Leaders at DavosWeb3 Roundtable Shape the Future of DLT

Leaders at DavosWeb3 Roundtable Shape the Future of DLT

The much-anticipated DavosWeb3 Roundtable brings together the 100 brightest minds in Web3 on January 22, 2025 in the heart of Davos, Switzerland. This premier gathering is a crucible for visionary discussions, groundbreaking insights, and strategic networking opportunities within the decentralized technology space.

The DavosWeb3 Roundtable unites thought leaders, innovators, investors, and industry insiders. Attendees delve into the transformative potential of decentralized technologies, addressing pressing topics such as blockchain scalability, interoperability, tokenomics, decentralized finance (DeFi), and the evolving role of Web3 in reshaping economies worldwide.

“The Web3 revolution is here, and the DavosWeb3 Roundtable is where influential voices collaborate to chart its course. This is not an event; it’s a movement.” said Ajeet Khurana, founding member of DavosWeb3.

A Stellar Lineup of Sponsors

The DavosWeb3 Roundtable is powered by leading organizations shaping the future of Web3. Sponsors include: Antier, Aptos, DroomDroom, Ecotrader, Flex Ecosystem, Internet Computer (ICP), Kandola Network, OmniFlix, Paycio, Pertin-ant, Quranium, Reflexical, RhinoSpider, Social888, Surge, Syscoin, Unstoppable Domains, Xade, Xai Games.

These organizations exemplify innovation, and are at the forefront of driving advancements in blockchain and decentralized ecosystems.

Ajeet Khurana drives the Flex Ecosystem, an integrated blockchain-powered network connecting enterprises and users. Flex Ecosystem works with Web3 projects that create pathbreaking technology that creates value and scales adoption.

Ankur Vaid leads Reflexical, a powerhouse driving innovation by empowering founders to scale, grow, and thrive in the rapidly evolving Web3 ecosystem.

Avery Ching drives the Aptos, a next-generation Layer-1 blockchain engineered for unmatched speed and robust security. Leveraging the Move programming language, Aptos empowers scalable, user-centric decentralized applications.

Bibin Babu redefinings crypto payments with Paycio, a gateway that facilitates frictionless, secure transactions. Connecting merchants and users, Paycio delivers a streamlined, future-ready financial experience.

Dayakar Reddy bridges creators, fans, and communities with OmniFlix, a multi-chain media platform. Unlocking innovative opportunities for monetization and fan engagement in a unified ecosystem.

Javier Arroyo Ferrer, leads ICP HUB Canada & US, and Quantum Leap Labs, are at the forefront of transformative initiatives for the Internet Computer Protocol (ICP). DFINITY Foundation, founded by Dominic Williams, is the major contributor to ICP, a revolutionary decentralized computing platform that extends the public internet with native cloud functionality, enabling the creation of tamperproof, autonomous, and scalable software applications.

Harshal Madnani is one of the youngest Web3 founders and spearheads Xade, an innovative DeFi and trading platform designed to unify trading, staking, and wealth management. Xade’s advanced features make it a comprehensive, user-focused financial solution.

Itay Azaraty leads Ecotrader, a platform dedicated to sustainable and ethical investment solutions. With a focus on green portfolios, Ecotrader empowers investors to achieve financial growth while contributing to a responsible future.

Jagdeep Sidhu drives Syscoin, a groundbreaking dual-layer blockchain that seamlessly integrates Bitcoin’s security with Ethereum’s versatility. The platform delivers secure, scalable solutions for DeFi, NFTs, and smart contracts within a single network. Joining him at the DavosWeb3 Roundtable are Patrick Breaux, Marketing and PR Manager for Sys Labs, known for his expertise in blockchain storytelling and strategic collaborations, and Jaskanwar Singh, co-founder of UnoRe and a recognized innovator in decentralized systems.

John Shipman is at the helm of Xai Games, where blockchain technology and immersive gaming converge. The platform offers true asset ownership, player-driven worlds, and decentralized economies for next-level gaming experiences.

Kapil Dhiman leads Quranium, a quantum-proof Layer 1 DLT that’s uncrackable, lightning-fast, and solves the Blockchain Trilemma with advanced Post Quantum Cryptography. Its hybrid infrastructure sets a new standard against quantum threats, offering a future-ready, decentralized system for builders and users alike.

Ronak Shah revolutionizes the media landscape with DroomDroom, a platform dedicated to the Web3 and crypto ecosystem. DroomDroom offers insightful content, market trends, and community-driven resources to empower enthusiasts and businesses alike.

Sandy Carter champions Unstoppable Domains, an NFT-powered domain platform that liberates digital identities from traditional constraints. Simplifying crypto transactions, it enables seamless integration across the metaverse.

Siddharth Banerjee transforms decentralized applications with Kandola Network, a real-time data protocol. Kandola accelerates dApp performance through seamless connectivity backed by analytics.

Vikram R Singh shapes the future of blockchain technology through Antier, a global consultancy delivering tailored solutions for industries worldwide. From tokenization to DeFi, Antier redefines ecosystems with innovation at its core.

Yash Belavadi and Punith B M lead Surge, a composable Metalayer on Bitcoin built to provide a secure network for launching Rollups, dApps and metaprotocols to scale Bitcoin innovation. Surge emphasizes zk-aggregation, decentralized verification, and an integrated signing and indexing architecture to unlock Bitcoin liquidity while expanding its scalability.

DavosWeb3 Roundtable: Where Web3 Takes Center Stage

As the pulse of the Web3 movement beats stronger, the roundtable will serve as the launchpad for initiatives that redefine the digital and economic landscapes. The DavosWeb3 Roundtable will create a dynamic environment where Web3 will thrive.

Unparalleled Think Tank

When participants were asked about their primary motivation to attend the roundtable, the overwhelming majority focused on the value of being in the same room as global investors, innovators, and decision-makers. From informal meet-and-greets to structured networking sessions, participants will forge meaningful connections and take the Web3 industry forward.

Whitepaper Development

Founding members of the DavosWeb3 roundtable are coauthoring a visionary whitepaper titled “Ushering a New Billion into the Global System: The Next Frontier.” This whitepaper outlines actionable strategies to drive global inclusion using Web3 technologies. This whitepaper will be distributed to media outlets, universities, trade bodies, and industry associations worldwide. If you would like to request a copy of the whitepaper, please send an email to contact@davosweb3.com

Davos Declaration

At the Roundtable Web3 world leaders will sign the Davos Declaration, a pledge and a charter that sets the vision and direction for the Web3 industry. This historic moment will underscore the shared vision of the global Web3 community to foster innovation, inclusion, and sustainability. And all of this done with integrity and purpose.

Why Davos?

Davos has long been synonymous with leadership and global collaboration. As the epicenter of transformative discussions, it provides the perfect backdrop for a gathering of this magnitude. The DavosWeb3 Roundtable will harness this spirit to inspire actionable change in Web3.

Join the Movement

As the Web3 revolution accelerates, the DavosWeb3 Roundtable is poised to become a transformative cornerstone gathering in the decentralized technology calendar. Want to be part of it? Email: contact@davosweb3.com

UAE Foreign trade Minister at Davos: blockchain makes trade more accessible

UAE Foreign trade Minister at Davos: blockchain makes trade more accessible

UAE Minister of State for foreign Trade Thani AlZeyoudi, highlighted at World Economic Forum at Davos 2024 how AI, data analytics and blockchain can make trade smarter, cleaner and more accessible.

In a tweet on X, he noted, “The UAE is leading the charge to digitize global trade. During the Davos session we discussed TradeTech’s trillion dollar promise. I highlighted how AI, data analytics & blockchain can make trade smarter, cleaner & more accessible and how our TradeTech initiative is inspiring action.”

In a tweet prior, Minister Al Thani noted, “Ahead of the WTO (World Trade Organization) MC13 meeting in Abu Dhabi, the UAE is seeking to harness global action to deliver a technologically enabled, accessible and inclusive global trading system. It was great to outline our thinking during DP World’s Strategic Dialogue on Trade at Davos.

He also talked about ISO-backed and digitally enabled, EcoMark which has been approved in UAE allowing MSMEs to showcase their green credentials, whether the sustainability of their products or value chains. He states,” It builds on our COP28 legacy and looks ahead to WTO’s MC13 in Abu Dhabi, where inclusive trade will be a key theme.

At Davos WEF in 2023, the UAE government signed an MOU with WEF (World Economic Forum) to support UAE’s new Blockchain and AI enabled Trade Tech initiative. The initiative was designed to accelerate the digitization of international supply chains, enhance customs procedures, and improve developing countries’ access to the global trading system and, as a result, spur a new era of trade growth.

From the UAE’s side, the MoU was jointly signed by Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, and Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), and Prof. Klaus Schwab, WEF Founder and President.

The agreement supported the UAE’s efforts to deliver the initiative’s four key components: a global forum to gather trade, industry and technology leaders to share best-practice; an annual research report into the trade tech landscape, real-life applications and emerging trends; a regulatory sandbox to enable companies and startups to experiment with trade-tech innovations; and an incubator for promising startups in the trade tech space.

This is not the first time Al Thani talks about blockchain or crypto at DAVOS. During WEF in 2023, he spoke on how crypto will play a major role in UAE trade. He was speaking to Bloomberg.

Back in 2023 commenting on the crypto sector, the minister stated that “crypto will play a major role for UAE trade going forward;” as he outlined that “the most important thing is that we ensure global governance when it comes to cryptocurrencies and crypto companies.”

UAE has not granted a single operational virtual asset license VARA and UAE Minister announce

UAE has not granted a single operational virtual asset license VARA and UAE Minister announce

As HE Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications participated in the WEF session ‘Finding the right balance for crypto’  announcing that the UAE has not licensed a single crypto exchange, concurrently the Dubai based Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA)  affirmed this on its website in its latest announcement.

Al Olama told audiences at WEF, that the regulations in UAE are not light. There are extensive regulations at VARA. He affirmed, “ UAE has not issued a single licensed crypto exchange in UAE neither Binance nor FTX.” He explained that there is a four step process  and to date, “no one was able to onboard any customers even last week.”

Concurrently VARA stated on its website, “VARA has not granted any operating permits to date this is a four stage licensing process” VARA’s website explained, that the VARA regime is founded on the principles on enforcing responsible market participation backed by a future-proofed and responsive regulatory framework that remains technology agnostic; that collectively deliver socio-economic stability; robust consumer protection; and jurisdictional resilience.”

As such there are four stages to regulation at VARA, the first is Provisional permit; graduating to a 2-step [(2) Preparatory + (3) Operating] Minimum Viable Product (MVP) license; and culminating at the (4) Full Market Product (FMP) license.

The fourth stage takes into effect after regulations have been tested within the regime. As such according to VARA every Virtual Asset Service Provider [VASP] must go through all 4 stages in this current environment, wherein VARA expects to evaluate, observe, and only then authorize suitably qualified entities to undertake any market servicing activities under its licensing regime.

VARA then clarifies that at this stage the only licenses that have been issued are Stage Gate (1) Provisional or (2) MVP-Preparatory to enable VASPs to fulfill all pre-conditions, and undertake readiness steps establish offices, onboard employees with work visas, secure domestic bank account etc. prior to being in a position to undertake any market operations.

So VARA affirmed that no VARA licensee has, to date, been awarded an MVP-Operating permit.

Each VASP that is awarded an MVP license must comply with the [MVP License Conditions Document] issued by VARA, and strictly adhere to the licensing conditions outlined in the appended letter. One of the MVP conditions is that VA activities during this phase may only be provided to qualified and/or institutional investor segments.

Mass retail consumers are strictly prohibited until the Stage Gate (4) FMP license approval has been secured. [Virtual Assets and Related Activities Regulations 2023] will stipulate relevant licensing conditions and requirements.

VARA adds that when it publishes its full market regulation, it will enable borderless economic opportunity across the global VA industry, protecting investors and market participants, backed by active enforcement of all regulatory requirements beyond security and cross-border compliance including those pertaining to custody and segregation of client money; prudential requirements (viz. insurance and liquidity cover); FATF compliance, market manipulation and/or abuse prevention.

In terms of Virtual Assets Exchanges, VARA has awarded Binance (MVP Preparatory License Issued) while Bybit, Crypto.com, Equiti, GCEX, Huobi, and OKX have provisionary approval and started the process.

In terms of Virtual Assets Payment Services, Zamp has applied and have provisional approval. 

In terms of Virtual Assets Broker – Dealer services those who have applied and been granted provisional approval include BitOasis, CoinMENA, MidChains and Scallop

Virtual Assets Issuance Services include Calvin Cheng Web3.0 Holdings, Hike, Monstera, Prypto, Woonkly Labs, and Xfinite

While under Virtual Asset Custodians only Hex Trust (MVP Preparatory License Issued) and Komainu (MVP Preparatory License Issued)

Virtual Assets Management/ Investment Services: Amber Group, BRE Holdings, Brevan Howard, Fintonia Group, NineBlocks, NOIA Capital, TPS Capital and Q9 Capital have all been granted provisional approvals, first stage. 

Al Olama also noted at the WEF session that the job of a regulator is to try and be proactive and to protect people as much as possible whenever people adopt a technology. He states, “In UAE we have a young population so we need to ensure that we regulate fast because youth are early adopters. He added, “The UAE wants to protect talent since we aim to be the country with the highest per capital talent on earth.”

According to him there are other sides of crypto such as Web3 and UAE wants to attract Web3 and Blockchain talent. Blockchain is a technology of the future given that traceability cannot be removed. This according to H.E. Al Olama is a positive thing for the world as it is easier to trace someone who transacts through Bitcoin than through hard cash.”

He ascertained that regulators across the board need to work together. First bad actors should not be able to move from one place to another, and the same incidents should not be repeated tomorrow.

In terms of DeFi Al Olama believes it is is evolving and is least regulated. He states, “ We want to jump into each vertical on its own, the only issue we have is that while the UAE government can move fast  if we work with other governments as teams and we all scrutinize  every single vertical it is better as we cannot wait for next catastrophe.”

Qatar Sovereign Wealth Fund at DAVOS reasserts investment interest in Blockchain technology

Qatar Sovereign Wealth Fund at DAVOS reasserts investment interest in Blockchain technology

During a Bloomberg TV interview at WEF Davos event, Mansoor Al Mahmoud, CEO, of Qatar Investment Authority, reaffirmed the fund’s interest in investing in Blockchain technology, more precisely any application using Blockchain.

Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund will use the current economic turmoil as an opportunity to rebalance its $450 billion portfolio. The Qatar Investment Authority is looking for opportunities in Europe, Asia and the US in sectors such as venture capital, fintech and sports except for crypto.

As Al Mahmoud stated, “We are still not interested in crypto, yet we are interested in investing in Blockchain technology. Any application using Blockchain would be of our interest. This is a technology that came to remain.

The QIA in October agreed to invest $2.5 billion in RWE AG to back the German utility’s purchase of US renewable assets. It was also a cornerstone investor in sports car brand Porsche AG’s IPO and has invested in a string of tech start-ups.

Qatar also launched its Blockchain blueprint in 2022 and Qatar University invested in Maxya Blockchain a project developed by two professors at Qatar university came together to build a blockchain network from scratch that would not only be utilized as a ledger but also as a super computer.