Posts published by: Jackie
As our global leadership team returns to our offices in Dublin, London, and Singapore this week, we have had the opportunity to reflect on a high-energy and pivotal few days at Consensus Hong Kong 2026.
While the broader digital asset market has faced renewed pressure and volatility in recent days, the atmosphere on the ground in Hong Kong told a different story. It was a week defined by deep conviction, with the community focused firmly on the infrastructure and narratives that will underpin the next phase of Web3 adoption.
For Wachsman, the event was a valuable opportunity to connect with the builders and leaders shaping this industry. Here are our key reflections from the week.
The Evolution of Digital Wealth
A central theme of the week was the continued convergence of traditional finance and digital assets. Our President, Liam Murphy, took to the Auros Mainstage to moderate a panel titled “The New Wealth Paradigm: The Crypto Neobank Revolution.”
Joined by leaders from Kraken, Hex Trust, and ether.fi, the discussion navigated the current identity shift in the sector. The panel explored how today’s platforms are evolving from simple trading venues into comprehensive financial “homes” for digital natives. A notable takeaway was the resilience of these business models; even as market prices fluctuate, the demand for regulated, transparent, and utility-driven financial services remains constant.
From Experimentation to Institutional Scale
One of the most significant shifts observed this year was the transition of institutional involvement from “exploratory” to “operational.” The dialogue has moved beyond the theoretical benefits of blockchain toward the deployment of industrial-scale infrastructure.
Throughout the week, we saw a clear focus on the “tokenization of everything”, specifically Real-World Assets (RWAs). Financial institutions are no longer just watching from the sidelines; they are actively integrating DeFi mechanisms like automated market-making and programmable liquidity into their own architectures. The emphasis is now on distribution and accessibility, ensuring that tokenized government bonds and money market funds can move seamlessly across regulated digital ledgers. For institutions, the “last mile” of on-chain payments and stablecoin integration is the current priority.
Hong Kong as a Strategic Hub
The backdrop of Hong Kong provided more than just a scenic setting. The city continues to establish itself as a critical sandbox for regulated innovation. Despite the complexities of the regional regulatory landscape, the momentum behind stablecoin frameworks and institutional participation was palpable.
Engaging with media and clients on the ground, it became clear that the industry has moved past the era of hype. The conversations today are centered on compliance, clarity, and the strategic communications required to build long-term trust with global audiences.
Beyond the Stage
While the formal sessions provided deep industry insight, the side events and networking opportunities offered a glimpse into the vibrant culture of the space. From the high-energy atmosphere of the robot battles to a stunning evening at the iconic Happy Valley racecourse, the week was a reminder of the strong social fabric that binds this global community together.
Looking Ahead
At Wachsman, we believe that in periods of market transition, the role of clear, strategic storytelling becomes paramount. We leave Hong Kong inspired by the ambition of our clients and the resilience of the wider ecosystem.
As we look toward the remainder of 2026, the focus remains clear: building the narratives that define the future of finance.