The Bitcoin Asia 2025 conference opened in Hong Kong on August 28, gathering over 17,000 participants and discussing important topics in the digital asset and regulatory landscape.
Participation and Speakers
The Bitcoin Asia 2025 is expected to attract around 15,000 fans, making it the second largest Bitcoin-focused event in the world. One of the main speakers, Eric Trump, son of former U.S. President Donald Trump, drew attention, although some speakers, including Eric Yip Chee-hang from the Securities and Futures Commission and pro-Beijing lawmaker Johnny Ng Kit-ch, opted out of the panel due to political sensitivities.
Main Topics and Discussions
One of the key themes of the conference was how digital asset treasuries can evolve. Abel Seow from BitGo emphasized that companies should use their treasuries not just as passive storage but to drive innovation and build sustainable markets. Clarence Shen from the SFC noted that Hong Kong aims to be at the forefront of establishing global rules for digital assets through active international discussions.
Stablecoin Regulations in Hong Kong
The conference followed the introduction of a new stablecoin law in Hong Kong, requiring operators to obtain licenses from the HKMA. This law aims to protect investors and instill trust in the financial system, but it will also increase compliance costs for companies. Furthermore, the SFC is looking into rules for crypto derivatives and margin trading for professional investors.
The Bitcoin Asia 2025 conference highlights Hong Kong's ambition to lead in the cryptocurrency space, emphasizing the importance of regulation and investor protection.