Navigating the Future: Decentralized FinTech and the Digital Frontier
Hybrid Forum | October 30-31, 2024 | Istanbul Kent University, Türkiye
The forum
The program will include a range of formats designed to engage participants at all levels.
- Keynotes will provide insights into the basics of decentralized FinTech and explore new frontiers in entrepreneurial innovation.
- Panels will delve into topics such as the integration of AI with blockchain, community-led governance models, and the navigation of complex regulatory landscapes.
- Interactive workshops will offer practical, hands-on experience in areas such as launching decentralized businesses, ensuring security and compliance in trustless environments, and developing smart contracts.
Topics
Security and transparency will be critical focal points, with discussions on managing risks in decentralized systems, preventing fraud, and addressing governance challenges.
Workshops will cover best practices for cyber hygiene, promoting transparency in community governance, and protecting data privacy within decentralized networks.
Additionally, there will be sessions dedicated to combating disinformation and fostering a culture of ethics and accountability in decentralized communities.
The forum is organized by World Learning and Digital Communication Network Global with funding from the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
SCHEDULE
OCTOBER 29
Day 1: Introduction to Decentralized FinTech, Blockchain Communities, and Entrepreneurial Opportunities
Opening Remarks
- Nikos Panagiotou, President, DCN Global, Greece
- Murat Can PEHLİVANOĞLU, Associate Professor of Commercial Law, Istanbul Kent University, Türkiye
“Decentralizing the Future: Flexible Government through Innovation”
Ahmed Yousif, Co-Founder & CEO, Vision Innovation, U.S.
Ahmed Yousif will share how blockchain (think of it as a super-secure digital record book) is helping governments work better and be more open with citizens. He'll use examples from his work in the Middle East to show how this technology can make government services faster, safer, and more trustworthy.
Panel: "Blockchain and the Future of Finance: Driving Sustainability, Inclusion, and Transparency in a Decentralized World"
- Isabelle Ugurlu, Global Payments Manager - Advisory Position, jooli.com, France
- Vèra Condratov, Fintech Compliance, AML & Blockchain Forensics Consultant, Independent Consultant, Greece & Moldova
- Chia Hock Lai, Co-chairman, Global Fintech Institute, Singapore
- Rodrigo Barbosa e Silva, Founder and CEO, Livix Fintech, Brazil
- Eric William Pitts, Managing Partner, 402PAYMENT, Germany
- Chayathorn Temnitikul, Senior Associate, Investment Banking and Tokenization, Token X, SCBX Group, Thailand
Experts will discuss how blockchain changes how we handle money and do business globally. They'll talk about making finance more eco-friendly, helping people who don't have access to banks, ensuring companies are honest about their practices, and using "smart contracts" (think of them as digital agreements that work automatically) to make financial services better for everyone.
Coffee Break
Workshop: "Understanding and Leveraging Bitcoin and Decentralized Value Systems"
George Tzegkas, Economic Analyst (a.k.a. CryptoCapitalist), Greece
George Tzegkas will explain Bitcoin and similar digital currencies. You'll learn about this new form of money that isn't controlled and how it might change the way we think about value and financial freedom.
Lunch Break
Workshop: "Blockchain-Powered Invoice Management: Transforming B2B Transactions with Efficiency and Trust"
Muhammad Salman Anjum, Founder & Chief Mate, InvoiceMate – Dubai, UAE
In this workshop, Muhammad Salman Anjum will show how blockchain can make paying bills between businesses much easier and more secure. It's like having a super-efficient, tamper-proof system for keeping track of who owes what.
“DeFi and the New Frontier: Building a Regulatory-Compliant and Scalable Fintech Ecosystem”
Alexandra Damsker, Legal/ Operations Strategic ConsultantLegal/ Operations Strategic Consultant, Damsker & Co, U.S.
"Blockchain and Crowdfunding: Democratizing Access to Capital in Emerging Markets"
Aysegul Sensoy, General Manager Fuze - Chair Istanbul Blockchain Women, Türkiye
Aysegul Sensoy will discuss how blockchain is making it easier for startups in developing countries to raise money. It's like creating a global, digital piggy bank that anyone can contribute to or benefit from.
Workshop: "AI and Blockchain Synergy: Innovations for Decentralized FinTech Solutions"
Yik Wai Chee, Co-founder, Crowdsukan, Malaysia
Yik Wai Chee will explore how artificial intelligence and blockchain can work together to create smarter, more efficient financial services. It's like combining a super-smart computer brain with an unbreakable record book.
Day 2: Addressing Broader Threats and Ensuring Transparency in Decentralized FinTech
“Enhancing Corporate Transparency with Blockchain: The Future of Beneficial Ownership Disclosure”
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Murat Can PEHLİVANOĞLU, Associate Professor of Commercial Law, Istanbul Kent University, Türkiye
“The FinTech Ecosystem in Türkiye”
Prof. Dr. Volkan Yücel, Founder and Head of the Digital Game Design Department, Istanbul Kent University, Türkiye
Coffee Break
"Blockchain 4.0: Accelerating Fintech Innovation with Decentralized and Trustless Systems in Municipal Services and Applications"
Dr. Erol Ozguner, CIO, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM), Türkiye
Dr. Erol Ozguner will explain the latest advancements in blockchain technology and how they're making financial services faster, more secure, and more accessible to everyone.
"The Evolution of Decentralized Finance (DeFi): Opportunities and Challenges for Fintech Startups"
Taras Yavorskyy, General Partner, 3X Capital, Poland
Taras Yavorskyy will discuss how new financial services that don't rely on traditional banks are creating opportunities for innovative startups, as well as the hurdles they face.
"Bridging Neuroscience and Blockchain: Leveraging Cognitive Insights for Financial Innovation"
Rebecca Spour, Strategic Advisor, Minervavaluations.com, Canada
Rebeca Spour will discuss how understanding the human brain can help create better blockchain-based financial products that are more intuitive and user-friendly.
“Harnessing the Power of Open Networks: The DPI Case Study from India”
Joseph Sebastian, Investor, Blume Ventures, India
Lunch Break
Panel: "Navigating the Legal Labyrinth: Regulatory Challenges and Information Integrity in the Blockchain Era"
- Vèra Condratov, Fintech Compliance, AML & Blockchain Forensics Consultant, Independent Consultant, Greece & Moldova
- Dimitris Dimitriadis, Futurist, Greece
This session will explore the complex legal landscape surrounding blockchain technology and decentralized finance, as well as the challenges of maintaining information integrity in a rapidly evolving digital ecosystem. Expert panelists will discuss current regulatory frameworks, potential future legislation, and strategies for balancing innovation with compliance. They'll also address the critical issue of combating misinformation and ensuring data accuracy in decentralized systems.
“AI and Blockchain Synergy: Ensuring Bias and Fairness, Transparency, and Cybersecurity in FinTech”
Anna Mysyshyn, Director of the Institute of Innovative Governance; AI and Disinformation Expert, Ukraine
Coffee Break and Networking
"Truth in the Chain: Open Dialogue on Information Integrity in the Blockchain Era"
Facilitated Open Conversation
Description:
This session will foster an open, collaborative discussion on the challenges and opportunities surrounding information integrity in the blockchain and decentralized finance ecosystem. Participants will explore how blockchain technology can both combat and potentially exacerbate issues of misinformation and disinformation, and brainstorm innovative solutions to ensure trust and accuracy in decentralized systems.
Session Structure:
1. Introduction
- Brief overview of the topic's relevance to blockchain and decentralized finance
- Explanation of the open conversation format and ground rules
2. Topic Stations
Set up 4-5 "topic stations" around the room, each focused on a different aspect of information integrity in blockchain. Participants can move freely between stations, contributing ideas and discussing with others. Suggested topics:
- Combating Financial Misinformation in DeFi
- Blockchain Solutions for Verifying Information Sources
- The Double-Edged Sword: How Decentralization Affects Information Spread
- Balancing Privacy and Transparency in Blockchain Systems
- Education and Literacy: Empowering Users to Identify Reliable Information
Each station has a facilitator to guide discussion and take notes.
3. Idea Sharing
Facilitators from each station summarize key points and innovative ideas that emerged. Open the floor for brief comments or additions from participants.
4. Collaborative Solution Building
As a large group, identify the most pressing challenges discussed and brainstorm potential cross-cutting solutions or areas for further research.
5. Wrap-up and Call to Action
- Summarize main takeaways
- Discuss how participants can continue to address these issues beyond the conference
- Share resources for further learning or involvement
Concluding Remarks: "Securing the Future: Decentralized Leadership and Ethical FinTech Practices"
Dimitris Dimitriadis, Futurist, Greece
Dimitris Dimitriadis will wrap up the conference, highlighting the importance of responsible innovation in the world of blockchain and finance.
Speakers
