Binance, the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange, marked its 8th anniversary with a vibrant Twitter Spaces session titled Hear Your Stories, Share Your Own – #BinanceTurns8 Series Episode 1. Hosted by Binance Community Associates Diana and Mila, the event featured: Anndy Lian, a blockchain expert and best-selling author, and Sjuul Follings, founder of AltCryptoGems. The session offered a deep dive into Binance’s transformative impact, current market trends fueled by Bitcoin’s recent all-time highs, and practical advice for navigating the ever-evolving crypto landscape. With an engaging Q&A segment, the event also highlighted the voices of the Binance community, making it a fitting celebration of eight years of innovation and growth.
Binance’s Monumental Contributions to Crypto
Over the past eight years, Binance has evolved from a fledgling startup into a global powerhouse, boasting over 280 million users. The discussion kicked off with reflections on its pivotal role in shaping the cryptocurrency ecosystem. Sjuul Follings emphasized Binance’s success in onboarding new users, crediting its intuitive platform and robust educational resources. “Binance has made crypto easier for newcomers,” he noted, highlighting how the exchange has lowered barriers to entry since its early days in 2017. He also praised initiatives like Binance Labs, which have incubated groundbreaking blockchain projects, fostering innovation across the industry.
Anndy Lian, drawing from his long-standing relationship with Binance since its inception in China, underscored its leadership in security and compliance. He pointed to Binance’s pioneering efforts in collaborating with authorities to combat crypto-related crimes, a move that has bolstered user trust. “They were one of the first exchanges to build a comprehensive compliance department,” Lian said, noting how this focus on safety has distinguished Binance in a competitive market, from its strategic relocations, China to Japan, then Singapore to the UAE. Binance has consistently adapted, solidifying its position as a trailblazer.
Riding the Wave: Current Market Trends
With Bitcoin soaring to new all-time highs, recently surpassing $120,000, the session naturally turned to the state of the crypto market. Sjuul Follings observed a shifting dynamic, where altcoins are beginning to reclaim attention after Bitcoin’s prolonged dominance. “It feels like altcoins are finally getting a piece of the pie,” he said, predicting a potential rotation from Bitcoin to high-cap altcoins like Ethereum, and eventually to mid- and low-cap projects. He attributed Bitcoin’s surge to a combination of macroeconomic factors, including Federal Reserve rate cuts, institutional investments via ETFs, and easing inflation, which created a snowball effect of adoption and media buzz.
Anndy Lian, however, injected a note of caution. While celebrating the bullish momentum, he stressed that sustainable growth hinges on real-world development, not just speculation. “The price is running faster than the builders,” he warned, urging the community to support projects with tangible use cases. He cited examples like Bhutan’s collaboration with Binance Pay, the world’s first national crypto tourism payment system, as a model for practical adoption, enabling travelers to use cryptocurrency for flights, visas, and even coffee.
Guidance for New Investors
For the wave of newcomers entering the space amid this bull run, both speakers emphasized education and caution. Sjuul Follings shared a personal anecdote from his early days, describing his first crypto experience as “painful” after losing money on memecoins. “Start small, lose a little, and learn from it,” he advised, stressing the importance of transparency about the risks. He encouraged creators to highlight both the opportunities and pitfalls, ensuring new investors aren’t deterred by early setbacks.
Anndy Lian echoed this sentiment, advocating for due diligence over hype-chasing. “Find projects you trust and believe in,” he said, reflecting on his own journey from skepticism to conviction when he first used crypto to buy coffee. He also called for more builders to drive sustainable value, warning that without development, the current boom could falter. Both speakers agreed that Binance’s educational efforts—through content and user-friendly tools—play a critical role in equipping novices to thrive.
Community Voices: Q&A Highlights
The session’s open mic segment brought the Binance community into the spotlight, with listeners sharing stories and posing questions. One participant, Ahmed, asked about the speakers’ mining experiences. Sjuul admitted to dabbling in Dogecoin mining early on but losing access to the coins, while Anndy noted he’s invested in mining operations but avoids it personally due to high electricity costs.
A question about their biggest mistakes elicited candid responses. Sjuul reflected on losses from the Luna crash and a recent scam, underscoring the need for skepticism: “If it’s too good to be true, it probably is.” Community member Ming, from the Captain BNB community, inquired how Binance could expand into Western markets like the U.S. Anndy suggested closer collaboration with Binance and a push into Asia to broaden their footprint, encouraging the team to leverage their mascot’s appeal.
The philosophical query, “What moment made you believe in crypto?” drew heartfelt answers. For Sjuul, it was the 2021 bull run, when crypto’s mainstream visibility, from Formula 1 sponsorships to bus ads, convinced him of its staying power. Anndy pinpointed the moment he used crypto for everyday purchases, realizing its practical potential beyond finance.
Looking Ahead: Binance’s Role and Community Wisdom
As Binance steps into its ninth year, the speakers offered strategic feedback. Anndy proposed enhancing services for high-net-worth clients with relationship managers and a premium “Binance Black Card,” alongside a stronger focus on Web3 and decentralized exchanges (DEX). “DEX is the future,” he asserted, urging Binance to lead in this space to onboard users globally, especially those unable to access centralized platforms due to KYC barriers. Sjuul, unable to use Binance in the Netherlands due to licensing, suggested prioritizing regional compliance to recapture markets and recommended more engaging, educational content to attract new users.
Their parting words encapsulated their philosophies. Sjuul advised, “No one ever went broke by taking profits,” encouraging prudent gains-taking. Anndy countered, “Trust is the new hype,” urging conviction over crowd-following. Mila, reflecting on Binance’s journey, highlighted adaptability as a key lesson, noting how listening to users and pivoting swiftly has kept the platform ahead.
Summing Up
The #BinanceTurns8 Twitter Spaces session was a celebration of milestones and a forward-looking dialogue on crypto’s trajectory. From Binance’s role in onboarding millions and setting security standards to the market’s bullish surge and the need for sustainable growth, Anndy Lian and Sjuul Follings provided a roadmap for the future.
As Bitcoin scales new heights and adoption accelerates—evidenced by innovations like Binance Pay in Bhutan, the insights shared here underscore the importance of education, caution, and community in building a resilient crypto ecosystem. With Binance at the helm, the following billion users may well find their gateway to this transformative space.
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”.
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”.
