From Bear Market to Breakthrough: Unveiling the Future of Crypto at Crypto Asset Conference 2023 (CAC23A)

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Industry Leaders Converge in Frankfurt to Share Success Stories and Strategies for the Next Phase of Blockchain Evolution

Figure 1: Crypto Assets Conference Banner

The Crypto Assets Conference (CAC) 2023A, held in Frankfurt on March 29–30, was a milestone event in the world of crypto assets and blockchain technology. The conference offered a wealth of keynotes and panels focused on digital securities, tokenization of assets, funds, asset management, infrastructure, custody, and digital finance. The insights gained during the conference were invaluable, and the event was an excellent opportunity for networking and exchanging ideas.

It was not only a gathering of thought leaders and industry experts but also a celebration of survival, innovation, and success in the face of a challenging bear market. As the conference unfolded, it became clear that the bear market had not dampened the spirits of the industry’s brightest minds. Instead, they emerged stronger, wiser, and more determined to make a difference. Prof. Dr. Philipp Sandner, who led the conference, created an atmosphere that invited participants to share their experiences and insights to foster a sense of collective triumph.

Figure 2: Philipp Sandner introducing the sponsors

One of the most inspiring stories of perseverance came from Assetera, the P2P trading platform that has successfully integrated DLT infrastructure and achieved compliance under MIFID and MICA regulations. Assetera’s milestone partnership with Siemens and Hauck & Aufhäuser has revolutionized bond issuance, resulting in faster, more cost-effective transactions and improved investor liquidity.

The conference also highlighted the importance of regulatory frameworks and tokenization in the crypto space. A panel discussion on tokenization in the crypto space was particularly interesting, with panelists discussing the evolution of the industry from tokenized art to tokenized securities. Germany’s advanced regulatory framework surrounding tokenized securities received praise for offering legal and investment certainty. The Siemens and Deutsche Bank case was cited as a driver for the entire ecosystem, inspiring more pilot projects and demonstrating the potential for real business applications. The panelists also discussed the potential for institutional investment in the crypto space, as well as the potential for Bitcoin’s adoption in frontier market countries. The conversation concluded with recommendations for crypto allocation in investment portfolios.

Figure 3: Panel discussion — Transforming Finance with Digital Funds and Digital Securities

The fireside chat on how blockchain technology will revolutionize Wall Street was another highlight of the conference. The potential for blockchain to disrupt traditional finance was explored, with panelists discussing topics such as Bitcoin’s potential to displace gold, the role of ETFs and ETNs, cost reduction for consumers, and the future of stablecoins. Regulatory compliance and jurisdiction were raised as important considerations, and the potential for institutional investment in the crypto space was also discussed.

Throughout the conference, the importance of understanding user needs was emphasized, as well as the need for clear regulatory frameworks and efficient trading platforms to facilitate seamless transactions in the digital asset space.

Figure 4: Team Chainalysis

With the bear market in the rearview mirror, attendees were eager to explore the future of finance and the transformation of banks. Lukas Enzersdorfer-Konrad from Bitpanda discussed the potential for private banking and retail use cases, as well as the significance of the next Bitcoin halving for cryptocurrency adoption. The push for a digital euro and the growing interest in tokenized assets among institutional investors emerged as key themes throughout the conference.

Web3 adoption took center stage, with a survey by Roland Berger indicating that 72% of businesses are considering adopting the technology. CEOs were encouraged to evaluate their organization’s readiness for web3 and digital assets, explore how tokenization can change asset management, and attract web3 talent.

Christoph Jentzsch (corpus.ventures) discussed the tokenization of a GmbH/UG, programmable equity on layer 2 public blockchains, employee participation, and regulation. Most startups in Germany are GmbHs, and programmable equity could be possible on layer 2 public blockchains.

The conference also covered the challenges and opportunities of digital asset trading for banks. Andy Flury from Wyden.io presented on the need for clear regulatory frameworks and efficient trading platforms to facilitate seamless transactions in the digital asset space. The potential for institutional investment in the crypto space was discussed, as well as the potential for Bitcoin’s adoption in frontier market countries.

CAC23A also opened the stage for young startups to pitch their businesses and showcase their latest ideas and innovations. The event featured startups such as MeCash, basenode.io, and Particula, as well as Web3 Talents, participants in the Frankfurt School Blockchain Center’s Talents programs.

Figure 5: Alexandra Overgaag (Thrilld Labs) moderating on Day 2
Figure 6: Oliver Schantin (basenode.io) pitching his startup

A highlight was the BLOCKTALES podcast side event, hosted by Sarah Gottwald and Katharina Zeuch. The event featured a round table discussion on topics such as navigating the world of web3 startups and venture capital, Bitcoin Lightning adoption, and personal branding in web3. Attendees shared their “blocktales” and engaged in lively discussions, fostering a sense of community and shared learning.

Figure 7: Sarah Gottwald (BFG) and Katharina Zeuch (Luna Vision)
Figure 8: Participants of the Blocktales Side Event

The whole event served as a showcase of innovation and resilience, with industry leaders sharing their stories of overcoming the bear market to achieve remarkable outcomes. These stories, along with the vibrant discussions and insights, created an engaging and relatable atmosphere that invited the audience to join the journey towards the future of blockchain and digital assets.

So, if you are wondering whether you should have attended the Crypto Assets Conference 2023A, the answer is a resounding yes. The conference provided an unparalleled opportunity to learn from the best, to connect with like-minded individuals, and to witness the unveiling of the future of crypto assets.

Figure 9: Web3 Talents meeting

As a wrap up, one thing was clear: the future of crypto is bright, and the industry’s most important players are more determined than ever to drive innovation and growth. Now is the time to join the movement and embrace the potential of blockchain and digital assets. If you haven’t already, make sure to like this article and stay tuned for more updates from the world of crypto!

Figure 10: Bitcoin cups

Remarks

In case you would like to receive more information on the upcoming Crypto Assets Conference, do not hesitate to contact us at team@fs-blockchain.de. If you liked this article, please feel free to share it with your colleagues or on social media. If you are an expert in the field and want to give comments or endorse the whole article or parts of it, feel free to leave a private note here so we can address it properly. Thank you.

Author

Adrian Pape is a DeFi-Expert and Digital Assets & DLT-Consultant in Finance. With “Autaqy” he has built one of the biggest independent Crypto and DeFi Communities in Germany. You can contact him on LinkedIn or via email (adrian@blockexpert.de).

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