• The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre reached maximum capacity, with nearly 10,000 in-person attendees from over 100 countries, solidifying the conference’s position as a marquee event of the region. 
  • The conference, and its 350+ side events held over the week, are estimated to have contributed HK$275m to the economy. 
  • Sold-out event highlights the conference's success in bridging East-meets-West dialogue, with industry-altering announcements made throughout the week. 

Consensus Hong Kong 2025, a major global Web3 and blockchain event, concluded on February 20 after drawing nearly 10,000 attendees from 102 countries. The event, which took place over three days, saw significant industry announcements and discussions on the future of digital assets. Organizers have confirmed that the conference will return to Asia in 2026.

The event coincided with key regional developments, including the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) unveiling a roadmap with 12 initiatives aimed at strengthening the city’s virtual asset ecosystem.

Other notable announcements included Standard Chartered's joint venture with Animoca Brands and Hong Kong Telecom (HKT) to seek a stablecoin license from the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA). Additionally, Bullish Group, the parent company of CoinDesk, received licensing approval from the SFC for its digital asset trading business.

Michael Lau, Chairman of Consensus Hong Kong, highlighted the significance of the event, stating,

"Consensus Hong Kong was an overwhelming success. The combination of our nearly 10,000 in-person attendees and over 350 side events is independent validation proving our conference achieved incredible product-market fit. It is clear that the global Web3 industry has been asking for a truly world-class conference in Hong Kong for a while, and Consensus Hong Kong was the answer."

The conference featured more than 300 speakers from the Web3, finance, and regulatory sectors, including representatives from Binance, Coinbase, Circle, and the Solana Foundation. Over 450 journalists covered the event, which also attracted over 125 sponsors and 160 community partners.

Beyond the main sessions, the event hosted over 350 side events across Hong Kong. Venues such as Cloud 39 at the Henderson, The Hong Kong Jockey Club, and the Grand Hyatt held gatherings, including the Consensus Cup and Token of Love music festival. Community-hosted side events took place at various locations, including Soho House, The Kerry Hotel, and Dragon-I.

The Consensus Hackathon and PitchFest were key highlights, drawing global tech talent and investors. More than 500 developers participated in the Hackathon, competing for $400,000 in grants. Six tracks were featured, with winners including ProfitX and Xeno. Meanwhile, PitchFest attracted over 400 Web3 startups, with TransCrypts, a digital identity firm backed by Mark Cuban and GSR Ventures, emerging as the winner.

Brad Spies, Managing Director of Consensus, reflected on the event's impact, stating,

"Consensus has always had a laser focus on bringing together all of the different parts of the crypto ecosystem: traditional finance, DeFi traders, regulators, developers, entrepreneurs, investors, startups, academics, and artists. Consensus Hong Kong has taken that mission to a new level, bringing together all sides of the industry, east and west, and using Hong Kong's unparalleled venues, restaurants, and community as a way to bring people together to share ideas, create business opportunities, and have an excellent time doing it."

The event also had a significant economic impact on Hong Kong, with 75% of attendees traveling from overseas and contributing an estimated HK$275 million to the city's economy.

Following its strong reception, Consensus Hong Kong has announced plans to return in 2026, with further details expected in the coming months.

Edited by Harshajit Sarmah