Recently, CoinsDo had the privilege of manning a booth at Token2049 in Singapore, the largest blockchain and crypto event of the year. With thousands of attendees, countless booths, and over 500 side events, the conference highlighted the tremendous growth and innovation in the space. But with only two days to cover all the content, it became clear that two days just weren’t enough. From deep dives into tokenization and decentralized infrastructure to the overwhelming presence of C-suite executives and security experts, the event offered valuable insights into the direction of the industry. Here are our key takeaways.

Emerging Trends: Tokenization, DePIN, and Real-World Assets

A major takeaway from this year’s event was the growing industry focus on tokenization of Real-World Assets (RWAs) and Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN). Tokenizing physical assets such as real estate, commodities, or even artwork was a central topic, primarily due to the promise of bringing liquidity to traditionally illiquid markets. Through blockchain technology, asset tokenization allows these real-world assets to be fractionally owned and traded, which could revolutionize the financial markets. This trend is gaining traction as major players in the space, such as Chainlink, estimate that tokenized RWAs will surpass the value of cryptocurrencies in the near future, and that the total addressable market (TAM) for tokenized RWAs could reach between $10-15 trillion by 2030, highlighting the immense potential for this sector to disrupt traditional finance.

DePIN was another hot topic at the event, underscoring the decentralization of physical infrastructure—such as data centers, telecom towers, and energy grids—through blockchain technology. By integrating physical assets with decentralized networks, DePIN opens new opportunities for ownership and management, allowing individuals and businesses to participate in the governance and operation of critical infrastructure.

This shift from purely speculative digital assets to real-world applications represents the evolution of blockchain from niche technology to a core component of the future economy. It also drives institutional interest, as traditional finance sees the benefits of combining blockchain’s transparency and decentralization with established industries .

The Dominance of CEXs, Payment Providers, and Security Concerns

Another clear trend at Token2049 was the strong presence of centralized exchanges (CEXs) like Matrixport, Bybit, and CoinW, alongside numerous payment companies. These platforms remain crucial for providing liquidity and offering entry points into the cryptocurrency world, making them indispensable for the digital economy. What stood out was their strategic approach to the event. Rather than spending heavily on formal exhibition booths, many companies chose to deploy large teams to walk the floor and network directly with potential clients and partners. This informal yet aggressive guerrilla marketing tactic underscores just how competitive the market for exchange services and payment solutions has become.

In addition to exchanges and payment providers, the rising presence of security audit firms emphasized the growing concerns around blockchain security. With high-profile hacks and protocol vulnerabilities still plaguing the crypto ecosystem, security has become a top priority. According to a report from TRM Labs, the first half of 2024 alone saw over $1.38 billion worth of crypto being stolen, underlining the urgent need for robust security measures as the space continues to mature. As more traditional businesses adopt blockchain, ensuring regulatory compliance and safeguarding assets will be key to long-term growth and trust in the industry.

C-Level Executives and New Blockchain Projects

One of the most striking observations from the event was the high number of C-level executives in attendance. Decision-makers from traditional finance, fintech, and other industries were actively exploring how blockchain-based solutions could enhance their businesses. This signals that blockchain is no longer a fringe technology. Instead, it’s becoming a critical part of strategic discussions at the highest levels of corporate governance. Many executives were particularly interested in tokenization and regulatory compliance, seeking practical ways to integrate blockchain with existing financial systems to improve efficiency and unlock new revenue streams.

Interestingly, there was a notable lack of new blockchain platforms exhibiting at the event. While some fresh projects were present, most attended as visitors rather than exhibitors. This suggests that many of these projects are still in the early stages of development, prioritizing research and partnership-building over showcasing finished products. Since the launch of The Open Network (TON), the industry has yet to see a breakthrough blockchain that significantly disrupts the ecosystem. Instead, most projects seem focused on building on existing infrastructure, refining the foundations laid by established blockchains such as Ethereum, Solana, and others

Final Thoughts: A Glimpse into the Future of Blockchain

Token2049 Singapore showcased just how far the blockchain and crypto industries have come, but it also highlighted areas where significant work still needs to be done. The themes of tokenization, decentralized infrastructure, and security suggest that the future of blockchain lies in solving real-world problems, not just speculative trading.

For those looking to make an impact in the space, participating in or even organizing a side event at next year’s Token2049 could be a strategic move. The event's scale, combined with the focused interests of C-level executives and security-conscious startups, provides fertile ground for collaborations that could shape the industry’s future. These events provided a more intimate setting for networking and deep discussions, often leading to meaningful partnerships.

We might be organizing our own side event next year, so stay tuned!