CFA UK event: TradFi and DeFi convergence, blockchain, and tokenisation

Still buzzing from today’s panel at European Blockchain Convention : 🔗 Building the Rails for Issuance, Custody & Settlement of Tokenized Assets. I closed with a timeless filter: Socrates’ Three Sieves. 🏛️ If we want tokenization to matter, it must pass the test: ✅ Is it TRUE? Yes. Tokenization is not hype anymore. It is already live in treasuries, credit, real estate, investment funds and even cash on-chain. By 2029, it will not be a “crypto strategy”. It will simply be how markets operate. ✅ Is it USEFUL? Absolutely. Institutions will not adopt tokenization because it is cool. They will adopt it because it delivers: 💧 Liquidity unlocked ⏱️ 24/7 settlement 🧾 Programmable compliance 🧩 Fractional ownership at scale Custody will evolve from passive safekeeping into active connectivity. ✅ Is it GOOD? Only if we build it that way. Faster is not enough. It must make markets fairer, more transparent and more efficient. Innovation is exciting. Impact is meaningful. Grateful to share the stage with such brilliant minds. Big shoutout to my co-panelists 🙌 and the whole team of EBC11 🚀 Verena Hess, PhD Erwin Voloder, MES Tobias Seidl Paul Healy Thomas Labenbacher Let us make sure the future of finance passes all three sieves 🚀 Alexander Pirpamer ALFI - Association of the Luxembourg Fund Industry Antony Martini 🚩Olena Piddubniak Fiorella Barchetta Victoria Gago Firas A. Michael Graham #Tokenization #DZPrivatbank #SoGehtAssetServicing #Luxembourg

📍 Day 2 - Blockchain & Digital Assets Summit 2025, London Another packed and thought-provoking day at Old Billingsgate, with sessions ranging from market structure to macro trends - and plenty of hallway debate in between. As a Partner at Charles Russell Speechlys, advising on financial services regulation for digital-asset firms of all types - from global platforms to early-stage innovators - it’s fascinating to hear how the market narrative is maturing from “possibility” to “practicality”. Today’s highlights included: 🔹 Yield: The Missing Link for Bitcoin - exploring how institutional adoption of yield strategies could reshape perceptions of Bitcoin as a productive asset. 🔹 Next Leg Up: Where Crypto Markets Go From Here - a lively look at market drivers, ETF flows, tokenisation and what could trigger the next phase of sustainable growth. 🔹 The Trajectory of Financial Services in the EU - a timely discussion on how MiCA, PSD3 and the broader digital finance framework are setting the tone for Europe’s competitive edge. Across all of these conversations, a common thread is clear: regulation, infrastructure and institutional confidence are now the real catalysts for scale. Looking forward to day 3 and more conversations on how policy, technology and market behaviour are aligning to build the next generation of financial services. #BlockchainSummit #DigitalAssets #Tokenisation #FinTech #CryptoMarkets #Bitcoin #Regulation #MiCA #PSD3 #DAS2025 #CharlesRussellSpeechlys

💡 New Research: Building Trust and Transparency in the Digital Finance Era Ever since I got interested in how technology reshapes financial systems, I’ve been fascinated by one big question — how can we build trust in a world without traditional intermediaries like banks? Together with Eliran Cohen and under the guidance of Prof. Ilan Alon from Ariel University, we explored this question through a study on Decentralized Exchanges (DEXs) — platforms that let users trade digital assets directly, without a central authority. Our goal was to understand whether projects that emphasize transparency and security actually perform better in the market. We analyzed nine leading DEXs, comparing the quality of their public documentation (whitepapers) with their market capitalization. 🔹 We found a positive but modest correlation — meaning transparency and smart contract security do matter, but real success depends on operational performance, innovation, and community engagement. 🔹 In simple terms: trust in digital finance isn’t built through promises — it’s earned through consistent transparency, real performance, and active communities. This paper was written as part of a research project at Ariel University, aiming to better understand how trust is created and sustained in decentralized financial ecosystems. #Blockchain #DeFi #Innovation #Trust #Transparency #Research #ArielUniversity

**Crypto and Stock Exchanges Under New Supervision: A Regulatory Shift** The European Commission is set to bring a significant change in the regulation of financial markets by transferring the oversight of cryptocurrency firms, stock exchanges, and clearinghouses from national authorities to the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA). This move is aimed at ensuring more uniform regulatory practices and enhancing the stability of financial markets across Europe. This transition places ESMA in a pivotal position, enabling it to standardize regulations and better oversee the rapidly evolving landscape of digital assets and traditional financial markets. With the rise of cryptocurrencies and their increasing integration into the global economy, this shift promises to enhance investor protection and market integrity on a broader European scale. With this new supervisory framework on the horizon, the financial industry stands at a crossroads. How will this change impact the future trajectory of cryptocurrency and stock exchanges in Europe? It's a significant step towards financial harmonization, but what effects might it have on innovation and market trends? How do you think this regulatory shift will influence the innovation and expansion of cryptocurrencies and stock exchanges in Europe? #CryptoRegulation #FinancialMarkets #ESMA #EuropeanCommission #Investing #MarketOversight - - - - - - - - - - - 🖐 Thanks so much for taking the time to read my post. If you enjoyed this post, feel free to swing by my bookstore at sleepyhippie.com or vibe with some tunes on my YouTube channel at groovyboombox.com — you just might find your new favorite thing. Your support means the world. Stay awesome! ✌️ - - - - - - - - - - -

Are we on the cusp of a digital financial revolution in Europe? 🌐 In a significant move, Amundi, Europe’s largest asset manager, plans to introduce Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Notes (ETNs). This could signal a paradigm shift in institutional adoption of digital assets, finally bridging the gap between traditional finance and the burgeoning world of cryptocurrency. Recent announcements have shown that Europe is not only watching but actively participating in the digital currency narrative. With more than €2.3 trillion in assets under management, Amundi’s entry could bring unparalleled credibility and volume into the crypto market. 🚀 Consider this: 1. Mainstream Adoption: Entering the Bitcoin ETN landscape means providing investors with a familiar financial instrument that combines the stability and legal security of notes tradable on the stock exchange with the potential gains of Bitcoin. 2. Institutional Shift: There's a rising trend among significant financial institutions venturing into cryptocurrency. It’s a nod to digital currencies becoming indispensable in diversified investment portfolios. 3. Market Impact: The impact of such a move could be multifold, influencing not just market prices, but also investor confidence, potentially opening new channels for wealth management. Industry analysis reveals that this step isn’t just about catching the Bitcoin bandwagon - it’s a strategic stride towards redefining investment frameworks and meeting evolving investor demands. As we witness these seismic shifts, the question arises: How will this affect global perceptions of cryptocurrency as a stable and viable investment asset? If you need more quality tech info, head to [andrewhansen.au](https://andrewhansen.au) #BitcoinETN #CryptoInnovation #DigitalAssets #InvestmentTrends #FinanceRevolution

💡 The European Blockchain Convention kicks off this Thursday and one of the most relevant topics to discuss with experienced market leaders will be the future of secondary markets for tokenized assets. We’re proud to present our 5th sponsored RWA panel in Barcelona! 🎤 Panel: The State of Secondary Market for Tokenized Assets 📍 October 17 | 3:10 PM – 3:40 PM | OKX Stage Featuring leading voices shaping the evolution of tokenized trading: Coco C. (AFME) • Amparo Garcia Flores (Securitize Europe) • Dan Maggs (ABN AMRO) 💡 Bottom line: Secondary markets exist but are still nascent and shallow — the real unlock will come from regulation, trust, and cross-platform connectivity. ✅ What’s There Today • Emerging Marketplaces: Platforms for tokenized assets are being built and piloted. • Initial Activity: Early trading happening across private credit, funds, and real estate. ❌ What’s Not (Still Missing) • Meaningful Liquidity: Volumes remain tiny compared to traditional exchanges. • Market Depth & Price Discovery: Too few participants for efficient trading. • Trust: Institutions demand proven compliance, security, and operational reliability. • Regulatory Clarity: Unclear frameworks limit participation from major players. • Interoperability: Fragmented platforms prevent seamless cross-market trading. 💬 Stay after the panel to connect with the Assetera team: Dotun Rominiyi, Thomas Labenbacher, Christopher Robin Siedentopf, and Dominik Piechura — and discuss your questions about tokenization and the future of RWAs. #EBC2025 #EBC11 #RWA #Tokenization #DigitalAssets #Blockchain #Finance #InstitutionalAdoption #Assetera

In a significant development for digital finance, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission recently convened a landmark meeting with executives from the New York Stock Exchange and Intercontinental Exchange to chart the future of tokenized stocks and crypto derivatives. Held on September 26th, this strategic session brought together top regulators and financial industry leaders to explore the complex regulatory landscape emerging around blockchain-based financial instruments. The discussions centered on critical questions of oversight, investor protection, and the integration of cutting-edge financial technologies. Senior executives including Elizabeth King and Michael Blaugrund from ICE, alongside Jon Herrick and Jaime Klima from NYSE, engaged in deep conversations about how existing securities laws might accommodate or require adaptation for digital asset trading. Key focal points included defining regulatory responsibilities between the SEC and Commodity Futures Trading Commission, examining potential legal frameworks for crypto derivatives, and understanding the nuanced requirements for tokenized equity representations. This meeting represents a proactive approach to bridging traditional financial markets with innovative digital asset strategies. The collaborative dialogue signals a promising direction for cryptocurrency and blockchain integration into mainstream financial systems. By addressing regulatory challenges collaboratively, these institutions are laying groundwork for safer, more transparent digital investment mechanisms that could dramatically transform how we conceptualize stock ownership and trading. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eAbSyYnw News by CH Mihai (Not Financial Advice) #FinTech #Blockchain #CryptoRegulation #DigitalAssets #InvestmentInnovation #SECMeeting #CryptoDerivatives #TokenizedStocks

🔵 Reflecting on the Forvis Mazars Group Digital Assets & Blockchain Day last week in Paris: grateful for such a wealth of knowledge in only a few hours! 👏 Kudos to Jean-François (Jeff) WANG for organizing such a successful event! My favorite takeaways were from the panel with TOBAM Investment Management (Thought Out of the Box Assets Management), which debunked common misconceptions about Bitcoin and highlighted its potential as a solid, reliable, and trusted digital currency. EX of 2 False claims: 1️⃣ Bitcoin is highly energy intensive - It’s actually 0.5% of all energy consumption worldwide 2️⃣ Bitcoins are for criminal activities - 1% or less of the criminal financial transactions are linked to illicit activities 3 Truth claims: 1️⃣ This is the first time in financial and economic history that a financial instrument has reached that level of capitalization  2️⃣ | 30% of Institutional investors use it, whereas it’s only 15% for traditional assets 3️⃣ | 7% of people own Bitcoins. When it comes to capital diversification, Bitcoin is a must-have in our chaotic economic times. 💙 Loved learning as well on innovative initiatives for social impact at Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Switzerland. This first-of-its-kind project introduced a program that integrates charitable giving into cryptocurrency staking, engaging tech-savvy and younger donors by promoting new forms of donations on blockchain, thereby building new communities of supporters. So very cool. Thanks, Jeff, and all the speakers. And grateful for the valuable connections made. David DUROUCHOUX - Augustin CHERON- Wajih MSEDI Aline Reiniche - Riad Lemhachheche Ricardo Martinez - Meredith Maddry #DigitalAssets #BlockchainInnovation

From rebellious money to an institutional asset class? That was the core question debated at the Digital Asset Summit panel featuring: Morten Søberg, PhD, Secretary General, Bitcoin Policy Institute Norway Nikolai Nyrud Gobel, Product Manager Digital Assets, DNB Torbjørn Bull Jenssen, CEO, K33 Dovile Silenskyte, CFA, Director of Digital Assets Research, WisdomTree The discussion highlighted: Bitcoin’s transition from a peer-to-peer alternative to a mainstream, institutionalized asset. Growing demand for regulated, secure investment products like ETFs and ETPs. The generational shift in adoption with younger investors leading, but older demographics catching up fast. The role of banks, asset managers, and fintechs in shaping this new market structure. The takeaway: crypto is no longer just a question of innovation, but of institutional trust, infrastructure, and strategy. #DigitalAssets #Crypto #Bitcoin #Finance #Tokenization #DNB

🌍 Weekly Market Insights | Crypto & Finance This week marked several key developments shaping the global financial and digital assets landscape:   - Federal Reserve: First rate cut of 2025 (-0.25%), opening the door to further monetary easing and potential support for risk assets, including crypto.   - Crypto Markets: Sharp volatility with over $1B liquidated in 10 minutes, highlighting the sector’s sensitivity to macro shifts.   - Regulation in Europe: Malta voiced opposition to granting ESMA centralized oversight of crypto firms, emphasizing efficiency concerns within EU frameworks.   - Institutional Adoption: Corporate crypto holdings surged from $15B to $100B in just one year, signaling growing confidence in digital assets as a strategic reserve. 📌 Upcoming key dates include TOKEN2049 Singapore, SEC ETF decisions (Litecoin & XRP), and European Blockchain Convention — all pivotal for industry direction. At Iqana, we believe informed decisions are the foundation of successful investment strategies. In a market that never sleeps, knowledge is your strongest advantage. #Crypto #Finance #DigitalAssets #InstitutionalInvesting #Iqana