Crypto has come of age, and it’s not just about digital gold anymore. This sentiment resonated at the recent Messari Mainnet conference in the bustling streets of NYC.
Long gone are the days when cryptocurrency discussions revolved around extravagant yacht parties and the dizzying world of NFTs. This year’s event was an embodiment of maturity and professionalism. Instead of tech enthusiasts with their Reddit badges, the venue was filled with over 3,000 professionals representing established brands.
Recalling last year, there was a tangible buzz in the air, conversations veering towards the next speculative bet, and an avalanche of invites to opulent after-parties. However, this year took a more grounded turn. Although crypto prices remain below their all-time highs and NFT markets seem more volatile than ever, there’s an undercurrent of optimism.
Carlos Domingo, Securitize’s CEO, shed light on the silver lining. “Less hype, less costumes, less boat parties – but more meaningful discussions on bringing unconventional assets to investors for the very first time.” The industry, it seems, is moving away from the spotlight and silently crafting its magnum opus.
Gone are the days of hasty investments and questionable alt-coins. Anthony Scaramucci, Skybridge Capital founder, was one of the rare voices discussing specific assets. Instead, the spotlight shifted to regulatory policies, crypto taxes, and practical tools aimed at integrating this burgeoning technology into the mainstream. Coinbase, for instance, showcased how to simplify P2P transactions and even pay for your morning coffee with crypto.
“The real game-changer will be portraying crypto as an enabler, moving beyond mere assets and speculations,” remarked Jesse Pollak, the genius behind Coinbase’s Base. As the industry pivots towards supporting small businesses and everyday use-cases, the focus is on tangible, practical benefits.
This new wave of crypto maturity is not just about shifting priorities. Jess Houlgrave from WalletConnect mentioned the push towards “invisible technology.” This concept envisions a world where people interact with blockchain daily without even realizing it.
However, it’s not all rosy. One looming challenge for the industry is the growing scrutiny of U.S. regulators. Even though Gary Gensler, the SEC chairman, was not present at the conference, his influence was palpable. The debate around regulatory clarity, particularly in the U.S., has many industry players concerned. As a result, crypto companies are setting their sights on destinations like Singapore, Hong Kong, and parts of Europe where the regulatory framework seems more favorable.
While the industry’s priorities might have shifted, the essence remains the same. The crypto world is evolving, and the shift from extravagance to real-world applications showcases the resilience and adaptability of this revolutionary technology.
Jesse Pollak perhaps summarized it best: “Those attending are the ones with their heads down, working tirelessly on innovative products. The industry is maturing, and it’s exciting to be a part of this evolution.