DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – 18/05/2025 – (SeaPRwire) – As the sun rose over the iconic skyline of Dubai, the global Web3 community converged at Madinat Jumeirah for the grand opening of HODL 2025, the world’s longest-running blockchain event organized by Trescon. This year’s summit arrives at a critical juncture for the industry, as blockchain technology and decentralized finance (DeFi) stand poised to redefine the future of global finance. With over 29 editions spanning cities like Singapore, Bangkok, and now Dubai, HODL has cemented its reputation as the premier platform for blockchain innovation, deal-making, and thought leadership.
A Convergence of Visionaries
The two-day event, strategically timed after the Dubai FinTech Summit (May 12), underscores Dubai’s growing dominance in the Web3 arena. In a landmark announcement during the opening ceremony, His Excellency Essa Kazim, Governor of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), revealed plans for the inaugural Dubai Future Finance Week in 2026. This mega-event will unify Dubai’s flagship financial gatherings—including the Dubai FinTech Summit, Future Sustainability Forum, and HODL Summit—under a singular mission: “Pioneering tomorrow’s financial landscape: Innovation, sustainability, and global connectivity.”
“Our participation in Dubai Future Finance Week reflects Trescon’s unwavering commitment to driving Web3 innovation,” stated Mohammed Saleem, Founder & Chairman of Trescon. “Dubai’s ambition to become a global financial hub aligns perfectly with our vision for a decentralized future.”
Day 1 Highlights: Regulation, Insurance, and Institutional Adoption
The first day of HODL 2025 delivered a powerhouse lineup of discussions, headlined by the panel “Crypto Rulebook: Global Best Practices and Regulatory Measures.” Moderated by Saqr Ereiqat, Secretary General of the Dubai Digital Asset Association, the session featured insights from:
- Dyma Budorin (CEO, Hacken): “Our goal is to build the best ecosystem for Web3 entrepreneurs to thrive.”
- Samir Safar-Aly (MENA FinTech Association): “Regulators must collaborate to keep pace with innovation.”
- Erwin Voloder (European Blockchain Association): Emphasized the need for harmonized global standards.
- Belal Jassoma (DMCC): Highlighted Dubai’s progressive regulatory framework.
Another standout session, “Insuring the Future of Crypto,” explored the $6 trillion opportunity for insurance in de-risking digital assets. Joseph Ziolkowski (CEO, Relm Insurance) noted: “Insurance isn’t just a safety net—it’s the foundation for institutional trust and ecosystem resilience.”
Meanwhile, Cristian Ulloa (CEO, Liquid Loans) shared actionable strategies for navigating crypto investments while avoiding common pitfalls—a session hailed by attendees as a “masterclass in sustainable wealth-building.”
Global Leaders Take the Stage
From DeFi to tokenization, Day 1 featured keynote speeches and fireside chats with industry titans, including:
- Corbin Fraser (CEO, Bitcoin.com) on Bitcoin’s evolving role in institutional portfolios.
- Gracy Chen (CEO, Bitget) discussing the rise of decentralized exchanges.
- Robert Crossley (Global Head, Franklin Templeton) on bridging traditional finance with blockchain.
Ecosystem Support: Sponsors and Exhibitors
HODL 2025’s success is powered by its partners, including:
- Platinum Sponsor: Liquid Loans
- Gold Sponsors: Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Gofaizen & Sherle
- Startup Pods: Scintilla, Ace Capital, and vbanq showcased groundbreaking prototypes.
Media Amplification
With support from CNN Business Arabic, Khaleej Times, and Entrepreneur Middle East, HODL 2025’s discussions are reaching millions, solidifying its role as the definitive forum for Web3’s future.
About HODL
Born from the legacy of the World Blockchain Summit, HODL has hosted 29 editions worldwide since 2017. The 2025 Dubai edition continues this tradition, offering unparalleled networking, investment opportunities, and insights into blockchain’s next frontier. Join the conversation on May 14–15, 2025, to witness history in the making.
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