February was an exhilarating month for the EDX team as we traveled the world attending key conferences and events shaping the future of institutional crypto investing. These events brought together industry leaders to exchange insights on opportunities and challenges facing the institutional adoption of digital assets. Here are our top takeaways from Consensus Hong Kong, Bitcoin Investor Week, ETH Denver and Digital Assets Week Hong Kong:
Consensus Hong Kong: Regularity Clarity as a Growth Driver
On February 18-20, EDXM Global CEO Kai Kono and Head of Institutions Kal Chan attended Consensus Hong Kong, hosted by CoinDesk. The conference served as a bridge between Eastern and Western crypto industry leaders, exploring digital asset trends and regulatory developments. Anticipation is high across the industry and for EDX, as our EDXM Global team prepares for launch of its Perp Futures Trading Venue later this year.
With Hong Kong actively positioning itself as a global hub for digital asset innovation, much of the discussions focused on regulatory frameworks — particularly around stablecoins and tokenization. The city’s established financial infrastructure and commitment to a well-regulated environment are paving the way for institutional adoption.
EDX Markets also collaborated with Elwood, LTP and Anchorage Digital to host the exclusive “Serpent Soiree: Digital Assets & Cocktails.” This exclusive event brought together industry leaders for an evening of networking and thought-provoking discussions on the evolving digital asset landscape.
A key theme at Consensus Hong Kong was the increasing involvement of TradFi firms in the crypto space. Once dominated by retail investors, institutional firms are now actively exploring stablecoins, tokenized assets and other innovations to diversify portfolios and offer new asset classes to clients.
The role of regulatory clarity in driving mainstream adoption was also a hot topic, of course. The pro-crypto stance of the Trump administration, along with emerging regulatory frameworks in key markets like the U.S. and Hong Kong, is driving increased institutional engagement. By reducing risk and creating a structured, secure environment, the need for clear regulations to encourage greater capital inflows into the digital asset ecosystem is in high demand.
Digital Assets Week Hong Kong: Tokenization Unlocks New Investment Opportunities
On February 27, EDXM Global Head of Institutions Kal Chan attended Digital Assets Week Hong Kong, a key event bringing together regulators, asset managers and digital asset pioneers.
Building on the momentum from Consensus Hong Kong, this conference reinforced the city’s position as a leading digital asset hub. Regulatory clarity was a major theme, with discussions highlighting how well-defined policies are crucial for institutional confidence. As regulatory bodies such as the SEC, CFTC, HKMA, and SFC refine their digital asset frameworks, institutions are increasingly willing to engage with crypto and tokenized assets. Clearer guidelines help mitigate risk, making it easier for banks, asset managers and investors to integrate digital assets into their portfolios.
Another key focus was the rise of asset tokenization, which is reshaping traditional investment structures. By digitizing assets, institutions can enhance liquidity, reduce settlement times and increase accessibility for a broader range of investors.
Bitcoin Investor Week: Crypto as a Catalyst for Financial Freedom
On February 28, EDX Markets’ Jeanine Hightower-Sellitto attended Bitcoin Investor Week, where industry leaders gathered to discuss Bitcoin’s role in the broader financial ecosystem.
The palpable excitement in the room reflected Bitcoin’s growing acceptance as a legitimate institutional asset. With standing-room-only attendance, top-tier speakers made a compelling case for Bitcoin’s potential to transform global finance, reinforcing its role as both a store of value and a tool for financial freedom.
From the series of panels and fireside chats at the event, it was clear that TradFi firms, from asset managers to hedge funds, are actively integrating Bitcoin into their investment strategies. The discussion also underscored the importance of policy developments, particularly in shaping Bitcoin’s role within both traditional finance and decentralized ecosystems. As institutional players continue to enter the space, Bitcoin’s standing as a viable asset class is becoming increasingly cemented.
ETH Denver: A Recharged Institutional Investment in Crypto
EDX Markets’ Head of Institutional Sales, Jamie Pielock, represented the firm at ETH Denver, the world’s largest and longest-running Ethereum #BUIDLathon event.
Historically, ETH Denver has been known for its developer-heavy focus on Web3 and emerging blockchain projects. However, the conference has recently seen a significant increase in institutional interest, signaling a shift in how Ethereum-based innovations are perceived by traditional finance. This year, stablecoins took center stage as institutions look to integrate cross-border payments and more flexible yield-bearing collateral options into their financial strategies.
Jamie participated in the panel “Institutional Integration – Infrastructure & Risk Management” alongside representatives from Bitwise Asset Management, Zodia Custody and Gauntlet. The discussion covered the challenges and solutions for institutions implementing digital asset trading, including best practices for hedging volatility, mitigating counterparty risk and ensuring compliance in crypto treasury operations.
One of the most notable takeaways from ETH Denver was the excitement and renewed investment focus on the U.S. crypto market. Over the past few years, firms have faced challenges growing their businesses stateside due to regulatory uncertainty. However, with shifting political landscapes, companies are now reinvesting in U.S.-based products and teams and reigniting confidence in the domestic digital asset industry.
Looking Ahead
February’s conferences underscored a clear trend — institutions are deepening their involvement in digital assets, driven by regulatory progress, innovation in tokenization and renewed opportunity across the market. With March underway, institutional adoption is poised to accelerate, driven by regulatory clarity and ongoing innovation. EDX is excited to be at the center of it all.
Follow along for more insights as EDX continues to engage with crypto leaders at upcoming industry events.
