Discover how artificial intelligence and Web3 technologies are transforming the digital landscape, driving innovation, and generating new opportunities for growth and decentralization.
In a recent webinar hosted by Will, experts Vivian (Chief Product Officer at BingX), Kanging Liu (AI research scientist), Anndy Lian (author and investor), and Gareth Jenkinson (moderator from Cointelegraph) shared their insights on this transformative intersection.
They discuss real-world use cases, future trends, and strategies for staying ahead in the evolving digital economy.
02:02 Panel Self-Introductions
05:06 Redefining Crypto Through Intelligence
15:18 Simplifying Complexity with AI Systems
23:17 The Power of Web4
28:59 What are the most significant recent advancements in AI, and how are they poised to reshape business and company operations?
35:09 Where can AI deliver the first “easy wins” for digital economy in the next 12 months?
40:10 What has surprised you most about AI’s take-up compared with blockchain and DeFi’s early days?
43:05 How might AI tools make it simpler for a complete crypto beginner to get started?
44:17 In Web3 today, which slice feels most overdue for an AI-powered shake-up, and why?
54:10 Beyond trading, which adjacent Web3 vertical stands to benefit most from an exchange-led AI platform, and what collaboration models could unlock that value?
59:57 Audience Q&A
Anndy Lian is an early blockchain adopter and experienced serial entrepreneur who is known for his work in the government sector. He is a best selling book author- “NFT: From Zero to Hero” and “Blockchain Revolution 2030”.
Currently, he is appointed as the Chief Digital Advisor at Mongolia Productivity Organization, championing national digitization. Prior to his current appointments, he was the Chairman of BigONE Exchange, a global top 30 ranked crypto spot exchange and was also the Advisory Board Member for Hyundai DAC, the blockchain arm of South Korea’s largest car manufacturer Hyundai Motor Group. Lian played a pivotal role as the Blockchain Advisor for Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), an intergovernmental organization committed to improving productivity in the Asia-Pacific region.
An avid supporter of incubating start-ups, Anndy has also been a private investor for the past eight years. With a growth investment mindset, Anndy strategically demonstrates this in the companies he chooses to be involved with. He believes that what he is doing through blockchain technology currently will revolutionise and redefine traditional businesses. He also believes that the blockchain industry has to be “redecentralised”.
A panel discussion titled Bitcoin vs. Gold: Assessing Safe-Haven Assets Amid Market Turmoil brought together industry experts to explore the roles of Bitcoin and gold as safe-haven assets during economic volatility. Moderated by Jameel Ahmad, Chief Analyst at GTCFX, the panel featured Anndy Lian, Intergovernmental Blockchain Advisor and Investor to VulpeFi; Rizwan Shaikh, Regional Manager at ICM.com; Richard Nasr, Crypto Technical Analyst at Tickmill; and Jason Allegrante, Chief Legal & Compliance Officer at Fireblocks. The discussion delved into whether Bitcoin can be considered a viable safe-haven asset compared to gold, the factors driving their price actions, and the broader financial market themes influencing investor sentiment. Below is a comprehensive overview of the insights shared, enriched with direct quotes from the panelists.
Bitcoin as a Safe-Haven Asset: A Polarizing Debate
The panel kicked off with a central question: Can Bitcoin be considered an alternative safe-haven asset? Anndy Lian, a seasoned blockchain advocate, was unequivocally optimistic about Bitcoin’s potential. He highlighted its growing institutional adoption and significant market cap, noting, “If you look at the market cap right now for global assets, I think we are probably top five or top six right now… institutions are really stepping up to look at Bitcoin at another level.” Lian pointed to major players like BlackRock endorsing Bitcoin, suggesting that this institutional backing signals a shift in perception, positioning Bitcoin as a reliable alternative investment. He emphasized its resilience, stating, “Look at it right now, it just passed the all-time high as we speak… it says a lot for the last 10 years.”
Rizwan Shaikh offered a more cautious perspective, acknowledging gold’s historical reliability during economic and geopolitical turmoil. He argued that Bitcoin, which emerged in 2009, still faces challenges like regulatory uncertainty and technological maturation. “Gold gives a solid case, but Bitcoin… will take time to be a safe-haven asset, at least 10 to 15 years,” Shaikh noted, suggesting that Bitcoin’s journey to safe-haven status is still in its infancy.
Richard Nasr, a technical analyst and Bitcoin enthusiast, countered with a compelling case for Bitcoin’s unique attributes. He emphasized its decentralized nature and fixed supply, which provide security and autonomy unmatched by traditional assets like gold. “Bitcoin doesn’t ask for any permission, it just works… no one can freeze it, no one can control it, no one can take it from you,” Nasr stated. He contrasted Bitcoin’s self-custody model with gold’s reliance on banks or vaults, which introduces counterparty risk. Nasr also highlighted a generational divide, noting, “Gen Z prefer Bitcoin… it’s freedom,” while older generations gravitate toward gold’s tangible legacy.
Moderator Jameel Ahmad framed the discussion by referencing recent market events, such as the volatility following Trump’s tariff announcements on April 2, 2025, and the Moody’s downgrade of the U.S. credit rating. He noted that while gold surged to new highs during these periods, Bitcoin’s price action was more erratic, raising questions about its reliability as a hedge or safe haven.
Bitcoin and Gold: Complementary or Competing Assets?
The panelists explored whether investors could be optimistic about both Bitcoin and gold. Lian advocated for a diversified approach, suggesting that a basket of assets, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and physical assets like gold, could form an effective hedge. “If you can have a basket of other assets, I think including Bitcoin, that would be a very good hedge,” he said, acknowledging Bitcoin’s volatility but emphasizing its upward momentum driven by institutional support.
Shaikh agreed, viewing Bitcoin more as an investment than a pure safe haven. He cited its impressive historical returns, noting, “From 2012 to 2022, it’s like 3,000%,” but stressed the need for diversification to mitigate risk. Nasr echoed this sentiment, arguing that gold protects capital while Bitcoin grows it. “Gold is a store of value, Bitcoin is an investment… gold for your future and Bitcoin for your kids’ future,” he quipped, suggesting that the two assets serve complementary roles in a portfolio.
Financial Market Themes Driving Sentiment
The discussion shifted to the broader financial market themes influencing Bitcoin and gold. Lian highlighted the impact of high-profile events, such as a Trump-themed dinner attended by crypto influencers like Justin Sun, which could drive retail attention to cryptocurrencies. “All these small little fun events can actually trigger a lot more retail attention… as compared to CPI or Fed announcements,” he remarked, underscoring the power of narrative-driven market movements in the crypto space.
Shaikh focused on geopolitical trends, particularly de-dollarization, as a key driver for both assets. “Big economies like China, India, Russia are moving away from USD… it will affect, and people will be more into Bitcoin and alternative ways of cross-border payments,” he predicted. He also pointed to upcoming U.S.-China trade settlements as a potential catalyst for volatility in both Bitcoin and gold.
Nasr emphasized the role of institutional inflows, particularly through Bitcoin ETFs and strategic reserves. He referenced the transformative impact of gold ETFs in 2004, which led to a 700% surge over seven years, and suggested that Bitcoin ETFs, approved recently, could drive similar growth. “ETFs bring money, bring inflows, volume… this is what we saw for Bitcoin in the last couple of months,” he noted.
Why Gold Outperformed Bitcoin During Recent Volatility
The panel addressed why gold surged to all-time highs during the market turmoil in April 2025, while Bitcoin lagged. Lian attributed this to gold’s entrenched position among institutional and central bank holders, which allows for greater price stability. “A lot of powerhouses are actually holding on to gold… they could always do a different kind of manipulation,” he explained, contrasting this with Bitcoin’s nascent stage.
Shaikh pointed to gold’s lower volatility as a key factor. “When there is geopolitical or economic disagreement, people look for the asset which is less volatile… that was the reason that gold jumped,” he said. Nasr offered a cyclical perspective, suggesting that investors flock to gold during panic but shift to Bitcoin once the fear subsides. “In panic mode, everyone goes to what they know… when the panic fades, they start looking for what’s next, and that’s where Bitcoin steps in,” he explained.
Price Predictions and Future Outlook
The panelists shared their expectations for Bitcoin and gold price action in the near term. Lian predicted Bitcoin could reach $150,000–$160,000 by the end of 2025, driven by institutional buying and market dynamics. Shaikh was slightly more conservative, forecasting $115,000–$120,000 for Bitcoin and $3,700–$3,900 for gold within the next few months. Nasr, leveraging technical analysis, projected Bitcoin hitting $135,000 in the short term, with a potential peak of $268,500 by the end of the cycle, though he cautioned about a possible correction due to external events like exchange bankruptcies.
The Role of U.S. Policy and Global Trends
The panelists also discussed the impact of U.S. President Donald Trump’s campaign pledge to make America the “crypto capital of the world.” Lian viewed this as a bullish signal, noting, “Since America is open to famous guys like [Justin Sun], I think the regulations are really very clear… let’s move the market.” Shaikh agreed, suggesting that favorable crypto policies could boost innovation and government revenue through taxation. Nasr, however, cautioned that initial market reactions to Trump’s presidency were mixed, with profit-taking causing a temporary dip. He noted, “Now we are in greed… next will be extreme greed,” predicting further upside as optimism grows.
For gold, the panelists identified central bank buying, inflation, and geopolitical tensions as key drivers of its 30% rally in 2025. Nasr highlighted Russia and China’s aggressive gold purchases, while Shaikh emphasized industrial and retail demand. Lian added that gold’s immediate exchangeability makes it a preferred safe haven in crisis-hit regions.
Looking Ahead: Risks and Opportunities
As the discussion concluded, the panelists outlined key themes for investors to monitor in the second half of 2025. Lian urged caution due to potential corrections but saw opportunity in Bitcoin’s volatility. “If you are able to catch the next wave, you could make some really good money,” he advised. Shaikh anticipated greater stability due to trade settlements, while Nasr predicted a strong summer for Bitcoin, with June and July being particularly bullish, followed by a correction in August or September.
Conclusion
The Bitcoin vs. Gold panel at Crypto Expo Dubai 2025 offered a nuanced perspective on the evolving roles of these assets in turbulent markets. While gold’s historical stability and institutional backing make it a go-to safe haven, Bitcoin’s growing acceptance and unique attributes position it as a compelling alternative for the next generation. As Jameel Ahmad summarized, “2025 has already been very eventful… with erratic headlines and incredible volatility.” The panelists’ insights underscored the importance of diversification, vigilance, and understanding market cycles to navigate the opportunities and risks ahead.
Anndy Lian is an early blockchain adopter and experienced serial entrepreneur who is known for his work in the government sector. He is a best selling book author- “NFT: From Zero to Hero” and “Blockchain Revolution 2030”.
Currently, he is appointed as the Chief Digital Advisor at Mongolia Productivity Organization, championing national digitization. Prior to his current appointments, he was the Chairman of BigONE Exchange, a global top 30 ranked crypto spot exchange and was also the Advisory Board Member for Hyundai DAC, the blockchain arm of South Korea’s largest car manufacturer Hyundai Motor Group. Lian played a pivotal role as the Blockchain Advisor for Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), an intergovernmental organization committed to improving productivity in the Asia-Pacific region.
An avid supporter of incubating start-ups, Anndy has also been a private investor for the past eight years. With a growth investment mindset, Anndy strategically demonstrates this in the companies he chooses to be involved with. He believes that what he is doing through blockchain technology currently will revolutionise and redefine traditional businesses. He also believes that the blockchain industry has to be “redecentralised”.
At the Crypto Expo 2025 held in Dubai, a dynamic panel discussion titled Building a Blockchain Ecosystem: Partnerships, Innovation, and Growth brought together industry leaders to explore the pivotal role of partnerships in advancing blockchain technology. Moderated by Anndy Lian, an intergovernmental blockchain advisor, the panel featured Hakim Bousba (Surge Group), Jehanzeb Awan (J. Awan & Partners), Mete AI (ICB Network), and Pratik Gauri (5ire). Their insights illuminated strategies for fostering collaboration, driving mass adoption, and addressing gaps in the blockchain ecosystem. This article synthesizes their perspectives, highlighting actionable strategies and visionary ideas for the future of blockchain.
The Power of Partnerships in Blockchain
The panel unanimously emphasized that partnerships are the backbone of a thriving blockchain ecosystem. Anndy Lian set the tone by sharing his experience as a former partnership chief at Bybit, where collaborations with global brands like Formula 1’s Red Bull and German soccer club Borussia Dortmund (BVB) yielded significant results. “Partnerships always stay very true to us,” Lian remarked, underscoring their enduring value despite market fluctuations.
Hakim Bousba highlighted partnerships as a gateway to mass adoption, particularly through sports and entertainment. He cited examples like Tezos’ collaboration with Red Bull and Chiliz’s partnerships with football clubs such as FC Barcelona and PSG, which leveraged fan bases to introduce crypto through NFTs and tokenized voting rights. Bousba also pointed to Binance’s efforts to integrate stablecoin trading with stock markets, predicting that such moves could attract traditional traders to crypto. “By attracting stock traders to the crypto markets, we can bring a lot of volume and users,” he noted.
Jehanzeb Awan offered a pragmatic perspective, stressing the need for partnerships to deliver mutual economic value. “Behind any strategic initiative, you have to understand why you’re trying to do that,” Awan cautioned, noting that many partnerships fail due to a lack of clear value propositions. He used a vivid analogy: “If I have 50 mangoes and you have 200 apples, I can either plant an apple tree or partner with you to get the apples.” Awan warned against superficial PR-driven partnerships, referencing a $900 million stadium naming deal that fizzled out, and urged a focus on sustainable, value-driven collaborations.
Mete AI emphasized ICB Network’s collaborative approach, particularly with educational institutions. “We are making so many collaborations with universities and ministries of education worldwide,” he said, detailing initiatives to tokenize certificates and KYC processes via NFTs. These partnerships aim to integrate blockchain into e-learning and identity verification, bridging Web2 and Web3 ecosystems. Mete’s vision underscores the potential for blockchain to transform traditional sectors through strategic alliances.
Pratik Gauri, whose 5ire platform champions sustainability, highlighted partnerships as critical for credibility and adoption. He shared 5ire’s collaborations with the World Economic Forum, the Nobel Peace Prize Forum, and the government of India, which trained over a million students in blockchain for free. “Partnerships play a massive role for adoption, credibility, and brand building,” Gauri stated, emphasizing their role in onboarding Web2 users to Web3.
Bridging Web2 and Web3: Strategies for Adoption
A recurring theme was the challenge of transitioning Web2 users to Web3, with panelists offering diverse strategies. Gauri argued that education is key to making Web3 accessible, particularly for retail investors intimidated by crypto’s volatility. “There needs to be an educational toolkit to bring legitimacy and credibility,” he said, advocating for partnerships with banks and governments to normalize crypto. He also noted the growing acceptance of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and crypto trading on major exchanges as catalysts for adoption.
Mete AI proposed practical solutions like using NFTs as event tickets to familiarize users with blockchain. “If we can use an NFT as a ticket, it changes a lot of minds,” he said, suggesting that such initiatives could spark curiosity and drive crypto usage. He also envisioned AI-driven education within metaverse platforms to teach blockchain concepts globally, targeting younger generations to build long-term adoption.
Awan took a contrarian view, arguing that expecting mass understanding of blockchain’s technicalities is unrealistic. “How many of you know how the internet works technically?” he asked the audience, drawing parallels to Web3 adoption. “Web3 has to get to a place where nobody thinks about it—you just use it.” Awan identified user interface (UI) simplicity as a critical factor, advocating for platforms that reduce interactions to “three clicks” to buy crypto. He also distinguished between retail and institutional investors, noting that the latter require robust hedging strategies absent in current crypto markets.
Bousba contextualized adoption within market cycles, observing that bull markets drive hype but often lack substance. “During a bear market, everybody is building; during a bull market, everybody is scared,” he said, stressing the need for education to sustain interest beyond market peaks. He also championed technical innovations like account abstraction (ERC-4337), which simplifies blockchain interactions by allowing key recovery and conditional phrases, making Web3 more user-friendly for non-technical users.
Lian reinforced the integration of Web3 into Web2 startup ecosystems. Drawing from his experience in Mongolia, where he advised policymakers, he noted surprise among officials at Web3’s potential. “Merge yourself with startup communities,” he advised, suggesting that demo days and startup events are fertile ground for preaching Web3’s benefits and fostering organic partnerships.
Gaps in the Ecosystem: Education, Regulation, and Trust
The panel identified critical gaps in the blockchain ecosystem, with education and regulation emerging as top priorities. Gauri lamented the lack of university partnerships, particularly in Southeast Asia, where young populations could drive adoption. “The awareness level of younger kids would go higher with university partnerships,” he said, criticizing reliance on influencers as misleading entry points.
Mete AI echoed the education gap, proposing AI as a solution to democratize blockchain knowledge. “With AI, we can educate everyone on blockchain,” he said, envisioning a future where AI-powered platforms teach NFT and crypto applications to kids, fostering a blockchain-literate generation.
Awan highlighted regulatory challenges, noting that regulators face a “lose-lose” scenario: strict rules stifle innovation, while lax ones risk scams. He advocated for balanced regulations that protect investors without stifling growth, citing the high costs of compliance as a barrier for startups. “If you’re not funded, you shouldn’t be in it,” he said, emphasizing the need for robust infrastructure to handle investor funds.
Bousba stressed the need for intra-industry partnerships among layer-1 (L1) and layer-2 (L2) blockchains to standardize technologies like account abstraction. “We need partnerships inside the blockchain industry,” he said, arguing that technical collaboration could streamline user experiences and accelerate adoption.
The Role of Influencers: Opportunity or Obstacle?
The panel debated the role of key opinion leaders (KOLs) and influencers in blockchain adoption. Bousba was skeptical, noting that many KOLs promote multiple projects daily, eroding credibility. “The audience is losing trust because influencers are just trying to make money,” he said, though he acknowledged that celebrities with reputational stakes could drive meaningful adoption.
Awan took a hardline stance, drawing from traditional finance. “If you promote coins that don’t do well or are rug pulls, you should end up in jail,” he asserted, advocating for regulatory oversight of influencer promotions. He distinguished memecoins, often driven by speculation, from utility-driven projects, warning against the “get-rich-quick” mentality.
Mete AI was critical of KOLs, accusing many of exploiting investors. “Mostly, KOLs get money to rob your money,” he said, though he acknowledged their role in memecoin and NFT markets, particularly in Asia. Gauri predicted a diminishing role for KOLs as adoption matures, comparing crypto to stock markets where informed investing reduces reliance on influencers. “Ten years down the line, the role would considerably decrease,” he said.
Lian offered a balanced view, recognizing both “good and bad” influencers. He noted the evolving regulatory landscape, referencing former President Trump’s framing of NFTs as collectibles, which could reshape influencer accountability.
Closing Thoughts: Community and Real-World Impact
In their final remarks, the panelists crystallized their visions for the blockchain ecosystem. Gauri emphasized scale, predicting a $10 trillion industry driven by large-scale partnerships. Mete AI urged startups to prioritize venture capital and blockchain collaborations over wasteful PR spending. Awan advocated for real-world use cases, citing stablecoin-enabled trade finance in Africa as a model for creating tangible value. Bousba saw crypto’s chaos as an opportunity, urging a safe yet innovative approach.
Lian concluded with a powerful reminder: “Community is the best partnership. Without people to use the tech, there will be no future.” His call to treasure communities resonated as a unifying theme, underscoring that partnerships—whether with governments, universities, or startups—must ultimately serve users to drive blockchain’s growth.
Conclusion
The Crypto Expo 2025 panel offered a roadmap for building a robust blockchain ecosystem through strategic partnerships, education, and user-centric innovation. From sports-driven mass adoption to AI-powered education and regulatory balance, the panelists’ insights provide a blueprint for bridging Web2 and Web3. As the industry evolves, their emphasis on community, credibility, and real-world impact will guide blockchain’s journey toward mainstream adoption.
Anndy Lian is an early blockchain adopter and experienced serial entrepreneur who is known for his work in the government sector. He is a best selling book author- “NFT: From Zero to Hero” and “Blockchain Revolution 2030”.
Currently, he is appointed as the Chief Digital Advisor at Mongolia Productivity Organization, championing national digitization. Prior to his current appointments, he was the Chairman of BigONE Exchange, a global top 30 ranked crypto spot exchange and was also the Advisory Board Member for Hyundai DAC, the blockchain arm of South Korea’s largest car manufacturer Hyundai Motor Group. Lian played a pivotal role as the Blockchain Advisor for Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), an intergovernmental organization committed to improving productivity in the Asia-Pacific region.
An avid supporter of incubating start-ups, Anndy has also been a private investor for the past eight years. With a growth investment mindset, Anndy strategically demonstrates this in the companies he chooses to be involved with. He believes that what he is doing through blockchain technology currently will revolutionise and redefine traditional businesses. He also believes that the blockchain industry has to be “redecentralised”.
