Hedgeweek European Digital Assets Summit 2024

Bitcoin rallies, landmark SEC ETF approval, and the April halving- How have these events reshaped strategies for fund managers for the remainder of the year?
Fund positioning for growth- Assessing the crypto market outlook, performance trends, and the hedge fund strategies best placed to succeed in H2 and beyond.
Digital asset innovation and the introduction of new coins- How are the top funds planning to leverage these opportunities to maximize returns and stay ahead in the race?
Navigating Uncertainty- What strategies can you leverage to best manage risk, safeguard assets and capitalise on market fluctuations such as geopolitical volatility and the US election for optimal performance.

Managing digital asset investment risk- When could the market cycle turn?
Crypto correlations- How can you anticipate the performance of digital assets in rate cut environments and election tailwinds?
What are the macro narratives that will dominate the digital asset investment landscape over the next 12 months?
The bitcoin thesis vs macro- Interest rate expectations, liquidity and money supply and the impact on investing
Digital asset volumes- Where should you position yourself on the crypto curve cycle to mitigate downward risk and ensure you have a flexible investment approach?
Where is the opportunity for alpha over the next 18 months and how can you position yourself to capture this?

Qualified Custody Explained- Demonstrating the intricacies of qualified custody rules and identifying custodians who meet stringent regulatory and security standards.
Technology, regulatory and security- What are the critical boxes that need to be ticked for a qualifies, safe custodian?
Evaluating the pros and cons of different custody solutions- From omnibus structures to regulated entities to navigate challenges such as counterparty risk and connectivity to exchanges.
Partnering for protection- How to collaborate with custodians to ensure the safety and security of your digital asset holdings.
Will the FTX scandal ultimately act as a positive to safeguard the future of digital assets?

What role does AI play in revolutionizing risk management, and how are proprietary data streams and predictive analytics used to secure portfolios?
What challenges do traditional financial tools face in the digital assets landscape, and why is the development of bespoke tools critical for managing counterparty risk?
How can strategic partnerships with regulated brokerage solutions mitigate operational risks, and what are the benefits of these safeguards in asset trading?
What advanced techniques can organisations employ to diversify and monitor counterparty risk effectively across financial markets?
What specific protocol risks should be addressed, and how can comprehensive risk frameworks be tailored for decentralized finance?

Navigating tokenisation's trajectory- Examining the current state and future prospects of tokenization.
Spotlight on innovation- Revieing the latest approaches and technological advancements driving the tokenisation revolution, and their implications for investors.
Capitalising on opportunities- How can hedge funds leverage tokenisation developments to enhance their strategies, diversify portfolios, and unlock new avenues for growth and profitability?
Deciphering tokenisation for allocators- Assessing the meaning and significance of tokenisation and strategies for effectively communicating its benefits to allocators and prospective investors.

What are the implications of having a limited number of exchanges dominating the options trading space in crypto derivatives, and how does this affect liquidity and volatility?
With new exchanges emerging in the US and Europe, backed by traditional finance giants and regulated environments, what shifts can we anticipate in the crypto derivatives market?
How critical is the role of custodians and technological solutions for off-exchange trading, in mitigating default risks and enhancing market stability?
As institutional interest in crypto derivatives grows, what challenges and opportunities does this present for market liquidity and product diversity?
Counterparty risks and the lack of a central clearer- What developments are needed to mature the market and attract a broader range of participants?

Investor Engagement- How can funds effectively communicate their market perspective and investment thesis to align with potential investors' interests?
Structuring for external capital and fund growth- Reviewing the critical elements of fund positioning, including strategy development, track record establishment, and building the necessary infrastructure.
Institutionalising internally to attract fund of funds, pension funds, SMA managers, and large family offices- What foundational elements, such as governance and banking partnerships, are essential for attracting institutional investors?
The challenge of capital raising in a volatile market- Reviewing success stories and strategies that have worked in navigating these challenges in the digital asset space.
Winning strategies to attracting large-scale clients and the critical role of education in generating alpha from digital assets.

How can AI and Large Language Models transform our understanding and prediction of market sentiment and price movements in digital assets?
What are the benefits of leveraging AI to decode complex market signals and investor behavior for smarter investment decisions?
In what ways does AI-driven quantitative analysis enhance the optimization of investment strategies in the volatile crypto market?
What are the practical challenges and considerations in integrating AI with digital asset investing, and how can they be navigated?
How is AI revolutionizing risk management practices in digital asset portfolios to secure and stabilize returns?

Next-gen custodial solutions- Exploring the latest advancements and emerging players
Learnings from FTX- Analysing the transformative impact of lessons learned from FTX, and the subsequent adaptations made by managers and service providers to enhance custody practices.
Cutting-Edge Approaches: The latest innovations in custody management, from advanced security protocols to novel technological solutions aimed at safeguarding digital assets.
Prime Brokerage in crypto: A paradigm Shift? Contrasting the unique features and functionalities of prime brokerage services in the crypto space against traditional solutions.

Are current prime brokerage services sufficient enough to mitigate counterparty risk in crypto trading, protecting funds from the vulnerabilities associated with unregulated, offshore exchanges.
How can off-exchange settlement and credit intermediation through prime brokers offer alternative access to exchanges and OTC providers- Does this enhance trading efficiency and liquidity management?
The importance of FCA-regulated prime brokers- How to ensure that execution, liquidity, and settlement are handled with integrity and in compliance with financial regulations.
How can you establish effective prime brokerage solutions in the digital asset space, including the challenges of trade tracking and fund pooling across diverse trading platforms?
Reviewing the evolving landscape of prime brokerage in crypto markets post-FTX- Innovation, regulation, and development to build a safer, more accessible, and efficient trading environment for the digital age.

Navigating tokenisation's trajectory- Examining the current state and future prospects of tokenization.
Spotlight on innovation- Revieing the latest approaches and technological advancements driving the tokenisation revolution, and their implications for investors.
Capitalising on Opportunities- How can hedge funds leverage tokenisation developments to enhance their strategies, diversify portfolios, and unlock new avenues for growth and profitability?
Deciphering tokenisation for allocators- Assessing the meaning and significance of tokenisation and strategies for effectively communicating its benefits to allocators and prospective investors.

What are the implications of having a limited number of exchanges dominating the options trading space in crypto derivatives, and how does this affect liquidity and volatility?
With new exchanges emerging in the US and Europe, backed by traditional finance giants and regulated environments, what shifts can we anticipate in the crypto derivatives market?
How critical is the role of custodians and technological solutions for off-exchange trading, in mitigating default risks and enhancing market stability?
As institutional interest in crypto derivatives grows, what challenges and opportunities does this present for market liquidity and product diversity?
Counterparty risks and the lack of a central clearer- What developments are needed to mature the market and attract a broader range of participants?

Investor Engagement- How can funds effectively communicate their market perspective and investment thesis to align with potential investors' interests?
Structuring for external capital and fund growth- Reviewing the critical elements of fund positioning, including strategy development, track record establishment, and building the necessary infrastructure.
Institutionalising internally to attract fund of funds, pension funds, SMA managers, and large family offices- What foundational elements, such as governance and banking partnerships, are essential for attracting institutional investors?
The challenge of capital raising in a volatile market- Reviewing success stories and strategies that have worked in navigating these challenges in the digital asset space.
Winning strategies to attracting large-scale clients and the critical role of education in generating alpha from digital assets.

How can AI and Large Language Models transform our understanding and prediction of market sentiment and price movements in digital assets?
What are the benefits of leveraging AI to decode complex market signals and investor behavior for smarter investment decisions?
In what ways does AI-driven quantitative analysis enhance the optimization of investment strategies in the volatile crypto market?
What are the practical challenges and considerations in integrating AI with digital asset investing, and how can they be navigated?
How is AI revolutionizing risk management practices in digital asset portfolios to secure and stabilize returns?

Next-gen custodial solutions- Exploring the latest advancements and emerging players
Learnings from FTX- Analysing the transformative impact of lessons learned from FTX, and the subsequent adaptations made by managers and service providers to enhance custody practices.
Cutting-Edge Approaches: The latest innovations in custody management, from advanced security protocols to novel technological solutions aimed at safeguarding digital assets.
Prime Brokerage in crypto: A paradigm Shift? Contrasting the unique features and functionalities of prime brokerage services in the crypto space against traditional solutions.

Is now the prime time to allocate to digital assets?
Explore strategies demonstrating alpha potential in the digital asset space.
Risk vs. return profiling- What opportunities do different profiles offer investors?
Short vs. long-term outlook- What does the next 12 months hold for digital investment opportunities?
Today’s crypto bull run vs. historic cycles- Which key performance indicators should investors monitor?
Positioning in the current crypto cycle- How can investors manage downside risk in a volatile asset class?
Preparing for the market peak- What risk models and fund analysis are essential?

An exploration of the critical importance of data management and benchmarking in the current landscape.
Pursuing the golden source of truth- Strategies for fund firms to harness data for improved decision-making and operational efficiency.
Techniques for managing and interpreting the vast data from wallet addresses to gain insights into liquidity trends and investment behaviors.
Practical approaches for transforming raw data into actionable intelligence for fund operations and investment strategies.
Identifying opportunities for generating alpha by leveraging the unique attributes of blockchain data.

The role of institutional investors in driving the adoption of ETFs- How this institutionalisation is influencing market dynamics and price trends?
Riding the ETF wave- What is the potential for the approval of Ethereum ETFs and its implications for global markets, along with regulatory considerations and regional variations?
ETF opportunities in global markets- Reviewing the ETF opportunity from the US and Europe to Asia- Benchmarking strategies to capitalising on emerging opportunities in the global ETF landscape
The delicate balance between innovation and compliance in the ETF space- How to navigate regulatory challenges and ensure investor protection.

Leveraging best practices for innovation- How can applying traditional finance (TradFi) best practices to decentralized finance (DeFi) can drive innovation, enhance security, and promote sustainable growth in the crypto space?
DeFi vs TradFi systematic risk- Best practice approaches to effective risk management strategies that can protect investments and ensure stability in a volatile market.
Transforming perceptions for market integration- Strategies for bridging knowledge gaps and fostering a more inclusive financial ecosystem that leverages the strengths of both worlds.
Specialised infrastructure and tools tailored for crypto and DeFi markets- Identifying opportunities for innovation in trading platforms, risk assessment tools, and operational frameworks that cater to the unique demands of digital assets.
Expanding Opportunities Through DeFi Adoption- How can traditional financial institutions and investors can tap into DeFi to unlock new revenue streams, enhance liquidity, and participate in the financial systems of the future.

How Could US Policy Changes on Digital Assets Shape the Global Crypto Landscape?
With the SEC's approval of the first spot bitcoin ETFs, what is the potential impact of US policy on digital assets, especially in light of the upcoming US election?
Are We Moving Towards a Global Crypto Industry? Given recent key regulatory shifts, how likely is the development of a truly global crypto industry, and what are the implications for market participants?
What Implications Does 'Regulation by Enforcement' Hold for the Crypto Space in 2024? Reviewing the impact on market participants and why do many institutional allocators approve of this approach?

The long-term implications on digital assets- Does the introduction of ETFs signify a paradigm shift in supply and demand dynamics for institutional investors, or pose challenges to the asset class's long-term sustainability?
Navigating Price Dynamics and Liquidity- How has the introduction of ETFs impacted pricing and liquidity and what are the long-term implications amidst the proliferation of ETF products.
Ripple effects across the crypto sphere- How are Bitcoin ETFs influencing other coins and investment strategies, broader market dynamics and investment trends?
European market perspectives- Reviewing the ramifications of a spot Bitcoin ETF on the European landscape; what you need to know on regulatory considerations, market integration, and investor sentiment.
Anticipating Ethereum ETFs- Assessing the likelihood of Ethereum ETF approval and their potential ramifications for the digital asset space.

What developments are underway in the construction of exchanges and bank/non-bank offerings to improve liquidity access, and how does regulation impact these advancements?
The role of centralised and decentralized Exchanges- How are decentralized exchanges shaping the future trading landscape, and what challenges do they face in terms of reporting and liquidity?
Liquidity aggregation- How can you access anonymous and diverse liquidity sources in crypto markets?
Overcoming the challenges of cross-blockchain liquidity- What strategies can market makers employ to facilitate the movement of liquidity and enhance capital efficiency?
What key factors are attracting family offices, institutional pension funds, and endowments to invest in digital assets, and how is the investment thesis for digital assets developing among traditional investors?

Tips for allocators- what is the critical criteria and checklist you should have when assessing a crypto fund?
What are the essential evaluation strategies allocators should employ when assessing cryptocurrency funds?
What rigorous due diligence practices should allocators adopt to thoroughly vet cryptocurrency investments?
How does embracing a rigorous due diligence process benefit both allocators and fund managers in the cryptocurrency space?
Success stories- What lessons can be learned from allocators that successfully navigate fund engagement and due diligence in the cryptocurrency investment landscape?

What catalysts are needed for tier 1 investment banks to fully embrace digital assets beyond tokenisation?
How does the original ethos of decentralization in Cryptocurrency confront the centralized nature of traditional banking?
Considering the need for some level of trusted centralisation in digital asset trading, how can investment banks contribute positively to this industry's growth, or would their involvement contradict the essence of cryptocurrency?
Barriers to entry for banks to enter the Digital Assets market- What practical steps or shifts in perspective are necessary for banks to allocate significant resources into this space?
Would banks prefer launching their own digital asset products, utilizing intermediaries, or establishing in-house trading desks? What strategies could banks adopt to integrate digital assets into their portfolios effectively?

How can funds and general effectively manage and foster relationships with allocators to build trust and transparency?
What steps should GPs be taking to communicate their fund’s value proposition and performance in a way that aligns with allocators' expectations and investment goals.
What are the best practices for ensuring investors fully understand the risks and counterparty exposures in cryptocurrency investments?
What are the challenges of maintaining timely and transparent communication with investors in a market that never sleeps, and strategies for rapid response in times of crisis?
What role does education play in re-engaging institutional investors post-2022's setbacks in the cryptocurrency industry?

How is the landscape of institutional investment in digital assets evolving, and what are the projections for institutional flows into these assets in the second half of 2025 and beyond?
What specific safeguards are major allocators looking for in digital assets, and what initiatives are underway within the industry to improve infrastructure and reassure investors?
Considering the concerns over price volatility and the security of crypto infrastructure, what strategies can be employed to alleviate these fears and promote digital asset investment among institutional players?
What are the specific challenges associated with registering and distributing digital asset funds in various jurisdictions, and how can funds utilize SMAs and platforms to streamline these processes?
How can the strategic use of SMAs and platforms contribute to the effective distribution and management of funds in the digital asset space, particularly in regards to meeting the needs of institutional investors?

For more than a decade, Hedgeweek has been recognising excellence in the fields of fund performance and service provision. Applying this experience and expertise to cryptocurrency hedge funds, we have built one of the industry’s most influential digital asset awards programmes – our winners selected by a mixture of allocator board, peer surveys, editorial expertise, and data analysis. Each event is an opportunity for celebration, networking and, most importantly, recognition, attended by an exclusive list of 100+ C-suite leaders from the manager, allocator, and service provider communities. At a time of great change and challenge for digital asset market participants, it’s important to acknowledge the firms delivering value in this increasingly influential part of the industry.