Focus on AI·Blockchain Convergence... Discussing 'Future of Money' in Hong Kong [Consensus Hong Kong 2025 On-site+]

'Consensus Hong Kong 2025' Held February 18-20

Digital Assets Are 'Future of Money'

Web3 Infrastructure Revolution Accelerates... Google Takes Aim

Game Changer is 'AI·Blockchain' Convergence

Consensus Hong Kong 2025 was held at Hong Kong Convention Center (HKCEC) for three days from February 18 to 20. Hong Kong=Young-min Lee, BloomingBit Reporter

The world's largest blockchain conference 'Consensus Hong Kong 2025' was held at the Hong Kong Convention Center from February 18-20 (local time).

This Consensus drew attention from the digital asset industry by holding its first Asian event in Hong Kong instead of the previous venue in Austin, Texas. Hong Kong has recently expressed ambitions to surpass Singapore as Asia's new digital asset hub.

Thousands of attendees from over 90 countries and 270 industry leaders from East and West gathered at the venue to discuss blockchain, digital assets, and Web3. Notable speakers included Hong Kong government officials like Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of Hong Kong, and Julia Leung, CEO of Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), along with key industry figures from Binance, Coinbase, and Solana.

Digital Assets Are 'Future of Money'

From left: Michael Lau, Chair of Consensus Hong Kong, Richard Teng, CEO of Binance. Hong Kong=Jun-hyung Lee, BloomingBit Reporter

The most prominent business figure at this event was Richard Teng, CEO of global leading exchange Binance. Teng is known for steadfastly leading Binance since former CEO Changpeng Zhao resigned in 2023 after admitting to violations of U.S. anti-money laundering laws.

In his keynote speech on February 19 (local time), CEO Teng predicted that digital assets will become the 'future of money.' He stated, "(The digital asset industry) has undergone tremendous changes since 2024. Clear regulations have been established, and major financial institutions like BlackRock, Fidelity, and Morgan Stanley are becoming active participants in the digital asset market."

He also presented a positive outlook on regulatory environment changes. CEO Teng said, "While the Biden administration regulated the market through litigation without clear rules, after Trump's election, the market atmosphere has changed, and now institutions are considering not whether to invest in digital assets, but how much to invest."

He identified the convergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain as a key issue to watch. CEO Teng said, "(AI and blockchain) will be crucial elements affecting all economic sectors," adding that "Binance is also exploring ways to improve efficiency in KYC and transaction monitoring using AI technology."

Web3 Infrastructure Revolution Accelerates... Google Takes Aim

From left: Benjamin Schiller, Editor-in-Chief of CoinDesk, Richard Widmann, Global Head of Digital Assets Strategy at Google Cloud, John Mullins, Co-founder and CEO of Mantra. Hong Kong=Jun-hyung Lee, BloomingBit Reporter

Google Cloud, a subsidiary of global tech giant Google, attended the event and announced plans for long-term business expansion in the Web3 market.

Richard Widmann, Global Head of Digital Assets Strategy at Google Cloud, said on February 20 (local time), "Digital assets are an infrastructure revolution. The digital asset industry is changing how we move not just information, but value," adding that "Google will serve as a platform and incubator helping global corporations naturally adapt to Web3."

Google Cloud has also prepared an accelerator program focused on Real World Assets (RWA) with Mantra. Through this, they plan to support early-stage developers and startups in the digital asset ecosystem with funding, technology, and infrastructure.

Regarding Google's Web3 strategy, Widmann explained, "We're taking a long-term approach rather than seeking short-term profits," adding "Our goal is to grow the Web3 ecosystem over an extended period." He continued, "Google believes that the open-source based financial infrastructure being created by Web3 protocol developers is fundamentally rebuilding the internet."

Game Changer is 'AI·Blockchain' Convergence

AI, which has been creating waves in the market since last year, received significant attention. Not only blockchain companies but also Hong Kong authorities expressed high expectations for AI and blockchain convergence.

Paul Chan, Hong Kong's Financial Secretary, emphasized in his keynote speech on February 19 (local time), "The convergence of AI and blockchain is progressing very interestingly," adding "As new applications and opportunities emerge, Hong Kong will become a hub for AI·blockchain innovation."

Justin Sun, founder of global Layer 1 Tron, also stated, "The combination of AI and blockchain will be a very powerful combination," revealing that "Tron's biggest goal this year is integrating AI and blockchain, with plans to launch AI-powered products within the year."

Leo, Head of Gate.io, whom we met at the venue, predicted, "AI is a tool that accelerates blockchain technology innovation. It can be used for transaction optimization and risk management by analyzing large amounts of data," adding "Combining AI with blockchain's security infrastructure can greatly improve automation and transparency. From a financial services perspective, it can contribute to efficiency and creating new customer experiences."

From Hong Kong=Young-min Lee, Jun-hyung Lee, BloomingBit Reporters 20min@bloomingbit.io