
Recap of Token2049 Singapore 2024: Oxido Solutions’ Journey and Insights
After enjoying some surfing and relaxation in Bali, indonesia, I headed to Singapore for Token2049, one of the most significant crypto events worldwide. Having already attended the Dubai edition in April, I was eager to see how Singapore would compare and whether it could match, or even exceed, the experience I had earlier this year. With a jam-packed schedule, I went in well-prepared, having arranged meetings with both existing and new contacts through the Token2049 app. My goals were clear:
- Strengthen relationships with existing clients, many of whom I would meet in person for the first time.
- Connect with potential new clients.
- Identify new trading firms that Oxido Solutions could assist with capital needs.
- Explore new trends shaping the industry.
- Find inspiration
This year’s Token2049 exceeded expectations, attracting more than 20,000 attendees and hosting over 3,000 side events. Held at the iconic Marina Bay Sands expo center, the event was split across two floors—double the size of last year’s. It’s no surprise that this event is becoming a must-attend for blockchain and crypto professionals worldwide. Notable speakers such as Binance CEO Richard Teng, whistleblower Edward Snowden, Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin, and even Formula 1 drivers Max Verstappen and Lando Norris added to the star power of the event. Here are my key takeaways.
1. Industry Takeaways and Trends
1.A. Family Offices Have Embraced Crypto
A few years ago, getting family offices on board with crypto investments was like pushing a boulder uphill—while they found it interesting, most weren’t ready to commit. However, at Token2049, I observed a significant shift. I had meetings with about 15 family offices, each managing anywhere from tens to hundreds of millions of dollars, who were not just interested in crypto but actively preparing to invest. These firms were primarily based in Asia, the U.S., and Eastern Europe, and they were particularly drawn to automated quant strategies like our trend-following scalping strategies.
Moreover, there was strong interest in market-neutral and delta-neutral strategies with low drawdowns—appealing for investors seeking to generate steady, passive income regardless of market volatility. A standout trend was the growing demand for Bitcoin as collateral, with many family offices looking for strategies that could help them earn in Bitcoin, especially through perpetual futures.
1. B. Many Professional Quant Firms
Token2049 provided a fantastic opportunity to meet several serious crypto quant firms with proven, scalable strategies. Many of these firms are seeking assistance in raising capital and marketing—areas where Oxido Solutions excels. I connected with about 12 quant firms that could benefit from our services, both in terms of raising trading capital from our existing network and collaborating on new strategies. Since many of these firms focus on strategies that complement Oxido Solutions’ trend-following scalping strategy, such as market-neutral and delta neutral approaches, there’s significant potential for fruitful partnerships.
1. C. The Next Frontier in Crypto Banking
One of the hottest topics at Token2049 was the evolving relationship between traditional financial institutions and crypto. Major banks, which once resisted cryptocurrency, are now starting to embrace the technology, as the shift toward institutional acceptance accelerates. I noticed a growing presence of major financial players at the event, with discussions centered around how banks can integrate blockchain solutions, provide custodial services for digital assets, and create new revenue streams by engaging with cryptocurrencies.
1.D. Web3 Innovation and the Rise of Decentralization
Web3 and decentralized finance (DeFi) were central themes at Token2049, with discussions around how decentralized technologies are poised to reshape the financial ecosystem. There was significant buzz around projects focused on increasing scalability, reducing transaction fees, and improving user experiences, especially for decentralized applications (dApps).
Many projects aim to make decentralized technologies more accessible and user-friendly, ensuring that they are scalable and secure, which will be key to pushing web3 beyond niche markets and into the mainstream. Blockchain solutions are being looked at as more than just financial tools, with growing applications in areas like supply chain management, governance, and content creation.
2. Highlights from the Speakers
2.A. Vitalik Buterin: The Evolution of Ethereum and Web3
Vitalik Buterin’s talk was a highlight of the event, and he did not disappoint. He addressed several key areas of Ethereum’s evolution, focusing on how the network is solving long-standing issues like scalability and high fees. Buterin noted that Ethereum’s shift to Proof-of-Stake, which began with “The Merge” in 2022, has reduced the network’s energy consumption by 99.95% and cut average block confirmation times by half. He also spoke about Ethereum’s role in leading the decentralization movement, while balancing the need for real-world applications that solve users’ problems.
He even ended his presentation on a lighter note with a musical performance, paying homage to his earlier crypto projects—a reminder of his unique place in the crypto community as both a visionary and an approachable leader.
2.B. Edward Snowden: Privacy in the Age of Blockchain
Edward Snowden, the whistleblower and privacy advocate, delivered a thought-provoking speech on the importance of privacy in blockchain technology. While blockchain is often praised for its transparency, Snowden raised concerns about the lack of privacy in many public ledgers. He emphasized the need for technologies that can balance transparency with user privacy, a challenge that the crypto industry must address if it wants to achieve widespread adoption. His talk reinforced the importance of privacy-focused solutions like Zcash and Monero, and highlighted how decentralized technology can be a double-edged sword in terms of security.
2.C. Max Verstappen and Lando Norris: The Intersection of Crypto and F1
Formula 1 drivers Max Verstappen and Lando Norris added a unique flavor to the event, discussing the growing partnership between F1 and the crypto industry. With sponsorships from major crypto platforms like Bybit, also partner van Oxido Solutions, and Oracle Red Bull Racing, F1 is becoming an increasingly fertile ground for crypto partnerships. Both drivers spoke about their involvement in promoting blockchain initiatives, particularly in how blockchain can revolutionize sports sponsorships, ticketing, and fan engagement.
3. What’s Next for Token2049
With the conclusion of this year’s event, all eyes are now on Token2049 Dubai, set for April 30 to May 1, 2025, at Madinat Jumeirah resort. Following this, Token2049 will return to Singapore on October 1-2, 2025, promising to continue its role as one of the leading crypto and web3 conferences worldwide.
4. Conclusion
Token2049 Singapore was an incredible event that exceeded all expectations. The insights, trends, and connections made at the event provided valuable direction for Oxido Solutions. From family offices now actively seeking crypto investments to the ongoing evolution of Ethereum and the growing importance of self-custody, Token2049 offered a clear glimpse into the future of crypto. I’m looking forward to next year’s events in both Dubai and Singapore!