KBW 2025 Highlights Key Trends Shaping the Future of Digital Assets

The 2025 Korea Blockchain Week (KBW 2025) concluded with a wealth of insights that are reshaping discussions around digital finance. From evolving U.S. regulations and institutional Bitcoin custody to the tokenization of real-world assets and AI integration, the event offered a clear vision of the next phase of blockchain innovation. With 12,000 participants, over 300 speakers, and sessions ranging from American Bitcoin trends to tokenized storage, KBW 2025 cemented Seoul’s status as a hub where critical industry issues meet practical dialogue.

Regulation Takes Center Stage

A defining feature of KBW 2025 was the strong presence of U.S. government officials, rarely seen at international crypto conferences. Senior members of the White House Digital Asset Council shared insights on evolving policy frameworks, while Acting CFTC Chair Carolina Pham addressed shifting dynamics in global regulation. Their participation highlighted that oversight of digital assets is increasingly international, offering the industry clearer guidance on compliance and market structure.

Bitcoin’s Institutional Role

Bitcoin’s position in global markets was a recurring theme, emphasized in the keynote session “American Bitcoin: The Future of Mining,” featuring Donald Trump Jr. and Mike Ho. Discussions focused on the rise of Digital Asset Trusts (DATs) and how corporations and investment firms are integrating Bitcoin into long-term balance sheets. This shift—from viewing Bitcoin solely as a store of value to exploring its function as a treasury asset—reflects the broader maturity of digital assets in institutional finance.

Tokenization of Real-World Assets

Alongside Bitcoin custody, the tokenization of real-world assets (RWA) emerged as a structural trend transforming capital markets. Panels examined how institutional investors and publicly listed companies approach tokenizing equities, commodities, and other traditional assets. The conversations highlighted that the question is not whether tokenization will happen, but how quickly it will be adopted within regulated environments.

Convergence of AI and Blockchain

Artificial intelligence was prominently featured at KBW 2025, reflecting growing interest in how the two technologies may complement or compete with each other. Leaders from 0G Labs, Sahara AI, Gaia, and Peaq discussed whether blockchain can provide the infrastructure layer for AI models, how decentralized systems could challenge centralized AI dominance, and where robotics might integrate with on-chain protocols. The diversity of perspectives indicated that AI-blockchain convergence remains speculative but strategically significant for both innovators and investors.

Culture Meets Crypto

Beyond finance and regulation, KBW 2025 highlighted cultural intersections. K-pop artist KIIRAS performed on the Stable Stage, emphasizing that Web3 extends into entertainment, lifestyle, and mass culture. For attendees, this underscored blockchain’s role not only as a financial technology but as a driver of new creative and social experiences.