Meet Marc Taverner: Championing Blockchain’s Future at INATBA

Who is INATBA?

The International Association for Trusted Blockchain Applications (INATBA) is Europe’s shiny new toy when it comes to navigating the wild world of distributed ledger technology (DLT). Founded in collaboration with the European Commission (EC) and a bunch of important folks during the European Blockchain Partnership summit in April 2019, INATBA is here to lead. Think of it as an inclusive party where industry leaders, policy-makers, and standard-setters mingle with the intention to get DLT mainstream in various sectors.

Meet the New Boss: Marc Taverner

On March 5th, INATBA welcomed its first executive director, Marc Taverner. With a significant background as a former global ambassador for Bitfury Group, Taverner is no stranger to the blockchain landscape. In an exclusive chat, we discovered more about what he plans to do in this newly minted role and the amazing whirlwind that is the blockchain industry.

Four Pillars of INATBA

• Dialogue Typically Reserved for VIPs: INATBA keeps a steady communication line with public authorities and regulators to foster a global regulatory convergence. Kind of like a group therapy session, but for blockchain regulations.
• Governance for All: Promoting a global governance model that welcomes everyone – from the massive corporations to the passionate startups and the civil society folks in between.
• Standards, Standards, Standards: INATBA is pushing for interoperability guidelines and standards, ensuring that we can trust the tech and enjoy user-centric services. Because who likes dealing with technical headaches?
• Sector-Specific Guidance: The association also develops tailored guidelines for applying blockchain across various sectors, assisting in the growth of trusted applications.

What’s on Marc’s To-Do List

As executive director, Taverner’s plate is full. He’s working alongside INATBA’s directors and advisory boards to build a solid regulatory framework and initiate constructive dialogues worldwide. His mission? Encourage deep engagement at industry conferences and conversations with policymakers. Basically, he’s the social butterfly of the blockchain world.

What’s Bugging the Blockchain World?

So, what’s keeping Taverner up at night? Well, he paints a vivid picture of critical regulatory challenges in finance, healthcare, education, energy, and even real estate. He looks forward to companies developing real-world applications that enhance trust and facilitate the widespread adoption of blockchain across these sectors.

The Future Is Bright – and a Bit Chaotic

Taverner sees a bright future for blockchain in Europe, given the collaborative efforts between public and private sectors. He believes Europe has embraced this technology to tackle everyday issues and is poised to continue leading the charge as new policies roll out.

Proud Moments: Outshined by His Kid

And if you thought being an executive director might bring some serious bragging rights, think again. Taverner candidly shared his proudest moment in the blockchain scene when his 15-year-old son stole his thunder at a speaking gig in Berlin. The kid went on about blockchain, social models, and his dream of space travel while Taverner could only smile and nod. Now that’s a mic-drop moment!