TONYA M. EVANS

KEYNOTE | AUTHOR | EXPERT

  • Expert Consulting.
  • Effective Coaching.
  • Empowering Courses.
  • Engaged Community.
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Meet Dr. Tonya M. Evans

Dr. Tonya M. Evans is a distinguished professor of law, fintech strategist, corporate advisor, and author of Digital Money Demystified. She empowers legacy corporate and academic leaders to enter and excel in the future of business, preparing today’s executives for tomorrow’s disruption in Web3 and beyond.

A former tennis professional turned legal powerhouse, Dr. Evans stands at the intersection of law, technology, and finance. As a full tenured professor at Penn State Dickinson Law with a prestigious co-hire appointment at the Penn State Institute for Computational and Data Sciences, she leads research on emerging financial technologies, economic justice, and policy innovation. She is a recipient of the 2023 EDGE in Tech Athena Award for Academic Leadership and was recognized on the inaugural Forbes Over 50 List (Investment category, 2021).

Dr. Evans clerked for the Honorable Theodore A. McKee on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit before practicing at two multinational firms and transitioning to private practice, where she specialized in intellectual property, trusts & estates, entertainment & literary law, and municipal finance. Her deep legal expertise in blockchain, cryptocurrency, and digital assets has positioned her as a sought-after corporate consultant and policy expert, advising Fortune 500 companies, fintech startups, and government leaders.

As a Board Member for Digital Currency Group (DCG), a global leader in blockchain investment and innovation, Dr. Evans provides strategic guidance on the legal and regulatory implications of decentralized finance (DeFi) and emerging technologies. She also serves as the founder of Advantage Evans FinTech Academy & Consulting, where she delivers tailored education and strategic insights to financial institutions, legal professionals, and corporate leaders integrating blockchain and digital assets into their business models.

A graduate of Northwestern University and Howard University School of Law (cum laude, Editor-in-Chief of the Howard Law Journal), Dr. Evans is a Forbes contributor and highly sought-after keynote speaker, having addressed audiences at the Global Blockchain Summit, RVO Health, Black@INBOUND by HubSpot, and more. She also shares her expertise as the host of Confidently Crypto on the Financially Speaking Podcast (SiriusXM), breaking down complex digital finance topics for a broad audience.

Through her work, Dr. Evans continues to shape the future of law, business, and technology, ensuring leaders, institutions, and policymakers are equipped to thrive in the rapidly evolving digital economy.

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OTHER NOTABLE VENUES + EVENTS

  • South by Southwest
  • Consensus by Coindesk
  • World Intellectual Property Organization (Geneva)

What Others Are Saying

Clear and methodical.

"Professor Evans' clear and methodical approach to cryptocurrency cuts through myths, shaping policy with her expertise in blockchain technology." -

- Caitlin Long, Founder and CEO of Custodia Bank

Actionable insights for leaders.

"A uniquely accessible cryptocurrency decoder, debunking myths and offering actionable insights for leaders and legislators."

- JoAnn Holmes, Esq., Intellectual Property and Digital Assets Attorney

Navigates with brilliance and clarity.

"Like having Professor Evans on speed dial, [her] book navigates through crypto and blockchain myths with brilliance and clarity."

- Dante Disparte, Chief Strategy Officer and Head of Global Policy for Circle

Demystifying complex concepts.

"Digital Money Demystified perfectly mirrors our mission at Blockchain Association, demystifying complex concepts and empowering readers for the crypto economy."

 

- Kristin Smith, CEO of Blockchain Association

Far out in front.

"Tonya is as far out front on the interaction between web2, web3, Intellectual Property and the Law as I've ever encountered!"

- Jacob Martin, General Partner, 2 Punks Capital

Engaging and Enlightening.

"As our keynote speaker in a Crypto Masterclass, Tonya Evans brought invaluable crypto law expertise to the Black@INBOUND community, presenting complex concepts in an engaging and enlightening manner."

- Kassandra Mendes, Sr. Marketing Manager, DEIB Community Programs, HubSpot

TOPICS

I can speak on a range of topics at the intersections of law, business and technology in the future of work, wealth and leadership including the following:

01

Web3 Ready Lawyer™: How Digital Assets & AI Are Reshaping Legal Practice

The legal industry is at a crossroads. As crypto, AI, and digital assets redefine contracts, compliance, and litigation, lawyers who fail to adapt risk becoming obsolete. This powerful session equips legal professionals with the knowledge, tools, and mindset shifts needed to thrive in the digital economy. From tokenized securities to AI-powered smart contracts, discover how to protect clients, mitigate risk, and seize new opportunities in Web3.

02

Crypto Beyond Trading: The Real-World Use Cases Powering Financial & Business Innovation

Crypto isn’t just about coins and speculation—it’s an infrastructure shift knocking down barriers to financial access, innovation, and global commerce. This talk explores how tokenized assets, stablecoins, and decentralized finance (DeFi) are reshaping banking, payments, and business models. Learn how crypto unlocks new efficiencies, reduces costs, and creates real-world opportunities beyond the hype.

03

Navigating the Regulatory Maze: What Sensible Crypto Regulations Should Look Like

The future of digital assets depends on smart, balanced regulation. Governments and businesses must find a middle ground that protects investors without stifling innovation. Drawing from my legal expertise and policy work, this talk demystifies crypto regulations, SEC enforcement trends, and global policy shifts, providing a clear roadmap for legal, financial, and business leaders.

04

The Tokenization of Everything: Real Estate, Stocks & The Future of Ownership

From real estate to intellectual property and fine art, tokenization is redefining asset ownership and liquidity. This session unpacks how blockchain is unlocking new investment opportunities, the legal and regulatory implications, and why tokenization will transform financial markets in the next decade.

05

Electing Crypto: How Digital Assets Are Reshaping Politics & Global Power

Crypto isn’t just a financial tool—it’s a geopolitical force. Governments worldwide are racing to regulate, adopt, or ban digital assets as they realize the power of decentralized finance (DeFi) and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs). This session, based on my upcoming book Electing Crypto, breaks down the bipartisan battle over crypto regulation and its implications for financial markets, democracy, and innovation.