The Digital Sovereignty Alliance (DSA), a nonprofit organization focused on emerging technology policy, research, and education, announced that its white paper has been selected as one of five winning papers in DC Fintech Week's 2026 Call for Papers and named 2026 Featured Research.
The paper, titled "Modern Foundations of Personal Finance: Literacy and Infrastructure in the Digital Economy," was authored by DSA Senior Policy Advisor Molly Woodman, with contributions from Adrian Wall, Managing Director; Emily Ekshian, Content Manager; and Maghan Lusk, Policy Associate.
DC Fintech Week takes place October 13–16, 2026, in Washington, D.C. The winning papers are featured on the event's website and shared with its community.
Paper Focus
The research examines how the shift to digital financial systems is outpacing Americans' financial literacy, noting that understanding of financial risk represents the weakest area of knowledge. The paper also addresses how gaps in financial understanding and access affect households unevenly and concludes that regulation and financial education must progress together.
"Good rules can make these products safer, but they won't help someone understand the risk they're taking on," Woodman said in a statement. "We hope this work encourages policymakers and educators to treat financial literacy as a priority along with regulation."
About the Digital Sovereignty Alliance
The DSA is a nonprofit organization committed to advancing public policies supporting ethical innovation in decentralized technologies, blockchain, cryptocurrency, Web3, and artificial intelligence. The organization conducts research, organizes educational events, and engages with stakeholders across public and private sectors to advance policy frameworks that support innovation while prioritizing transparency, individual rights, and public welfare.
