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Digital assets 101: preparing for SIBOS Toronto’s biggest discussions

Digital assets 101: preparing for SIBOS Toronto’s biggest discussions
by Amelie Arras September 2023

In the bustling world of fintech, few topics have garnered as much attention as digital assets. As we edge closer to SIBOS 2023 in Toronto, the anticipation is palpable. Digital assets, once a niche subject, are now at the forefront of the global financial ecosystem, with the Toronto fintech scene a testament to their meteoric rise.

In the bustling world of fintech, few topics have garnered as much attention as digital assets. As we edge closer to SIBOS 2023 in Toronto, the anticipation is palpable. Digital assets, once a niche subject, are now at the forefront of the global financial ecosystem, with the Toronto fintech scene a testament to their meteoric rise. For those preparing to delve deep into SIBOS discussions, this guide aims to provide a foundational understanding and highlight what’s to come.

 

Understanding digital assets

Digital assets are more than just buzzwords; they’re transforming how we think about finance, assets, and transactions. But what exactly are they? At their core, digital assets represent value in a digital format. This can range from cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin to digital art, intellectual property, and much more. They’ve become crucial due to their ability to provide secure, transparent, and swift transactions, reshaping the contours of the global financial landscape.

 

Past SIBOS highlights

Historically, SIBOS has been a bellwether for the financial industry’s shifting trends and priorities. And in recent years, digital assets have moved from the periphery to the centre stage. From initial exploratory panels to full-fledged discussions on integration and regulation, the increasing prominence of digital assets in SIBOS discussions underscores their growing significance in global finance. We had published last year our thoughts on LinkedIn on the prominence of Digital Assets and Sustainability as two key themes. We had the honour to be welcomed as featured speakers twice.

Our Commercial Director Eddie, had presented on the Discover Stage the next waves of crypto adoption led by tech, sustainability, education, compliance, and what should banks and fintechs be thinking about in preparing their organisations for the next wave of institutionally-led crypto adoption.

I had the pleasure to present with the brilliant Michael Abbott at Accenture and Catherine Zhou at HSBC on the opportunities in the Metaverse for enterprises. You can read more about it here.

 

What’s next in digital assets

The future of digital assets is not on the horizon, it is here. As we move into a post-pandemic world, the focus is on how these assets will shape the new normal. Key areas to watch include:

  • Technological advancements: the innovations in blockchain and decentralised finance (DeFi) platforms that will continue to propel digital assets forward.
  • Regulatory landscapes: with digital assets gaining traction, global regulatory bodies are working on the frameworks to ensure their safe and scalable adoption.
  • Integration with traditional finance: the symbiosis of digital assets with conventional banking and finance systems will be pivotal, offering a blend of old and new for users worldwide.

Must catch digital Asset panels and speakers at Sibos 2023

SIBOS 2023 is set to be a watershed moment for digital assets. For attendees keen on deep-diving into this domain, several panels and speakers are a must-attend. Topic areas include discussions focusing on the integration of digital assets in mainstream finance, the role of the Toronto fintech scene in pioneering innovations, and the global regulatory shifts that will shape the future of digital assets. And of course, don’t forget to look out for Zumo, where our CEO Nick Jones will speak about the new convergence of digital assets, sustainability and regulation. You can find out more about the digital asset, crypto and CBDC agenda at Sibos 2023 below:

Digital Asset Agenda at Sibos: Monday 18th September

  • 9:00 Discover Session: “Connecting traditional finance with blockchains using Chainlink” with Nigel Dobson, ANZ and Sergey Nazarov, CHAINLINK
  • 9:15 Industry Session: “Is the future of money digital and instant?” with Faisal Al Hijawi, ARAB MONETARY FUND, Mark Brant, NATWEST, Andrew Haskell, BNY MELLON, Simone Loefgen, COMMERZBANK, Sarah Saigol, LLOYDS BANKING GROUP, and Sameer Shukla, GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
  • 12:00 Innotribe Sensemaker: Swift and CBDCs with Nick Kerigan, SWIFT and Pallavi Thakur, SWIFT
  • 13:45 Discover Session: “Managing Digital Assets at Scale: Lessons Learned and What’s Next” with Steve Cerveny, KALEIDO
  • 15:00 Industry Session: “Digital currencies: CBDCs vs Crypto, winners and losers” with Jack Fletcher, R3, Scott Hendry, BANK OF CANADA, Ryan Rugg, CITI, Matthias Schmudde, DEUTSCHE BUNDESBANK, and Christopher Woolard, EY

Digital Asset Agenda at Sibos: Tuesday 19th September

  • 10:00 Industry Session “Shaping the future: Digital assets, standardisation, and financial innovation” with Jonathan Ehrenfeld, SWIFT, Jens Hachmeister, DEUTSCHE BOERSE, Alexandre Kech, SIX DIGITAL EXCHANGE, Thomas Sullivan, SOCIETE GENERALE
  • 10:30 Discover Zone “Launch of Digital Asset 2023 Report – voices of the community report” at Zumo’s booth DISS-17 at the Discover Zone
  • 13:30 Discover Session: “Digital assets, sustainability and regulation: the new convergence” Fireside chat between Nick Jones, CEO at Zumo and Ali Paterson Chief Editor at FF News.
  • 16:30 Digital Asset networking drinks: meet the contributors of the report Digital Asset Enterprise Landscape report 2023 – at Zumo’s booth DISS-17

Digital Asset Agenda at Sibos: Wednesday 20th September

  • 9:00 Meet the experts: “How exchanges are harnessing digitisation to unlock market potential” with Max Cunningham, FCX, Steve Everett, CDS CLEARING AND DEPOSITORY SERVICES INC., Virginie O’Shea, FIREBRAND RESEARCH, Yuval Rooz, DIGITAL ASSET, Tae Yoo, HONG KONG EXCHANGES AND CLEARING LIMITED
  • 13:30 Industry Session: “CBDCs: The future is now” with Ulrich Bindseil, ECB, Lee Braine, BARCLAYS, Sonja Davidovic, BANK FOR INTERNATIONAL SETTLEMENTS – BIS, Jennifer Lassiter, DIGITAL DOLLAR PROJECT, Neha Narula, MIT

Conclusion

As Toronto gears up to host SIBOS 2023, the global financial community is on the cusp of defining moments. Digital assets, with their transformative potential, will undeniably be at the heart of many deliberations. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a curious newcomer, understanding the evolving landscape of digital assets is pivotal. So, buckle up and prepare for a deep dive into the future of finance at SIBOS 2023!