Innovation or Extraction? Cryptocurrency and the Growing Wealth Gap

Document Type

Presentation

Publication Date

4-15-2026

Conference / Event Title

Just Economy Conference

Conference / Event Location

Washington D.C.

Hosting Organization

National Community Reinvestment Coalition

Abstract

While cryptocurrency is often marketed as a democratizing alternative to traditional finance, the data tells a different story of regulatory evasion that eliminates  consumer protections, creates extreme wealth concentration among insiders and fosters predatory practices that leave vulnerable households exposed to devastating losses.

This panel moves beyond critique to chart a path forward. We'll examine how crypto markets concentrate risk on consumers and identify what oversight mechanisms can stop this devastating trend of wealth extraction from communities. Panelists will discuss how digital finance can be redesigned to build community wealth rather than drain it, and how to distinguish innovations that expand safe financial access from those that amplify risk.

Panelists will include academic researchers, consumer advocates and policy experts who bring evidence-based perspectives on cryptocurrency’s impacts and on building financial systems that advance economic equity for communities.

Conference URL

https://ncrc.org/conference/

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