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“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” - Peter Druker
If you hear the words blockchain or cryptocurrency – and immediately want to change the subject – the following information is for you. This guest column, authored by University of Wyoming junior Owen Fink, cuts to the chase regarding the practical application of blockchain and Wyoming’s leadership in the space.
Through the collaborative efforts of astute business leaders, forward-thinking legislators, educators, the Wyoming Stable Token Commission, and industry leaders, Wyoming has emerged as the leading state for digital assets.
Wyoming is now poised to become the first state in the nation to launch a stable token thanks to the pioneering spirit of individuals blessed with the foresight, perseverance, and smarts to move our state across this exciting new frontier.
Thank you for your submission Owen.
- Governor Mark Gordon
Governor Gordon is the Chairman of the Wyoming Stable Token Commission. He also served as State Treasurer (2012-2019), ranking in the top 100 “Most Significant and Impactful Public Investor Executives” (The Sovereign Wealth Fund Institute). Under his guidance as Treasurer, Wyoming’s sovereign funds earned a No. 1 ranking for the United States and No. 3 in the world for transparency (Peterson Institute). Gordon served as a Class B Director at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City.
by Owen Fink
When people think of Wyoming, they often picture open landscapes, livestock, and our long standing energy industry. What fewer people realize is that our state is quietly becoming one of the most innovative places in the country for blockchain technology.
Over the past few years, Wyoming has passed a series of groundbreaking legislation that makes it the most welcoming state for blockchain businesses and development. From recognizing decentralized autonomous organizations to creating a legal framework for digital asset custody, our lawmakers have made it clear that Wyoming is open for blockchain business. This has resulted in major blockchain innovators, including the $2.9 billion company Kraken and the groundbreaking Custodia Bank, choosing to headquarter in Cheyenne.
However, there's a catch: many people still don't fully understand what blockchain is or why it matters to everyday life. In simple terms, blockchain is a way of securely recording and verifying data without relying on a single authority. It is most commonly associated with cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, but its uses go far beyond cryptocurrency.
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Photo Credit: Harper Pollock
Wyoming understands the potential and is fortunate to have state leaders pushing for innovation, including Governor Gordon’s leadership as Chairman of the Wyoming Stable Token Commission. Pegged to the U.S. dollar, the primary purpose of theWyoming Stable Token is to enable fast and low cost digital transactions, while providing revenue for the state. This diversified stream of income comes from interest generated by the US Treasuries that back WYST. Per statute, these funds will support public programs like education.
Wyoming will be the first state to implement a system like this and is leading the way on both the legal and financial fronts, laying the groundwork for every state in the union to eventually issue its own token – or to use WYST. This kind of forward-thinking is only possible due to the foresight of smart legislators over the last decade, strong gubernatorial leadership, and the diligence of the Wyoming Stable Token Commission.
Wyoming also has strong representation at the federal level, including the most digital asset friendly senator, Cynthia Lummis, author of the GENIUS Act, the most comprehensive stable token legislation introduced so far.
Looking toward the future on a global level, blockchain technology has the potential to serve as a hedge against the impending artificial intelligence revolution by ensuring transparency, decentralization, and digital verification, with the possibility of preventing the rise of deepfakes by identifying, tracking, and authenticating real content.
 To continue to drive the future of blockchain in Wyoming, we need to go beyond passing legislation. We need investment in K–12 education, workforce training, and pilot programs that show how this technology can solve real problems. The University of Wyoming has already proven to be one of the nation’s leading educators through its Center for Blockchain and Digital Innovation. Our state agencies should begin testing its applications, and local businesses should have access to tools and resources that help them explore how blockchain can improve their operations.
Wyoming has always been a state that values independence, transparency, and innovation. Blockchain is a natural fit with those values. If we choose to lead rather than follow, we can build something truly lasting.
Owen Fink is a Daniels Fund Scholar at the University of Wyoming. An honors student, Owen is currently studying finance, economics and management with a minor in blockchain technology. He is President of the Ethics Club and a career mentor at the UW Business Center. Owen is interning this summer at the Common Sense Institute.
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