🌟 Today was the last day of the THE TRENDS conference in Moscow, and I finally made it!
What happened at the conference? 💡
Key trends were discussed, such as the development of artificial intelligence, blockchain technologies, startup ecosystems, and sustainable development.
As participants, we had the opportunity to engage in workshops and network with industry professionals — we gained some insights, even if just a few. I also connected with colleagues from the field!
I especially want to highlight the speakers’ presentations, who shared their vision of the future. It’s always interesting to listen to people who have different perspectives on the development of the industries.
Today in Moscow, Sber held the conference "FI Day Blockchain: On the Verge of a New Financial Era." The event gathered leading experts in financial technologies, entrepreneurs, and representatives from government structures.
Interestingly, the conference was opened by Herman Gref, and at that moment the hall was full. However, as soon as he finished his speech, the audience emptied by about 70%.
The main topics of the conference included new trends in fintech, the impact of digitalization on the banking sector, and the opportunities that blockchain creates for financial institutions. A key discussion focused on the harmony between traditional financial institutions and new technologies.
Furthermore, participants exchanged views on the importance of integrating artificial intelligence into financial processes, which not only enhances operational efficiency but also improves the customer experience.
To conclude the conference, a Q&A session was organized, where speakers shared their predictions about the future of the financial sector in the context of rapid digitalization.
Bitcoin's impressive multi-day surge has captured the interest of Wall Street, with billions of dollars flowing into cryptocurrency ETFs since early November and the recent U.S. elections. In a remarkable trading session, Bitcoin investors traded $1 billion of BlackRock’s IBIT fund within just the first 25 minutes of the U.S. market opening. This reflects a continuing trend led by Bitcoin that has encouraged both retail and institutional investment.
On November 12, initial trading volumes built upon staggering figures recorded the day before, when Bitcoin notched its largest single-day and weekly gains in its impressive 15-year history. The inflows into U.S. spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds exceeded $1 billion for the second time this month, and by mid-November, Wall Street's spot Bitcoin ETF group reached a remarkable $90 billion in assets, just about 10 months after trading began.
Historically, it took Bitcoin nine years to first cross the $20,000 mark. However, in just the past week, it has soared an additional $20,000, now standing at an all-time high of $89,864. Analysts suggest that the token is poised to make a run towards $90,000, even as some long-term holders start to take profits.
Given this momentum, do you believe Bitcoin can break the $90,000 barrier soon, or will there be a pullback? Share your thoughts 👇🏻
Andreessen Horowitz’s a16z: Future of U.S. Crypto Industry is Bright 🌟
Venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) shared an optimistic perspective on the crypto industry on November 11 The firm underscored the potential for regulatory clarity, innovation, and growth within the U.S. crypto ecosystem 📈 A Positive Outlook for Builders 🔧 In their recent communication, a16z expressed enthusiasm for developers, emphasizing that now is an exciting time to build in the U.S. The expected increase in regulatory clarity is anticipated to foster a more welcoming environ
Scott Bessent: Potential First Pro-Crypto Treasury Secretary? 🚀💰
Scott Bessent, a close ally of Donald Trump and seasoned hedge fund manager, is a strong contender for the position of Treasury Secretary as Trump heads back to the Oval Office. If appointed, Bessent would make history as the first Treasury Secretary in the U.S. with a pro-crypto stance Key Insights: - Prediction Markets Favor Bessent📊: Over 50% of users on Polymarket predict Bessent will secure the Treasury role, signaling significant confidence in his candidacy - Background 🏦: A billionaire
"If I am elected, it will be the policy of my administration, United States of America, to keep 100% of all the bitcoin the U.S. government currently holds or acquires into the future"
It is expected that with the support of the 47th US President, cryptocurrency will go up, especially bitcoin. What will happen in reality? Let’s see
Previously, when Trump became a president it’s was huge jump: from under 4k to over 13k
My thoughts: every crypto has a circle ⭕️ Trump is a the key, but not the solution. And you shouldn’t wait for magic. The way crypto going up now, the way it can fall
I've never won anything before, and then I hit the jackpot! 🎉 Yesterday at the Binance blockchain conference in Dubai at the Solana booth, I won a JAMBO phone📱
My notes on the first interview with Changpeng Zhao (CZ) after his release: about prison, priorities, and the future ✨ Chapter 2.
☘️ New projects and dreams
• His experience in prison gave him a clear understanding of priorities and a desire to share his experience with others as a mentor, so CZ is ready to mentor people. It would be interesting to find such a mentor 🌚
• After his release, CZ focused on launching Giggle Academy (https://www.giggleacademy.com/) – an educational project for children who lack access to education. In the academy, older children will teach younger ones, and AI will help create educational materials. The project is not intended to be profitable but will make a significant contribution to the accessibility of education for children. CZ hopes that by the time they reach adulthood, graduates will be able to contribute to the initiative (by making a couple of years of voluntary donations) to support future generations.
⚡️ Vision for the future
• CZ shares the belief that the future belongs to the combination of AI and blockchain (I believe in this trend too 💫). He is excited about projects that connect these technologies, seeing not only a trend but significant potential for the industry.
• Regarding future politics, CZ expressed caution in his statements, knowing how easily his words can be taken out of context and used against him.
My notes on the first interview with Changpeng Zhao (CZ) after his release: about prison, priorities, and the future ✨ PART 1 Yesterday Changpeng Zhao(CZ) gave his first interview after being released from prison, sharing personal reflections, new priorities, and plans.
🏛️ About his time in prison
• CZ described his sentence as unfair. This was the first case of such magnitude in the history of the cryptocurrency industry.
• "What do you have left when everything is taken away?" Time alone without freedom allowed him to reassess his priorities. When he asked himself, "What do you miss the most?" he realized he missed the connection with loved ones: family, friends, colleagues, and the community. This period helped him understand the true values in life.
• Interestingly, even in prison, guards would ask him about cryptocurrency. CZ noted that overall, people in prison turned out to be "nice & chill," and he still keeps in touch with some of them.
• CZ is currently helping the people he met in prison with their legal cases. One of his new friends from incarceration even attended a meeting in the hall!
📈 What is the current relationship with Binance?
At the moment, CZ still remains a shareholder of Binance but does not participate in management and cannot give orders. Moreover, he does not plan to return to the role of CEO.