- SUMMITS
- NEWS & MEDIA
Elias Ahonen is a Finnish-Canadian blockchain and legal expert based in Dubai and described in 2016 as “one of the first Bitcoin historians” in 2016 for his ethnographic book Physical Bitcoins, which was followed by Blockland (2020). His doctoral research at the University of Turku Law School concerns the intersection of blockchain and international law. A columnist for Cointelegraph, his expertise is acknowledged by international media including The Wall Street Journal. Involved in the industry since 2013, he launched consulting firm Token Valley in 2017 and is a Director for Roqqu, a cryptocurrency exchange with 1.4 million users.
Dynamic and dedicated professional with the ability to adapt to changing marketing channels and growth platforms of cryptocurrency to understand the demands of blockchain technology solutions for business product design, technical, business outcomes, and efficiencies. With over 12 years of experience in delivering operational, e-commerce, and market-specific plans, ASO, SEO, China Marketing, startups, Bitcoin, blockchain development, web development, software development, cryptocurrency, NFT development, and gaming.
I am known for my ability to lead the ideation and creative direction strategies for the development of projects, whether it is application development or cryptocurrency gaming that would revolutionize the industry and break barriers. And Maintain a people-centric and encouraging environment for over 24 employees across Pakistan, US, China, and the UK.
I have Successfully led funding strategies and sourced Angel Investors across China, which led to raising USD 350K in the capital to establish and run the business and raised over USD 1M from Investors such as Bluebell Asia. And designed and launched the Zoji’s, which are NFT characters that sold for Ethereum, the number 2 cryptocurrency in the market to 500 community members, setting the foundation to sell the last 100 at 0.16 Ethereum, capitalized on the momentum selling NFT characters to the value of USD 800K.
Citadel Securities has declared a hefty 5.5% stake in troubled bank Silvergate Capital, worth around $25 million, according to a new filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Ken Griffin’s behemoth market maker disclosed that it bought up 1.6 million shares in the struggling crypto-friendly bank on Dec. 31. Silvergate suffered heavy losses and since its biggest customers, FTX and Alameda Research went bankrupt on accounts of fraud.
The bankruptcy caused a run on the bank, depleting Silvergate’s funds in the process.
Griffin made an illustrious entrance into the crypto space last year by picking up a rare copy of the US Constitution, outbidding CoinstitutionDAO. Before that, Griffin was vehemently against the sector. In fact, prior to the bear market in March, he told Bloomberg:
“Crypto has been one of the great stories in finance over the course of the last 15 years. And I’ll be clear, I’ve been in the naysayer camp over that period of time.
“But the crypto market today has a market capitalization of about $2 trillion in round numbers, which tells you that I haven’t been right on this call.”
Since then, crypto’s market cap practically halved to around $1 trillion dollars, with Bitcoin taking the lion’s share at $426 billion in market cap.
Citadel buys stake in financially troubled Silvergate
Silvergate bank posted a hefty loss of $949 million for the last quarter of 2022. It laid off 40% of staff and revealed that it expects to dish out $8.1 million in restructuring costs.
The firm has also been hit with a class action lawsuit in Dec. and came under fire for its relationship with the fraudster Sam Bankman-Fried. The lawsuit alleges Silvergate and Lane aided, abetted, encouraged and substantially assisted Bankman-Fried in jointly perpetrating a fraudulent scheme upon Plaintiff and the class.
In the last quarter of 2022, withdrawals reached a record-breaking $8 billion, with is largest customers being now-bankrupt FTX and Alameda Research.
Silvergate’s stock price is down 87% year-to-date, from $121 to $15 at the time of writing.
[mcrypto id=”167585″]
Finding a crypto exchange that meets all your needs can be overwhelming; that’s why we’ve put together a list of crypto exchanges you can trust. Whether you’re trading on your desktop or using crypto apps, this table offers a snapshot of platforms that excel in security, features, and user experience.
[crypto-exchanges term_id=6414]
A crypto exchange is a specialized marketplace that allows you to trade cryptocurrencies. Unlike traditional financial markets, which trade assets like stocks or commodities, crypto exchanges deal exclusively with digital or virtual currencies like coins or tokens.
Let’s have a look at most important features:
Now that we’ve explained what crypto exchanges are, it’s vital to see how they operate. The mechanics behind these platforms can seem intimidating at first, but the basics are relatively straightforward.
Here, we walk you through the intricate details of crypto exchanges as we discuss order books and the market place in general, in other words, the where. Then we look at different types of exchange orders, or the how, and we round it off by discussing the what, or, different types of trading pairs and currencies, fees, and how to make transactions.
When you decide to buy or sell crypto, your order goes into an order book, a real-time, continually updated list of buy and sell orders in the marketplace. Market makers place orders that add liquidity to the market, making it easier for market takers to trade crypto.
Different types of crypto exchange orders include:
Most crypto trades happen in pairs, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, forming the trading pair BTC/ETH. However, the range of trading pairs an exchange offers depends on the availability of various cryptocurrencies on that platform.
A more extensive range of available cryptocurrencies gives traders the flexibility to diversify their portfolio, engage in arbitrage, or explore lesser-known altcoins. Additionally, many safe crypto exchanges also offer fiat deposits and withdrawals, as well as trading pairs with fiat currencies like USD or EUR.
Every crypto exchange has its own fee structure. Generally, there are two types of fees—a maker fee for adding liquidity to the market, and a taker fee for taking liquidity away. The actual transaction fee is usually a small percentage of the trade volume.
Finally, a critical part of using an exchange is how you deposit and withdraw funds. Some exchanges accept direct bank transfers, debit and credit cards, e-wallets like PayPal, or even gift cards. You can also move crypto between digital wallets.
If you start searching for the best cryptocurrency exchanges, you’ll quickly realize that not all platforms are created equal. Below, we break down the key features you should look out for.
Basic trading features include the ability to buy and sell cryptocurrencies. Look for an intuitive trading platform that offers a user-friendly interface, simple order books, and real-time price charts. For instance, the buy or sell process should be as easy as entering the amount and clicking a button.
These are meant for experienced traders. Crypto options exchanges offer advanced features like conditional orders, futures trading, detailed analytical charts, historical data, and back-testing capabilities. They can also offer algorithmic trading, allowing users to set complex trading parameters that execute automatically based on market conditions.
Margin trading allows you to trade using funds provided by a third party. Unlike regular trading accounts, margin accounts enable traders to access additional funds, thereby leveraging their positions. However, it comes with higher risks, including the possibility of losing more than your initial investment.
The best crypto exchanges not only offer multi-platform accessibility but also operate in numerous countries. This accessibility includes a web-based platforms, desktop apps, and mobile apps for trading on the go.
A top-tier crypto exchange offers multiple customer support options, including live chat, email, and phone support. The response times should be fast, helping you resolve any issues you encounter.
Security is the most important thing when trading digital assets. Reputable exchanges use a variety of security measures, such as encryption protocols, two-factor authentication, multi-factor authentication, and cold storage for safeguarding your assets and personal information.
Some exchanges offer staking and rewards as an added benefit. Staking allows you to earn additional coins by holding and locking your cryptocurrency in a wallet to support the network’s operations.
Crypto lending features enable you to lend crypto holdings to other traders or the platform itself in return for interest. This provides an avenue for earning passive income on your cryptocurrency assets.
For those constantly on the move, the availability of crypto apps for mobile trading can be a decisive factor. These trading apps allow you to trade, check prices, and manage your portfolio right from your smartphone or tablet.
When you’re looking to trade crypto, it’s essential to understand the types of crypto exchanges available. Generally, these platforms fall into two categories: centralized and decentralized exchanges. Let’s see what makes each type unique.
Often reffered to as DEXs, decentralized crypto exchanges are the epitome of blockchain’s ethos—decentralization. These exchanges function without a central governing body, facilitating peer-to-peer trades directly between users, much like marketplaces. Your assets and personal information are under your control, providing an extra layer of privacy and security.
However, these exchanges may lack convenience, such as intuitive interfaces or a broad range of trading options, which are typically found in centralized platforms. Examples of DEXs are Uniswap and PancakeSwap.
In contrast, centralized crypto exchanges (CEXs) operate under a single entity that oversees all transactions. These platforms, which work similarly to brokerages, usually offer a smooth trading process with a wide array of trading pairs and advanced features. They often come equipped with enhanced user interfaces and customer support, making them a go-to choice for those new to the crypto market.
Nevertheless, this convenience comes at the cost of having to entrust your assets to a third party or private companies, which could make you susceptible to hacking risks. Well-known CEXs include Coinbase and Kraken.
Whether crypto traders prioritize security and control over liquidity and user experience will largely influence the choice between decentralized and centralized crypto exchanges. Here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons of each option:
| Decentralized Exchanges | Centralized Exchanges |
 DEXs are less susceptible to large-scale hacks. |  Being centralized makes them targets of hackers. |
| Typically less user-friendly with fewer features | Intuitive interfaces, often with advanced trading features and analytics. |
| You have complete control over your funds and personal information. | The exchange controls your funds, not you. |
| May lack depth in trading books. | Wide range of supported crypto assets and trading pairs. |
| There’s usually no need for the KYC processes. | Mandatory KYC processes can be intrusive. |
| Generally no dedicated support team to assist you. | Robust support via email, chat, and sometimes phone. |
| Quick to list new and varied types of crypto assets. | Can have higher trading fees and hidden costs. |
| Transactions may be slower due to blockchain confirmations. | High trade volume and liquidity allow for quick and efficient trades. |
A critical component of your cryptocurrency trading journey is understanding crypto exchange fees. With options ranging from crypto exchanges with no fees to platforms with complex fee structures, grasping the nuances can help you make smart decisions and find the cheapest crypto exchange for your trading needs.
Let’s start with trading fees, which are the costs directly linked to buying and selling cryptocurrencies. These fees are often calculated as a percentage of your total trade volume. Some platforms add a twist by distinguishing between maker and taker orders, with maker fees usually costing less since they add liquidity to the market.
Be cautious of exchanges touting “zero fee” transactions; they often use spread-based pricing that can be more expensive in the long run.
If you’re planning to move your assets, withdrawal fees at crypto exchanges should be on your radar. These fees can differ widely depending on the cryptocurrency and the exchange in question. So, when you’re making a crypto exchanges fees comparison, don’t overlook the withdrawal fees; they can impact your total trading costs significantly.
Beyond trading and withdrawal fees, some additional charges may lurk in the shadows. Engaging in margin trading? You’ll be charged fees for borrowing funds. Platforms like Coinbase and Gemini have higher fees for using their quick-buy features.
Using a credit or debit card for transactions? Beware of additional premiums from both your card issuer and the exchange. To sidestep some of these costs and get lower fees, consider using cash or wire transfers.
Finally, don’t forget about network fees, sometimes also known as miner fees. These are not set by the exchange but are necessary for processing transactions on a blockchain. While many centralized exchanges absorb this cost, decentralized platforms often pass it directly to the user.
When it comes to pinpointing the top platforms in the crypto space, there are key elements we consider to rate crypto exchanges. The factors outlined below are not just buzzwords; they are fundamental for secure, efficient, and profitable trading.
While many platforms claim to be licensed crypto exchanges, not all of them meet rigid regulatory norms that ensure your money is as secure as it would be in a vault. On the flip side, fake crypto exchanges are ticking time bombs, often disappearing overnight with your funds.
That’s why security protocols such as two-factor authentication, multi-factor authentication, end-to-end encryption, and cold storage options are essential features to look for.
Exchanges employ multiple risk management practices to protect users from market uncertainties. This often includes advanced trade types like stop-loss orders, as well as transparency reports that showcase the health of the exchange’s fund reserves.
Top ratings can be misleading. We go beyond the stars, testing the apps, trading and platforms, and dissect customer reviews to gauge real-world issues such as withdrawal delays or software glitches. Verified user experiences from credible sources give you the real truth about what it’s like to trade on a particular platform.
The most trusted crypto exchanges offer more than just blogs and how-to guides. Look for exchanges that offer live webinars, expert-led courses, and even one-on-one coaching. These are the platforms that truly invest in your financial literacy, equipping you to make better trades.
Low trading volume might mean your big sell order could crash the price of a thinly traded asset. A high trading volume not only suggests the exchange is popular but also that it offers high liquidity, making it easier to buy or sell assets without affecting market prices. Plus, more volume often leads to tighter spreads, meaning you might get better deal prices.
Trading fees can eat into your profits, but the financial bite doesn’t stop there. You need to be aware of not just trading fees, but also withdrawal fees and any hidden charges. A transparent and reasonable fee structure is usually a good indicator of an exchange’s overall approach to customer experience.
Therefore, we examine the fee structures to ensure there are no unpleasant surprises. In essence, reputable crypto exchanges that we select offer the following significant advantages:
Enhanced security: Top-tier exchanges use state-of-the-art security protocols to protect your assets and personal information.
Regulatory compliance: A reputable exchange often follows strict legal guidelines, which improves safety of your funds.
Rich feature sets: Advanced trading tools, various types of orders, and a wide variety of supported cryptocurrencies are common features. This can offer you variety of options in the long run.
Transparent fee structure: No one likes hidden costs. Reputable crypto exchanges clearly state their transaction fees, maker fees, taker fees, and any other costs upfront.
KYC or Know Your Customer is far more than a compliance checkbox; it’s your first line of defense in ensuring that your funds won’t end up entangled in some shady business. While non-KYC crypto exchanges may lure you in with the promise of anonymity, the lack of oversight can be a double-edged sword. On the other side, a regulated crypto exchange with a robust KYC process minimizes these risks. Find an outline of the crypto KYC process below:
To initiate the KYC process, head over to the dedicated section usually labeled as “KYC Verification” or “Identity Verification” within your account dashboard. You’ll find a series of steps to follow, which will guide you through the verification process.
During this phase, you’ll be asked for specific personal details to verify your identity. These details usually include your full name, date of birth, and address. Ensure that you enter these accurately, as they will be cross-referenced with your identification documents later.
Next, you’ll be required to upload clear, legible copies of government-issued identification. This could be your passport, driver’s license, or a national ID card. Follow the on-screen instructions to capture or scan the required documents. Make sure that the images are clear and that all four corners of the document are visible.
Yes, even crypto gets personal. Hold your ID next to your face and snap a selfie. The aim is to match the picture in your ID to your face, thereby ensuring that you are indeed who you claim to be.
After you’ve submitted all the necessary information and documents, you’ll need to wait for the exchange to review and approve your KYC details. This waiting period varies from one platform to another, but you’ll generally receive a notification once the process is complete.
So you’ve passed KYC. Congrats! But you’re not done. Wrap up your security measures by enabling 2FA. This involves scanning a QR code or entering a unique string of characters into a 2FA app like Google Authenticator or, if you’re old-school, getting codes via SMS.
If, however, you’re tempted to opt for crypto exchanges without KYC for the sake of convenience, be aware that a layer of security and regulatory protection will be stripped down.
After signing up, you’re probably eager to get trading. But first, you need to deposit some funds. We’re transforming this sometimes nerve-wracking operation into easy-to-follow steps.
Start by heading to the official website of your chosen crypto exchange. Once there, locate the “Log In” or “Sign In” button, usually at the top-right corner of the page. Use the credentials you set up during your account creation.
Upon successful login, you’ll land on your account dashboard. Here, look for a tab or menu option that says “Deposit,” “Wallet,” or “Funds.” It’s like your online piggy bank within the exchange, where your cryptos will reside temporarily.
Once in the deposit section, you’ll have to specify which cryptocurrency you’re looking to deposit. Let’s say you choose Bitcoin; the exchange will then generate a unique deposit address for your Bitcoin transactions. This is essentially your crypto PO box where funds will be received.
Switch over to the external wallet holding your Bitcoin. There, paste the deposit address you just generated. Enter the amount of Bitcoin you’d like to send, making sure it’s above any minimum deposit requirements the cryptocurrency exchange has specified.
After hitting “Send” on your external wallet, you’re not done just yet. It’s good practice to verify your transactions using a blockchain explorer. Simply paste your deposit address into the explorer to check the number of confirmations. Typically, you’ll need to wait for at least 3–6 confirmations, depending on the cryptocurrency.
Once the required confirmations are complete, your exchange account balance should update automatically. If you see the funds, congratulations! You’ve successfully deposited crypto into your exchange account.
While we’re at it, never forget to triple-check the deposit address. One wrong character can send your funds into crypto oblivion. Be aware of minimum deposit thresholds to avoid unnecessary headaches. And if your funds are taking longer than expected to show up, don’t hesitate to reach out to customer support.
To this day, Binance holds the title as one of the largest crypto exchanges by trading volume and user base.
The regulation of crypto exchanges varies wildly depending on the jurisdiction. In the US, for example, exchanges need to comply with several financial laws and are overseen by the SEC, CFTC, FTC and IRS. Generally speaking, regulated crypto exchanges are considered more secure and reliable as they adhere to legal requirements aimed at protecting consumers.
Anonymous crypto exchanges allow users to trade cryptocurrencies without undergoing extensive identity verification procedures. These are also known as crypto exchanges without KYC. While this may sound convenient for crypto investors, it also raises security and legality concerns. and allows you to trade confidently.
“Islamic Coin has a huge potential in Malta”, says Malta-based Islamic financial expert Reuben Buttigieg speaking with AIBC News. “The main thing is that the mechanisms of how crypto functions are very much in line with the principles of Islamic finance provided that no speculation is done on the particular gain.” he adds.
His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, a member of the UAE royal family has been appointed advisor to to the Swiss-based Shariah-compliant digital money venture Islamic Coin.
Reuben Buttigieg points out that the speculation on bitcoin is against the principles of Islamic finance whiles the use of coins to finance business and operations and the collection of funds from many people is exactly in line with what Islamic finance promotes.
He explains that the crowd funding element could be a huge boost for the Islamic finance world and in fact the various initiatives in various parts of the world.
Buttigieg adds that Malta had an opportunity way back to make an entry into Islamic banking in 2013. Unfortunately did not materialise. “We have have not realised the huge potential that Islamic banking has should Malta be open to the Islamic finance principles particularly given its geographic position”.
The advisory role of Sheikh Hazza in the Sharia-compliant crypto market is expected to attract investors from the Islamic world to the digital money venture.
“It is a great pleasure to join such a diverse and focused team and work together on bringing unique and life changing solutions to the Muslim world and beyond,” Sheikh Hazza said.
Sheikh Hazza will be joining some of the big names from the Islamic finance world such as Sheikh Dr. Nizam Mohammed Saleh Yaquby, referred to by Bloomberg as ‘the Gatekeeper’ of a $2 trillion market for Islamic financial products. Hussein Al Meeza, one of the founders of the Dubai Islamic Bank and Emaar Properties will be pivotal in establishing an ecosystem for the crypto project.
A spokesperson for Sheikh Hazza added “He will also be involved in supporting the innovation and philanthropy work of the company.”
The Swiss-based Haqq Association includes other members from the Abu Dhabi and Dubai ruling families. They include Sheikh Khalifa bin Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan, Sheikh Mohammad bin Khalifa bin Mohammad bin Khalid Al Nahyan and Sheikh Juma bin Maktoum Al Maktoum.
Co-founded by Mohammed AlKaff Al Hashmi, Hussein Mohammed Al Meeza, Andrey Kuznetsov and Alex Malkov, Islamic Coin has recently secured $200 million from private investors.
Related articles:
Islamic Finance and Banking – too good an opportunity to miss (aibc.world)
Modern technologies, especially the AI ChatGPT and Tesla’s autopilot are advancing so fast that it becomes harder and harder for the average person to catch up with it. Because of this, alternative ways to make money become more and more important. Cryptos recently gained popularity, and it becomes crucial to understand how they work. Below, we will analyze why 2023 is the year to learn about crypto and will provide steps on how to do it.
In order for a beginner to understand what we are talking about, you will need to know what these terms mean. For knowledgeable readers, just continue reading the next title.
• Bitcoin dominance – means what percentage of the crypto market is Bitcoin.
• Crypto market capitalization – shows what is the total price of all cryptos combined.
• FUD – fear, uncertainty, and doubt. Marketing trick to promote the perception of fear and doubt.
• Meme coin – A coin created as a meme or joke, without real-world uses. Popular meme coins include Dogecoin and Shiba Inu.
Understanding these terms will make it easier to know what we are talking about in the article below.
From spectacular crushes and bankruptcies like FTX, Luna, and 3AC in 2022, the worst things seem to be behind for the crypto market. These events made fraud and scam projects go away, as the financial crisis made it clear that bad practitioners wouldn’t survive in highly volatile market conditions.
Because of this, what remains are relatively safe and legit projects. To analyze all the important events and tendencies, a regular person will need proper knowledge about crypto. There are sources where crypto education is easily accessible. We will mention some of these sources here, including Binance academy and other well-established sources.
To quickly summarize the current situation in the crypto market, let’s check what the major cryptocurrency, BTC, is doing. Despite all the negative and pessimistic news and FUDs, Bitcoin started to rise again. BTC hitting 21k again appears to be a strong bullish sign.
Since the US Fed is going to stop raising interest rates sometime in 2023, what can happen after this point can only positively affect the crypto market.
From recent events, investors became aware of crypto frauds and scams. Because of this, crypto investors are more knowledgeable and will analyze crypto deeply with technical and fundamental tools.
Creative white papers and meme phrases won’t be enough to maintain investors’ interest. Investors will check if the crypto project has real-world uses and products and if it is truly a new and innovative project. They will use all the metrics and technical analysis tools too. Any get-rich-quick cryptos will immediately be dismissed by investors in 2023.
Before analyzing the crypto coin or token, it is important to see the bigger picture and know what the crypto market is doing. For this, there is one useful method. It is called Bitcoin dominance, and we will compare it to crypto market capitalization to see the overall picture.
Metrics like the relationship between Bitcoin dominance and crypto market capitalization will show if the alts season is open.
If Bitcoin dominance is increasing, but total crypto market capitalization is decreasing, this means that funds are going out of the crypto market. But if bitcoin dominance is decreasing, but total market capitalization is increasing, this shows that altcoins season is starting.
After this, it will be clear what to expect from the crypto market. To further get valuable knowledge about the crypto market and how to analyze charts, investfox.com offers high-quality data and resources.
There are other resources for gaining powerful wisdom in cryptos, one of them being the famous coin market cap. You can see how BTC dominance changed in the last 24 hours. This will enable beginners to see if altcoins are going up or down.
Another great source for education is Binance academy. Binance is a centralized crypto exchange but has years of experience, and they seem solvent and legit, they even provided proof of reserves to show that they are not using clients’ cryptos for any shady activities like the famous fraud FTX was.
2023 is going to be a very good year for cryptos as all negative events are gone. Investors will try to analyze new cryptos in search of new Shiba Inu and Dogecoin more deeply. Bitcoin dominance and other important metrics will show how the crypto market is behaving and what to expect from it.
Good and reliable study materials will make it easier for newbies to understand more about cryptos. Sources mentioned in this article should be sufficient to start learning about cryptos now.
Sandi Bitenc’s love for technology began at the early age of 6. As a young kid, Bitenc used to get sick frequently and still hadn’t discovered his talent for sports, so when he got his first computer – a Commodore – he was immediately hooked.
Since then, our CEO began spending most of his free time around computers, and despite ending up choosing Economics as his business degree, Sandi was always linked to different projects where he could grow his computer skills, having even delved into software development at one point.
By 1999, at only 19 years old, Sandi Bitenc started his first enterprise – a hosting and domain registration company that later developed into the biggest in the Adriatic region and evolved into a proficient software development and marketing agency.
Ever since Sandi Bitenc heard about crypto and the blockchain, he became amazed by the technology and its applications and began studying it and trying to learn everything about it. His first experience with blockchain technology was in a gaming-related company where he needed to use Bitcoin to pay for fees. Sandi quickly realized he still had much to learn about the industry, started reading all about blockchain and got hooked on the idea of a financial revolution presented in the Bitcoin Whitepaper.
Bitenc immediately started learning about how blockchain technology works and with his background in economics got himself involved with a few well performing startups. He’s currently running multiple validator nodes and is invested in more than a dozen crypto projects.
He entered the NFT and Gaming space in early 2020. Sandi Bitenc likes to analyze projects and advise projects, especially on their tokenomics and strategic planning. Thanks to his increasing knowledge, he kept on getting approached by different projects to help with tokenomics and planning. In 2021, Sandi Bitenc finally decided to take on the lead role in 3air, a company he thinks will have a great impact on the world.
His main advantage in the crypto space is the in-depth understanding of the blockchain technology, development and leadership experience and his extensive economics background. That helps Sandi to have a high level overview that not many in the space possess.
“It is not enough to have a good product and good developers for a successful project. The token reacts on similar principles as a whole macroeconomy. In a sense you could say running a successful crypto project includes almost all the aspects of running a government of a country, just on a smaller scale.”
3air brings African users online and into the crypto and blockchain space. Initially, 3air solves the connectivity issues faced on the world’s second-largest continent by population, using a proprietary solution that provides high-speed broadband internet wirelessly. 3air will provide users with a reliable connection to the outside world and ensure they’re included in the global educational, health, financial, and business economies. Imagine what this means for the unconnected?
The 3air platform gives users the tools to transact and earn an income: online payments, DeFi, NFT ownership, Learn-to-Earn & Play-to-Earn modules, staking & token rewards and more. 3air’s goal is to educate and empower all users to use blockchain to grow and manage their wealth.
Ilman Shazhaev is the Founder & CEO of Farcana Metaverse. He is a techpreneur with extensive experience in launching IT and DeepTech engineering projects. For the last 5 years, he launched a series of startups related to IT, gaming, blockchain and healthtech.
With a unique combination of business savvy and technology exploration skills, Ilman Shazhaev has a strong engineering background. He is a rising professional in the information technology (IT), deep technology (deep tech), engineering (engineering), artificial intelligence (AI) and cryptocurrency industries, and he is particularly interested in international technology integration and implementation around the world.
Ilman Shazhaev is in-depth digital assets management and crypto mining expertise, combined with computer science proficiency and engineering experience.
Ilman is also an author of 30 scientific papers and owner of 10 registered patents, having lived and worked in China, South East Asia, Russia and UAE.
Farcana is a blockchain-based gaming project with original Play-to-Hash model, real Bitcoin prize pool and regular tournaments. It connects the best Web2 gaming traditions with the Web3 economy and technologies.
The game is set on a terraformed Mars, where all the mankind divided to four fractions are entering the battle royale for Bitcoin mined with the energy of Infilium – the most powerful resource in the Galaxy.
SiGMA World celebrated the iGaming industry’s resilience even in the most troubling of times. With this we also congratulate the efforts made to make the iGaming world ethical, fraud-free and lawful.
Affiliate Grand Slam congratulated the brilliant marketers and influencers bringing much needed attention to a massive portfolio of industries and rejuvenating the economy one click at a time.
AIBC brought together the pioneers of a bright new age of emerging technology ready, able and willing to be the vanguard of Tomorrow. Other than just the established names, we also hosted many an entrepreneur seeking to expand the frontiers of AI and the Blockchain ever forward.
Finally, Med-Tech World united the medical professionals of many disciplines to combine their keen minds and inexhaustible passion for a better tomorrow with the entrepreneurial spirit of investors who also dream of a world free from disease and cancer.
The Week also saw many a networking dinner, speaking panel, drink gatherings and other opportunities for our hard-working delegates to unwind. A few highlights include the awards that congratulated those whose dedication, skill and acumen made them a leading figure in their industry as well as the fact that the conferences where graced by titans such as John Karony, Nolan Bushnell, Djibril Cissé, Akon and Mark Blandford who was awarded an Outstanding Contribution of the Year award for his pioneering work in the iGaming industry.
Dubai, UAE
09 -11 FEB 2026
Building on the phenomenal success of previous editions, the AIBC Startup Pitch returns to spotlight the most exceptional early-stage ventures. While more than 100 startups will showcase their products and ideas throughout the conference, only the top six, hand-selected by our expert judges, will advance to the live on-stage Pitch during the final leg of the summit.
This high-energy competition opens the door to transformative opportunities, from equity investment and mentorship to consultancy, digital marketing support and powerful networking with top-tier VC funds and accelerators. To strengthen your chances of being selected, applicants are encouraged to submit a 3-minute video introduction. For any questions or assistance, please contact Emily.
Startup Marketing Package
€ 21,300
Boost your startup’s visibility with a comprehensive package featuring a branded expo booth, workspace at one of our office locations, digital marketing services, and exclusive networking opportunities through two iGatherings and Ikigai Lounge access at an event of your choice.
Cloud Infrastructure Package
€ 10,000
Launch and scale your startup with AWS Activate, benefiting from technical support, architecture consultation, and $10,000 in AWS credits to power your platform with confidence.
Blockchain Growth Package
€ 100,000
Accelerate your blockchain project with ZBX’s tailored growth package, offering free listing, dedicated marketing support, and exclusive access to advanced product tools.
Technology Foundation Package
Up to € 400,000
Equip your startup with cutting-edge tools at discounted rates, featuring premium credits from industry leaders including Nvidia, DigitalOcean, Notion, DocSend, and more.
Brand Development Package
€ 7,000
Elevate your startup’s presence with Chips’ premium branding services, featuring a strategic brand workshop, social media optimisation, and a comprehensive website analysis.
Industry Education Package
€ 2,500
Stay ahead of industry regulations and expand your market expertise with a complimentary course of your choice from the iGaming Academy’s professional curriculum.
Talent Acquisition Package
€ 2,000
Build your dream team with r77’s expert HR services, including personalised headhunting, comprehensive salary benchmarking, and dedicated mentorship programmes.
Corporate Setup Package
Attractive Discounts
Kickstart your venture with hands-on support for company setup, licensing, and compliance, guided by CSB Group’s team of industry experts.
Executive Networking Package
Ikigai Retreat
Gain exclusive access to Ikigai Ventures’ C-Level networking at the next Ikigai Retreat; a premier opportunity to connect with industry leaders in an intimate, high-level setting.
*Subject to each partner’s conditions
Startup Lounge Access
Meet investors in the exclusive lounge and feature prominently on the megawall.
Presentation
Startup Pitch presentation for six finalists – meet the investors on stage.
Networking
Invitation to premium networking events during AIBC.
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PR
AIBC PR – magazines, website, email newsletters, interviews.
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Tom Waterhouse
Chief Investment Officer At Waterhouse VC
Meet The Past Winners
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VIT ALENTUM
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Interad AEP
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AIBC Pitch Euro-Med
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BETERS'RIFT
North Korean hackers stole more than $2 billion in cryptocurrency in 2025, marking a record year for state-backed crypto crime and pushing the country’s all-time haul…
Aleksandar Matanović has been in the crypto industry since 2012, when he co-founded a local bitcoin exchange www.ecd.rs, making it the oldest crypto business in the region.
Besides the exchange, his company also operates a network of cryptocurrency ATMs, has developed a cryptocurrency payment application for merchants and has spearheaded the growth of crypto adoption in Serbia.
Having previously graduated with a BSc degree in Electronics, Aleksandar enrolls in the world’s first MSc in Digital Currencies at University of Nicosia in 2014.
Two years later, Aleksandar becomes one of the first graduates of that course.
Aleksandar Matanović strongly believes that blockchain and cryptocurrencies will change the world and tries to have an active role in that revolution.
A new report by the United States’ highest authority on defense and security, The Pentagon, is intensely critical on the emerging technology. The main criticisms include issues of centralization, outdated software and vulnerability to attacks.
The report “Are Blockchains Decentralised, Unintended Centralities in Distributed Ledgers”, has galvanized debate on Blockchain’s role in a number of industries with fintech, security, big tech being amongst the forefront of this growing concern. Possibly the most harsh finding of the report was that a number of actors within a supposedly decentralized Blockchain’s ecosystem are able to
“exert excessive and centralize control over the entire blockchain system.”
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the Pentagon’s research arm, contacted Trail of Bits to investigate Blockchains such as Bitcoin and Ethereum during the course of this aforementioned study. The security research organization found that only four entities in Bitcoin and two entities in Ethereum are required to disrupt their respective ecosystems. Moreover, 60% of all Bitcoin traffic moves through only three ISPs with the organization making note of outdated and unencrypted software and protocols in use.
The Trail of Bits report stated that “the safety of a blockchain depends on the security of the software and protocols of its off-chain governance or consensus mechanisms.” The researchers also studied third-parties vital to their respective ecosystems such as mining pool sites with shocking results.
“ViaBTC, a leading global mining pool, assigns the password “123” to its accounts. Pooling, another mining organization, does not even validate credentials at all, and Slushpool—which has mined more than 1.2 million Bitcoin since 2010—instructs users to ignore the password field. Combined, these three mining pools account for about 25% of the Bitcoin hash rate, or total computer power.”
The report also noted some inherent issues in the decentralized superstructure of Blockchains such as Bitcoin with the concluding statements noting that
“The majority of Bitcoin nodes have significant incentives to behave dishonestly, and in fact, there is no known way to create any permission-less blockchain that is impervious to malicious nodes without having a TTP.”
This critique comes at a vital time in the evolution of the ecosystem. On one hand, the rise of Crypto Winter brought forth by the collapse of Terra-Luna and the Celsius Network have placed the nascent industry under unprecedented amounts of pressure and criticism. On the other, some of the largest institutional investors, respected advisory firms, Venture Capital groups and Big Tech giants are delving headfirst into the industry and its related aspects such as the Metaverse. With concerns on how genuine “decentralization” might be easier said than done, only time will tell how this report will effect the industry down the line.
With the peninsula being known for its natural beauty, rich cultural landscape and fantastic delicacies, the Balkans are renowned for having some of the most quintessentially Mediterranean vistas and experiences. From the Adriatic coastline of Split to the fairytale-esque castle of Lake Bled, the region has a lot to offer the world. This being said, something that fewer may know is the fact that the nations of the Balkans are incubating a nascent but powerfully growing technical expertise when it comes to frontier technology such as Blockchain, AI and more. Therefore the region may not only be a rich adventure into the past but my also serve as a window into the very near future.
Join us in Belgrade for the best the industry has to offer and for a window into the future of Deep Tech. To learn more about sponsorship and speaking opportunities or to inquire about attending the event, please contact Sophie at [email protected]
Romex Jha, CEO International of ZB Group, served as a moderator for a panel discussion that took place on March 21st during the AIBC Dubai Summit. The panel was about the necessity of payment providers for the mass adoption of cryptocurrencies in a fruitful debate with other key leaders in the cryptocurrency space.
There was a broad consensus among the panelists that there is a possibility for crypto to be accepted on a large scale; but the process requires far more moving pieces than the market is now able to accommodate. Currently, the most popular trading pair in crypto is BTC to USDT, and its popularity continues to grow.
Payment providers play a crucial role in fueling this growth. Furthermore, ensuring that supply and demand for crypto are aligned. In spite of this, the discourse has advanced significantly in a short amount of time. If it continues to advance at this rate, it will be intriguing to watch where the industry stands in a few short years.
Gaming, social networks, internet security, and brand presence on social media were all discussed at the conference. The Summit strived to leave attendees with new ideas and insights regarding the industry’s near future. This even included Akon, the world-famous pop star and creator of Akoin, who was a special guest at the event. His pioneering work in spearheading the future of Blockchain in Africa has left its mark on the entire continent with his debut of the Akoin MasterCard being a tangible example of payment providers leading the charge on Mass Adoption.
AIBC is not limited to its audience in the Middle East. Conventions will be hosted in Toronto, Malta, Belgrade, and Nairobi between 2022 and 2023, among others. If this indicates anything, it is that the Bitcoin-aligned conversations taking place in Dubai are in high demand around the world. Thus, it reflects well on the future of the industry.
As the event expands in scope, so does the extent of the dialogues. 47% of AIBC Dubai attendees are decision-makers in this sector, indicating the importance of the event and the people who are participating in it. In spite of the fact that Europe has the most prominent decision makers influencing the digital age, the involvement from policy-makers of Developing countries will definitely begin to balance out as knowledge expands.
At one time, there were real questions about whether or not cryptocurrency could be used on a global scale. Now, discussions are based on the many steps that can be taken for this to happen. The way people debate has changed. Before, the question was always “if” this could happen. Now, the questions are “when” and “how.”
There is a presumption that crypto will attain the heights that people originally doubted it could get. As a result, conversations are becoming increasingly pragmatic. Considering where crypto will go next, the future holds a wealth of opportunities for cryptocurrency.
It’s hard to say what its next move will be on the market. It is still growing at an exponential rate and hundreds of new cryptocurrencies are coming out all the time. But it will definitely need a breakthrough like the ones platformed at AIBC before. At the end of the day, one thing is for sure: a future based on crypto is closer than it has ever been.
Following the massive success that was AIBC Asia, the Summit’s first ever physical debut in the Americas is set to take Toronto by storm this June. Uniting the best and brightest in the emerging tech world, AIBC Americas will feature leading policy makers, executives, technologists and visionaries in groundbreaking areas such as AI, Blockchain and Quantum Computing. The Summit will be composed of three days of thought-leading panels, inspiring keynotes and a massive amount of opportunities to network, leaving our delegates several steps closer to the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Join us from the 6th till the 9th of June in Toronto!
