Beyond the Panels: What Crypto Leaders Really Took Home from TOKEN2049 Dubai
1. Strategic Shift to Dubai
Eowyn Chen (Trust Wallet) and Tracy Jin (MEXC) confirmed: Dubai is not just a conference destination, but is becoming a real hub of operations. US and European funds are establishing a long-term presence here, looking for a clear and friendly regulatory environment. TOKEN2049 is a milestone to reposition MENA as a global priority.
2. Institutional Money: No Longer a “Story”
Griffin Ardern (BloFin) clarified that institutions are actually trading, but are still very focused on BTC and stablecoins. The altcoin boom is only popular with retail investors. Eowyn added: Volumes are increasing in the payment and liquidity sectors; while stablecoins and self-custody wallets are still finding “product-market fit”.
3. Maturity Instead of Hype
Vivien Lin (BingX) made it clear: TOKEN2049 represents a shift from hype to institutional-builder-policymaker convergence. Attendees are no longer talking about the next memecoin, but about utility, DeFi–CeFi convergence, and real Web3 pillars.
4. AI and blockchain: Getting real
Vivien argues that AI is being deeply integrated into core products — from transaction analysis to real-time risk optimization. Eowyn admits that AI is still in its infancy in Trust Wallet, but has the potential to enhance user experience and increase security if implemented properly.
5. RWA (Real-World Assets): From Theory to Practice
Michael Jerlis (EMCD) confirmed that RWA is moving fast thanks to a mature infrastructure. EMCD has launched its own RWA initiative, with investments starting at just $5,000. While custody and regulatory challenges remain, the momentum is clearly real and growing.
6. Memecoin: No Longer the Front Door
Eowyn argues that memecoin is still a tool for attracting new users, but is now more about speculation than culture building. The hope now is to help users move from hype to products with real, sustainable value — where wallets play a leading role.
7. Offstage Conversation: Simplicity is the Trend
Michael and Vivien both agreed that the biggest hurdles right now are complex user experiences and the feeling that “crypto feels like work.” Users want products that “just work” — simple, trustworthy, and less friction.
8. MENA is the next “big game”
Tracy Jin highlights MENA as a strategic hub, not just because of its tech-savvy users but also because of institutional capital. MEXC chose Dubai to launch its $300M Development Fund as a step toward positioning the region on its global roadmap.
The Final Message:
TOKEN2049 Dubai is not just an event, but a place that affirms a real shift:
From hype to infrastructure,
From memecoin to utility,
From native markets to institutional money,
And from technical innovation to sustainable user experience.