M2 at TOKEN 2049 Dubai

M2 at TOKEN 2049 Dubai

When one of the most significant meet-ups in the cryptocurrency, blockchain, and wider Web3 space arrived in Dubai, it presented the M2 team with an unmissable opportunity.  An opportunity to share what we’ve been working on, and what we’re looking forward to delivering. 

Dubai’s take on TOKEN 2049 also gave M2 the chance to engage with, and hear from industry leaders, community members, and more, as we all forge forward, focusing on a future centered on digital assets.

For a recap of our highlights and insights from TOKEN 2049 in Dubai and a glimpse into the current state of crypto, read on. 

The Highlights 

Meeting our Community.  In the world of DeFI, community is everything. As TOKEN 2049’s title partner, our bright brand sat front and center. The result? Our booth morphed into a hotspot for those familiar with our exchange and curious new faces who came to play and grab exclusive M2 swag. However, our presence went beyond the booth, with several of our managed events contributing to the wider program. 

M2 Cheers and Chats. On 18 April, Bar Buci became a meetup made just for MMX Token holders. It was a place not just for unwinding outside of TOKEN 2049, but for meaningful dialogues on both the future of MMX and the wider industry.  

Dubai Nights: On 19 April, in collaboration with Algorand and Cypher Capital, we hosted the panel, "The Expanding Functions and Uses of Stablecoins" at Jumeirah Beach Residence. ​Devan Moorthy (Head of Partnerships, Algorand), ​Sudhu Arumugam (Chief Product Office, M2), ​Lory Kehoe, (Head of Stablecoin, MSX), and ​Benedetto Biondi, (CEO, Folks Finance) discussed how the integration of stablecoins would transform financial systems, by bringing stability and efficiency to transactions.

Fireside Chat: One of TOKEN 2049’s most popular sessions saw M2’s CEO Stefan Kimmel join Perianne Boring, the CEO of Digital Chamber on stage. It was a deep dive into M2’s strategic vision, the regulatory dynamics influencing crypto adoption in the region, and the whole team’s compliant commitment to crypto adoption in the UAE. They also discussed how M2’s work might end up serving as a playbook for other regions.

Bitcoin Halving: During TOKEN2049, the Bitcoin Halving occurred representing a major milestone for crypto markets and growing confidence and trust in the asset class. As M2's CEO Stefan Kimmel said in The National "the confluence of ETFs, quantitative easing and halving will define the future contours of the market."

Wider Insights

Outside of our own programming, TOKEN 2049 served as a forum for ideas and updates from other industry players and partners. We’ve detailed below what else we found interesting, knowing that the progression of our industry is one best powered by the collective.

The Tether Trajectory. In his keynote, Paolo Ardoino of Tether outlined the significant growth and resilience of Tether (USDT).  Through its holdings in U.S Treasury bills, Tether has become a major global entity when it comes to U.S debt ownership. Front and center as well was Tether’s profitability and operational achievements, particularly in terms of user safety and scam prevention. Also notable was the stablecoin’s part in providing a stable payment solution in inflation-ridden countries including Argentina, Turkey, and Nigeria. 

Balaji Srinivasan. On the panel ‘The Network State of the Union’, the entrepreneur and investor introduced the concept of network states, putting forward a decentralized, digital-first approach to nation-building. Proposing and arguing that network states could offer viable alternatives to traditional states, especially for those disenfranchised by current geopolitical structures. 

Arthur Hayes. A true industry identity, during his keynote, Arthur Hayes, CIO at Maelstrom, discussed the future of Bitcoin. Predicting its rise beyond $70,000 and emphasizing the need for fresh belief if the market is to move forward. In keeping with his published works, Hayes called out the repression tactics used by central banks, and advocated for Bitcoin as a safe and superior investment option in a financially repressed environment, owing to performance and resistance to confiscation. Concluding that with ongoing government spending and negative real yields, Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies will continue to appreciate. 

Looking Forward

TOKEN 2049 in Dubai provided an unparalleled platform to share our insights, hear updates from the wider new community, forge new partnerships, and continue to chart the course for future innovations. 

See you in Singapore in September.