2024 Blockchain Futurist Conference | Canada's Largest Web3 Event! | Day 1

Canada has world-class developers, thriving communities and was the birthplace of Ethereum, yet lacks political champions to enable broader crypto adoption

Regulatory clarity exists in Canada but fragmentation between provinces creates challenges - better alignment and harmonization needed between jurisdictions

Stand With Crypto advocacy group aims to help educate public officials and increase voices supporting digital assets in Canada

Institutions manage ~80% of wealth in Canada but need more education and capacity around digital assets to enable diversification into crypto

Japan taking strict but supportive regulatory approach focused on consumer protection and transparency for crypto adoption

ETF approvals in US shifting institutional mindsets and validating crypto as legitimate asset class

Key challenges preventing mass adoption: usability barriers, technical complexity, regulatory uncertainty, volatility concerns

Alberta positioning itself as crypto-friendly jurisdiction with regulatory sandboxes, low corporate taxes and utilities costs

Staking and restaking present new opportunities but also risks around smart contracts, slashing, and concentration that need consideration

Social investing and community elements becoming more important for retail adoption, especially around meme coins and speculation