Trust in the ability of central banks to strengthen weak economies is eroding, and turmoil from the trade wars has put more pressure on markets and currencies worldwide. These factors make the decentralized nature of Bitcoin more attractive to those that want to avoid exposure to unpredictable macro forces, political leaders, interest rates and turbulence in the Forex market. But Bitcoin is still volatile and presents different issues. Is it a risk-on or risk-off asset? What should investors consider as they evaluate Bitcoin against today’s macro backdrop?

As American and Chinese firms compete for the buildout, and thus control, of international 5G networks, innovators have an opportunity with decentralized networks like Bitcoin. What new models are being tested and deployed on these permission-less networks? Will users ultimately opt for services that are decentralized over ones that are allied with the East or West? This panel will explore these questions and examine the broader role that decentralized networks may play in the coming years as trade wars and a more fractured internet change the international network landscape.

As financial institutions enter the crypto market, they are driving a more mature market structure, including everything from lending to derivatives. Will Bitcoin become the foundation of new financial tools and services, or get boxed into a particular narrative and remain niche? This panel will discuss how Bitcoin is currently being utilized as a financial tool and an investment vehicle, where value is likely to accrue next, and the obstacles that remain for mainstream adoption.