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Malaysian Reserve
2 days ago
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Inaugural Finance Summit from London Blockchain Highlights Real-World Blockchain Innovation
Leading industry figures discuss how blockchain is reshaping the future of finance LONDON, June 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The London Blockchain event series proudly hosted its inaugural Finance Summit on 3 June, a groundbreaking event that brought together world-renowned industry leaders, innovators and decision makers at the intersection of blockchain technology and financial services. Held at Clifford Chance head office in London, and in collaboration with Global Digital Finance (GDF) and European Blockchain Association, the summit offered forward thinking insights into regulation, infrastructure and real world blockchain applications in finance. The day covered a wide variety of topics from blockchain regulation to the convergence of TradFi and DeFi in reshaping the financial landscape. Guests heard insights from speakers and moderators from key institutions such as Standard Charter, UBS, Deutsche Bank, Vodafone and JP Morgan. The event commenced with a welcome address from Diego Ballon Ossio, Partner with Clifford Chance. 'It's great to see crypto professionals and TradFi services experts coming together to develop something new. These sessions demonstrate that we are entering a more sophisticated phase in the digital assets space and the Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) is poised to become the next technology of choice for financial services' Alex Stein, Conference Director, London Blockchain said, 'The Finance Summit made one thing clear. Blockchain is no longer on the sidelines of finance, it is becoming part of the core infrastructure. From regulatory frameworks to real-world deployments, we are proud to provide a platform where banks, startups, policymakers and innovators can come together to shape the future of financial services.' About the London Blockchain ConferenceUNITING ENTERPRISE, AI & WEB3 At the London Blockchain Conference, we show how Blockchain will change the world and help people see another way to manage data, build scalable on-chain solutions and achieve great things. We do this by creating valuable, insightful, and engaging events that educate and inform, allowing you to connect and network to build strong business relationships. Our conference is the best avenue to see blockchain innovations, big ecosystem announcements, new product launches, technology updates, keynote speeches, panels, and fireside chats from blockchain leaders. Join us and experience it for yourself. Notes to editors: Session highlights: 1. Blockchain Regulation: Latest Insights into Key Regulatory Developments– Moderated by Madeleine Boys, Director of Programmes and Innovation at GDF. Speakers including Laurent Marochini, CEO, Standard Chartered Bank, Luxembourg Reginald Tumusiime, CEO, CapitalSavvy, President, Blockchain Association of Uganda Ron Tarter, Founder & CEO, MNEE Angus Brown, CEO, Minit Money Session highlights: Digital asset regulation has shifted rapidly around the world in the last six months: Regulatory efforts have accelerated rapidly across major jurisdictions over the past six months, with the panel of experts outlining the key developments in the US, EU, Africa, and beyond. The US is seen as less restrictive compared to the EU: The US is seen as more permissive under the current Trump administration, with easier licensing and new laws (e.g., Genius Act, Stable Act) supporting fintech and stablecoins. By comparison, the EU remains a global leader with stricter, more structured rules, especially under the MICA framework, which has been in development since 2018. Africa is making positive steps toward digital asset regulation: Regulation is catching up with fast-growing private-sector adoption. Countries like South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda are actively shaping legal frameworks. There is regulatory fragmentation, but it's not unique to digital assets: Regulations across the world are not fully aligned, and this can lead to fragmentation. However, most jurisdictions share 90% of the same rules. Collaboration and guidance notes are key to bridging gaps. 2. The Convergence of TradFi and DeFi – Moderated by Elise Soucie Watts, Executive Director, Global Digital Finance. Speakers including Adeline Bachellerie, Deputy Director, Innovation and Financial Market Infrastructures, Banque de France Anna Dinescu, Partner, Hilbert Capital Munder Shuhum, Founder and Managing Partner, Pearls Capital Session highlights: Traditional finance and decentralised finance are merging: The gap between traditional and decentralised finance is closing rapidly. Experts believe regulators and businesses should now treat them as part of the same ecosystem. Tech modernisation, not a revolution: Munder Shuhum explained that blockchain and tokenisation should be seen as natural upgrades to existing financial infrastructure, not separate systems. Regulation is still a barrier: Despite positive steps being taken, widespread adoption of decentralised finance is being slowed by regulatory uncertainty. DeFi benefits from TradFi practices: Firms with a traditional finance background are successfully applying their expertise to decentralised finance systems, particularly in real-world asset tokenisation. Not everything needs to be on-chain: The experts warned against using decentralised finance just for novelty. Instead, adoption should be driven by clear, scalable business benefits. 3. The Evolution of Digital Currencies: Navigating the Future of Finance – Moderated by Bilal Jafar, Hedge Fund & Crypto Correspondent, Dow Jones. Speakers including Ray Dillet, Head of Financial Institutions, Bitwise Asset Management Simon Seiter, Former Head of Digital Assets, Hauck Aufhäuser Lampe Privatbankiers, AG Previn Singh, Executive Advisor to Global Digital Finance (GDF) Centre of Competency, Credit Suisse Francesco Roda, Services Digital Asset Risk Director, Citi Bank Joy Adams, Chief Operating Officer Digital Asset, Deutsche Bank Michael R. Blaschke, Global Principal Enterprise Architect, Enterprise Architecture & Advisory, SAP Session highlights: Enterprise adoption of digital assets is not just about disruption: True adoption comes from shifting from hype to serious strategic planning, emphasising change management and risk control rather than just technology leadership. Regulatory attitudes have matured: Blockchain is now viewed as a foundational infrastructure and will connect other megatrends like AI and green energy. Risk management is also evolving Enterprises are encouraged to integrate digital asset risks into existing frameworks instead of isolating them. Lessons from past tech transitions, such as cloud computing, should inform how enterprises handle decentralised finance today. True transformation requires structural change: The experts warned that true organisational change based on blockchain doesn't just mean faster and cheaper processes. Successful adoption depends on managing internal change and aligning blockchain use with new business models. 4. Real-World Applications of Blockchain in Finance – Moderated by Madeline Boys, Director of Programmes and Innovation at GDF. Speakers including David Palmer, Chief Product Officer, Vodafone Emma Lovett, Executive Director – Markets DLT, J.P. Morgan Anthony Clark-Jones, Executive Director, UBS Investment Bank Session highlights: Blockchain in finance is moving from a purely technology focus to real-world applications: This is like using smart contracts for exact settlement times. Key executives need to understand the technology properly: Before it can grow and see widespread adoption. The Bank of England's Digital Security Sandbox has seen significant interest: There are nine firms already involved in testing during the first phase. 5. Blockchain's Impact on Operation Efficiency – Moderated by Previn Singh, Executive Advisor to GDF, Former Head of the Digital Assets & Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) Centre of Competency, Credit Suisse. Speakers including Anand Paul, Independent Expert, Former Project Lead of Blockchain Securities Lending Production, Credit Suisse Nadine Teychenne, Global Head of Digital Assets, Investor and Issuer Services, Citigroup Centre Micheal R. Blaschke, Global Principal Enterprise Architect, Enterprise Architecture & Advisory, SAP Session highlights: Blockchain can make transaction lifecycles, compliance, and auditing far more efficient: This reduces settlement times and enabling real-time data sharing. Collateral management and remittances benefit from blockchain: Happens through faster movement, automation with smart contracts, and the use of stablecoins. Blockchain reduces the need for outsourcing back-office functions: Bringing cost savings and efficiency to finance houses. 6. Strategies for Blockchain Integration in Financial Services – Moderated by Alex Stein, Conference Director, London Blockchain Conference. Speakers including Ciarán McGonagle, Chief Legal & Product Officer, Tokenovate Sonia Chawla, Head of Legal Investment Transactions, Schroder Thomas Giacomo, Head of Payments Division, Teranode Group Riccardo Donega, Innovation Product Manager, DLT Digital Assets, Banca Sella Session highlights: Developing standards and aligning with regulations is key for blockchain adoption: Legal clarity is needed around tokenised assets and smart contracts. Fintechs often drive innovation in blockchain: As the industry works together toward regulatory certainty, bigger banks will slowly adopt Firms should speak to everyone from regulators to competitors: As there is a need for clarity around blockchain adoption. 7. Future-Proofing Financial Institutions with Blockchain – Moderated by Adriana Ennab, Executive in Residence, GDF. Speakers including Sabih Behzad, Head of Digital Assets & Currencies Transformation, Deutsche Bank Ray Dillet, Head of Financial Institutions, Bitwise Asset Management Brett Johnson, Head of Sales, Rekord AG Session highlights: Government friendliness has driven adoption of blockchain in the last 12–18 months: This has happened through clear support from the US and more regulatory clarity from the EU. Large institutions face inertia: However, blockchain is now solving real problems like collateral management and saving banks millions of pounds. Retail groups and fintech's take the initial risks: This makes it easier for banks to adopt proven blockchain technologies later. Photo: View original content:
Qatar Tribune
19-05-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
QEF highlights Qatar's strategic vision, global investment appeal: CEOs
QNA Doha The Qatar Economic Forum (QEF), Powered by Bloomberg, which is set to commence on Tuesday, stands as a testament to Qatar's deepening commitment to fostering international economic cooperation and driving global dialogue on pressing financial and investment issues. Senior executives from Qatar's key economic institutions emphasized the pivotal role of the Forum in reinforcing the country's global positioning as a major investment and financial hub. Speaking exclusively to Qatar News Agency, Mohammed Saif Saeed Al Sowaidi, CEO of the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), highlighted that the forum mirrors Qatar's vision of global engagement. 'As a global economic hub, Qatar is capable of convening all leaders and experts from around the globe to come together and share ideas about economic issues and explore investment opportunities,' he said. Al Sowaidi stressed that QIA's participation in the Forum aligns with its mission of developing a robust and diversified investment portfolio that ensures long-term financial sustainability and benefits future generations. 'Guided by a far-sighted vision, QIA prioritizes long-term growth pillars such as the technology sector, digital transformation in healthcare, industrial transition in developing nations, and other strategic themes, while maintaining the agility to adapt to short-term market fluctuations,' he noted. QIA, Al Sowaidi said, rigorously assesses investments based on returns and associated risks. He expressed confidence in the sovereign wealth fund's adaptability amid ongoing global economic volatility, especially in light of shifting global trade policies, notably those under review in the United States. Echoing the significance of the forum, Yousuf Mohamed Al Jaida, CEO of the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC), described the QEF as 'a prestigious global platform' that continues to strengthen Qatar's reputation as a destination of choice for global investors. In his remarks to QNA, Al Jaida said the Forum has historically served as a strategic platform for QFC to forge strong relationships with international financial institutions and to promote Qatar's attractive investment environment. 'Our participation has directly contributed to attracting a number of leading companies to the Qatari market, reinforcing Qatar's position as a regional and international financial hub,' he said. Al Jaida recalled that in previous editions, QFC signed several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with major international players, including Unicorns, the media company behind Unicorn Hunters, and the Hashgraph Association to support the deployment of Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) in Qatar. Another key partnership was signed with Mastercard to develop fintech solutions and accelerate innovation in financial services. 'These partnerships reflect QFC's commitment to supporting Qatar's entrepreneurial ecosystem and to providing real growth opportunities for both local and international companies,' he added. As a strategic partner in this year's edition, QFC aims to spotlight its critical role in driving economic diversification and enhancing the business climate in Qatar. Al Jaida revealed that this year's Forum would enable QFC to explore new alliances in strategic sectors such as fintech, asset management, and professional services. One such key partnership being pursued is with the Ashmore Group, a global asset management firm specializing in emerging markets. Al Jaida will also take part in a prominent panel discussion titled Crypto & Digital Assets: Investing in the New Era, which will examine the future of cryptocurrencies and digital assets. The session will delve into regulatory frameworks, smart investment strategies, and the rapid transformation shaping the digital financial world. In conclusion, Al Jaida underscored that the Forum provides a unique opportunity for QFC to engage directly with global companies and demonstrate its competitive advantages, including an independent legal and regulatory framework, 100% foreign ownership, and generous tax exemptions. 'Through one-on-one meetings and panel discussions, QFC will introduce companies to growth opportunities in the Qatari market and offer the support they need to establish operations within our integrated business ecosystem,' he said. As Qatar prepares to welcome world leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators to Doha for the Forum, the combined efforts of institutions like QIA and QFC are set to further enhance the nation's role on the global economic stage, amplifying its voice in shaping the future of global finance and investment.
Mid East Info
28-01-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Middle East families to experience USD 1trn transfer of generational wealth by 2030 - Middle East Business News and Information
New innovative report by DIFC Innovation Hub, Julius Baer and Euroclear identifies how technologies redefine legacy planning This collaborative effort by two of the most influential institutions within the wealth transfer space and the DIFC Innovation Hub compiles insights from family offices, financial advisors, legal experts and technology startups from across the globe Report is the latest initiative from DIFC and its partners to help family businesses manage their wealth. Dubai, UAE:January 2025: DIFC Innovation Hub, the region's largest innovation ecosystem; Julius Baer, the global Swiss wealth management firm; and Euroclear, the world's leading financial markets infrastructure provider, today launched a whitepaper that outlines how technologies are changing the transfer of wealth and highlights opportunities to streamline the process, particularly in the Middle East. The Navigating the Future of Inheritance report addresses the complexities of inheritance at a time when the region stands on the verge of a historic transition of USD 1trn (AED 3.67trn) in wealth to heirs and extended family members. This includes High Net Worth individuals in the United Arab Emirates who have seen their assets grow by 20 per cent to reach USD 700bn in value since 2022. Digital technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Smart Contracts, Distributed Ledger Technology, and Tokenisation offer promising avenues to reduce friction, improve transparency, and ensure secure, efficient asset transfers. Despite these new technologies the report identifies that only 24 per cent of High-Net-Worth Individuals currently have a full estate plan in place, highlighting the urgent need for improved inheritance processes. Over half of families (53 per cent) believe that it is just too complicated and too time-intensive to gather, record and plan how to allocate assets across potentially large families. The report reinforces the importance of close collaboration between wealth managers, family offices, regulators, and service providers in creating a robust platform for wealth transfer and driving adoption. Mohammad Alblooshi, CEO of DIFC Innovation Hub, said: 'We stand on the crossover of a monumental generational wealth transfer in the Middle East in an era when wealth portfolio compositions are increasingly complex, driven by ever-widening asset categories and an appetite towards investments in digital assets. This report is the fruit of our partnership with Julius Baer and Euroclear, aiming to leverage this inflection point and drive meaningful change along the inheritance journey. Our goal is to harness emerging digital technologies to tap into the opportunities ahead and position the Middle East as a beacon of best practices in the wealth transfer space.' Alireza Valizadeh, CEO, Julius Baer (Middle East) Ltd, said: 'Generational wealth transfer is gaining momentum in the UAE and the wider Middle East, and we, as Julius Baer, are in a unique position to advise our clients having had our origins as a family business. As we work closely with current and future generations, it becomes more important than ever to take into account the evolving landscape with the onset of digital assets. We increasingly see the potential of technology particularly blockchain and tokenisation in enabling a secure and transparent process for wealth transfer. I am particularly pleased that we were able to collaborate with DIFC and Euroclear on the eve of our 20th anniversary celebrations on this innovation paper showcasing how we can work towards building the future of finance together.' Isabelle Delorme, Global Head of Product Strategy and Innovation, Euroclear, said: 'We are extremely pleased to take this next step with the DIFC Innovation Hub and Julius Baer in the launch of this report with the objective to explain the evolving inheritance landscape and its transformative potential. Together we have crafted a comprehensive guide to address the unique regional challenges and vast opportunities within this sector. Our ambition is to empower financial stakeholders and policymakers to embrace innovation, promote efficiencies and build a future-ready inheritance framework that benefits generations to come.' Beyond the future of inheritance, the issues and needs of a family business that has been operating for one or two generations may be very different from those of an established multigenerational family business. To cater to these varied needs, DIFC offers a flexible range of family business structures and solutions, which have been covered in a series of new guides. The first two guides in this DIFC series were prepared in collaboration with DIFC Family Wealth Centre partners including M/HQ, Equiom, Clyde & Co, and KENDRIS. 'Understanding DIFC Foundations: A Key Tool for Wealth Structuring and Legacy Planning' and 'Understanding DIFC Trusts: A Comprehensive Guide' are available for download for advisors and families. The series follows the DIFC Family Wealth Centre's first publication titled 'Prosperity Across Generations: Unlocking the power of DIFC for families', to empower families with access to knowledge and expertise on structures, governance, wealth management, succession, and estate planning in Dubai and DIFC. Reflecting the increasing interest from families across the globe to manage their business growth through DIFC, this guide is now available in Arabic, English, Mandarin, and Spanish.
Hi Dubai
28-01-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Middle East Families to Experience $1 Trillion Transfer of Generational Wealth by 2030
The DIFC Innovation Hub, in collaboration with Swiss wealth management firm Julius Baer and financial infrastructure provider Euroclear, unveiled a new whitepaper titled Navigating the Future of Inheritance. This report highlights the role of emerging technologies in transforming wealth transfer processes, with a specific focus on the Middle East, where a historic $1 trillion (AED 3.67 trillion) wealth transition is underway. The whitepaper explores the complex challenges of inheritance in the region, particularly as High Net Worth Individuals (HNWIs) in the UAE saw their assets grow by 20% to reach $700 billion since 2022. The report underscores how technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Smart Contracts, Distributed Ledger Technology, and Tokenisation can enhance transparency, security, and efficiency in asset transfers. Despite the potential of these technologies, the report reveals that only 24% of HNWIs have a complete estate plan in place, and 53% of families find wealth allocation to be overly complex and time-consuming. This points to a critical need for better processes in managing inheritance. Key stakeholders in wealth management, including family offices, regulators, and service providers, must collaborate closely to address these challenges. Mohammad Alblooshi, CEO of DIFC Innovation Hub, emphasized the region's unique position in leveraging digital technologies for wealth transfer, positioning the Middle East as a leader in best practices. Julius Baer's Alireza Valizadeh and Euroclear's Isabelle Delorme echoed the importance of embracing innovation in navigating this evolving landscape, aiming to empower stakeholders and build a future-ready framework for generational wealth transfer. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Emirates 24/7
28-01-2025
- Business
- Emirates 24/7
Middle East families to experience USD 1trn transfer of generational wealth by 2030
DIFC Innovation Hub, the region's largest innovation ecosystem; Julius Baer, the global Swiss wealth management firm; and Euroclear, the world's leading financial markets infrastructure provider, today launched a whitepaper that outlines how technologies are changing the transfer of wealth and highlights opportunities to streamline the process, particularly in the Middle East. The Navigating the Future of Inheritance report addresses the complexities of inheritance at a time when the region stands on the verge of a historic transition of USD 1trn (AED 3.67trn) in wealth to heirs and extended family members. This includes High Net Worth individuals in the United Arab Emirates who have seen their assets grow by 20 per cent to reach USD 700bn in value since 2022. Digital technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Smart Contracts, Distributed Ledger Technology, and Tokenisation offer promising avenues to reduce friction, improve transparency, and ensure secure, efficient asset transfers. Despite these new technologies the report identifies that only 24 per cent of High-Net-Worth Individuals currently have a full estate plan in place, highlighting the urgent need for improved inheritance processes. Over half of families (53 per cent) believe that it is just too complicated and too time-intensive to gather, record and plan how to allocate assets across potentially large families. The report reinforces the importance of close collaboration between wealth managers, family offices, regulators, and service providers in creating a robust platform for wealth transfer and driving adoption. Mohammad Alblooshi, CEO of DIFC Innovation Hub, said: 'We stand on the crossover of a monumental generational wealth transfer in the Middle East in an era when wealth portfolio compositions are increasingly complex, driven by ever-widening asset categories and an appetite towards investments in digital assets. This report is the fruit of our partnership with Julius Baer and Euroclear, aiming to leverage this inflection point and drive meaningful change along the inheritance journey. Our goal is to harness emerging digital technologies to tap into the opportunities ahead and position the Middle East as a beacon of best practices in the wealth transfer space.' Alireza Valizadeh, CEO, Julius Baer (Middle East) Ltd, said: 'Generational wealth transfer is gaining momentum in the UAE and the wider Middle East, and we, as Julius Baer, are in a unique position to advise our clients having had our origins as a family business. As we work closely with current and future generations, it becomes more important than ever to take into account the evolving landscape with the onset of digital assets. We increasingly see the potential of technology particularly blockchain and tokenisation in enabling a secure and transparent process for wealth transfer. I am particularly pleased that we were able to collaborate with DIFC and Euroclear on the eve of our 20th anniversary celebrations on this innovation paper showcasing how we can work towards building the future of finance together.' Isabelle Delorme, Global Head of Product Strategy and Innovation, Euroclear, said: 'We are extremely pleased to take this next step with the DIFC Innovation Hub and Julius Baer in the launch of this report with the objective to explain the evolving inheritance landscape and its transformative potential. Together we have crafted a comprehensive guide to address the unique regional challenges and vast opportunities within this sector. Our ambition is to empower financial stakeholders and policymakers to embrace innovation, promote efficiencies and build a future-ready inheritance framework that benefits generations to come.' Beyond the future of inheritance, the issues and needs of a family business that has been operating for one or two generations may be very different from those of an established multigenerational family business. To cater to these varied needs, DIFC offers a flexible range of family business structures and solutions, which have been covered in a series of new guides. The first two guides in this DIFC series were prepared in collaboration with DIFC Family Wealth Centre partners including M/HQ, Equiom, Clyde & Co, and KENDRIS. 'Understanding DIFC Foundations: A Key Tool for Wealth Structuring and Legacy Planning' and 'Understanding DIFC Trusts: A Comprehensive Guide' are available for download for advisors and families. The series follows the DIFC Family Wealth Centre's first publication titled 'Prosperity Across Generations: Unlocking the power of DIFC for families', to empower families with access to knowledge and expertise on structures, governance, wealth management, succession, and estate planning in Dubai and DIFC. Reflecting the increasing interest from families across the globe to manage their business growth through DIFC, this guide is now available in Arabic, English, Mandarin, and Spanish. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
