Ten financial services and technology firms leading developments in the digital asset and blockchain space have joined together to create the Association for Digital Asset Markets (ADAM) to establish a Code of Conduct for emerging digital asset markets.

US-based ADAM will proactively seek comprehensive standards for digital asset market participants. The group, which includes BitOoda, BTIG, Cumberland, Galaxy Digital, Genesis Global Trading, GSR, Hudson River Trading, Paxos, Symbiont and XBTO, says it will work with current and former regulators to provide rules for the efficient trading, custody, clearing and settlement of digital assets.

Future guidelines will encourage professionalism and ethical conduct by all market participants, increase transparency by providing information to regulators and the public, and deter market manipulation, the group stated.

Duncan Niederauer, former Chief Executive Officer of the New York Stock Exchange and ADAM Advisory Board Member, says, “Rules are fundamental to the development of any market. Over 200 years ago, market leaders came together to draft rules that led to the creation of the New York Stock Exchange. The advent of digital assets requires a similar effort; one that will clarify existing rules and give both investors and regulators the confidence necessary to sustain this market. I applaud the firms leading the ADAM initiative and look forward to advising them on standards that will enable this market to thrive.”

ADAM’s Code of Conduct will include guidelines for market integrity, risk management, KYC and AML, custody, record keeping, clearing and settlement, market manipulation, data protection, and research, among other topics.

ADAM plans to add new members and will announce its officers in the coming months. It will maintain offices in New York and Washington, DC. Participating organisations include trading venues, custodians, investors, asset managers, traders, liquidity providers and brokers.