Texas, Utah, and Arizona Lead in Blockchain Policy, Chainlink Scorecard Shows

Some U.S. states are moving faster than others to adopt blockchain and tokenized finance, with a new report highlighting where momentum is building and which states are positioning themselves to lead the way.

A scorecard titled “Tokenized in America,” released by Chainlink and the Blockchain Association, evaluates all 50 U.S. states based on factors such as blockchain workforce concentration, government-led pilot programs, and involvement in crypto-focused task forces.

“A $30+ trillion opportunity is emerging as global assets move onchain. The time is now to ensure that the next generation of global financial infrastructure is built around American values, institutions, and technologies,” the report reads.

Each state received one of four ratings — Trailblazer, Accelerator, Initiator, or Explorer — based on its blockchain activity. The scorecard also highlights three key needs for U.S. competitiveness: proof of reserves, automated compliance, and a unified digital asset record.

These tools would help U.S. institutions issue more effective tokenized assets and reduce costs, according to the scorecard, which awarded Texas, Arizona, and Utah the top “Trailblazer” rating for their efforts in policy and blockchain development. Other states noted for their progress include North Carolina, California, New Hampshire, and Wyoming.

New York and California Lag Behind

For context, New York is rated as an “Accelerator,” which ranks below Texas, as the state has either “shown no legislative or public interest in a bitcoin reserve, or past efforts have stalled or been abandoned,” the scorecard reads, adding that “state politicians have shown limited engagement with blockchain-related issues.”

California is also listed in the same category, with the report noting the state has “no active state-level task force supporting blockchain innovation.”

Adam Minehardt, head of policy at Chainlink Labs, said the industry “cannot overlook the substantial activity occurring in the states” at a time when there is “so much occurring at the federal level.”

“Tokenized in America is helping shine a light on the important role these states are playing when it comes to digital assets, providing insight into the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead,” Minehardt added.

The scorecard was released during Crypto Week in Washington, D.C., a series of events taking place from July 14 to 18, focusing on crypto-related laws. The House planned votes on the CLARITY Act, the GENIUS Act, and a bill against CBDCs, but a motion to move the package forward failed on July 15. Lawmakers say another vote is likely to take place soon, although no date has been set.