journey, detailing her entry into the crypto space and her experiences with regulatory frameworks like the BitLicense. She discusses her current role in developing a state-issued stable coin in Wyoming, emphasizing the importance of balancing innovation with regulatory oversight. Debra also highlights the challenges faced by small players in the crypto market and offers insights on how they can navigate the complex landscape. 

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Debra Brookes is an attorney with over 20 years of experience, specializing in cryptocurrency compliance, sanctions enforcement, and  white-collar prosecutions. Deb recently joined the State of Wyoming’s  Stable Token Commission as its Chief Risk and Compliance Officer. Deb  previously worked with the NYS Department of Financial Services  (NYSDFS) where she held several positions, most notably Deputy Virtual Chief  and Head of Supervision, where she supervised over 30 licensed crypto companies. Before NYSDFS, Deb served as a federal prosecutor for the  U.S. Department of Justice through the competitive Attorney General's  Honors Program. 

We discuss:

• Challenges with the New York BitLicense process.
• How balancing innovation and regulation is crucial for safety.
• The Wyoming Stable Token Commission’s mission to produce the first state-issued stablecoin.
• Significant shifts in US crypto legislation in 2025.

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Wyoming Stable Token Commission

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Chapters

• 0:00 Balancing Innovation and Consumer Protection in the Crypto Space with Debra Brookes
• 2:01 Deborah Brookes’ professional journey.
• 7:09 Challenges with the New York BitLicense.
• 13:16 The balance between fostering innovation and regulatory oversight.
• 18:09 Recommendations to ensure that smaller players can comply and compete in the crypto market.
• 22:03 Implications of upcoming legislation for Wyoming's stablecoin work.
• 22:37 Deborah Brookes ‘ fun fact.