Future of Money: Brilliance in Fintech

By Mirjam Haab, Junior Project Manager - Science Outreach & Diplomacy

On April 23, swissnex China had the immense honour to organize for the President of the Swiss Confederation and Head of the Federal Department of Finance Mr. Ueli Maurer the Future of Money: Brilliance in Fintech event. On the occasion of his State Visit to China, Ueli Maurer attended the Shanghai event accompanied by two delegations of official and financial dignitaries. Among the delegations were the State Secretary, three Ambassadors, the President of the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA, the Chairmen of SIX and SwissBanking and high-ranking representatives from all sectors of the Swiss financial world.

The continuation of swissnex China’s “Future of Money” series was on the topic: “New Technologies in Financial Markets: How China and Switzerland can benefit from each other”.

President of the Swiss Confederation meets with Swiss and Chinese delegations. (From left: Felix Moesner, CEO & Science Consul of swissnex China, Dr David Chang, Vice President of Shanghai Blockchain Association, Mr Peilung Li, Founder and Chairman of LUN Partners, Dean Charles Chang of Fanhai International School of Finance, Fudan University, Mr Ueli Maurer, President of the Swiss Confederation and Head of the Federal Department of Finance (FDF), Dr Romeo Lacher, Chairman of the Board of Directors of SIX, Dr Daniela Stoffel, State Secretary for International Finance, Mr Herbert J. Scheidt, Chairman of the Swiss Bankers Association (SBA), Prof Thomas Puschmann, Director of Swiss FinTech Innovation Lab, University of Zurich)

After a welcome speech by Wenzhon Jin (CEO of Orient Securities), President Ueli Maurer held the first keynote speech. He addressed two thought-provoking trade-offs emerging concomitant with new financial technologies. The second keynote speech by Herbert J. Scheidt, Chairman of the Swiss Bankers Association, concentrated on Switzerland as a Fintech enabler and catered some key data on recent developments.

Mr Ueli Maurer, President of the Swiss Confederation delivers an opening keynote speech, calling for the Sino-Swiss collaboration and mutual benefit in fintech.

Mr Herbert J. Scheidt, Chairman of the Swiss Bankers Association (SBA) delivers a keynote speech.

 A highly relevant panel discussion moderated by Dr. David Chang (Vice President of Shanghai Blockchain Association) ensued the keynote speeches. The five top-class panellists were Dr. Daniela Stoffel (State Secretary for International Finance), Prof. Charles Chang (Dean of Fanhai Institute for International Finance at Fudan University), Dr. Romeo Lacher (Chairman of the Board of Directors of SIX), Peilung Li (Founder and Chairman of LUN Partners Group) and Prof. Thomas Puschmann (Director of the SwissFinTech Innovation Lab at University of Zurich). Some of the main discussion points revolved around regulatory frameworks, the handling of strictly regulated incumbents when unregulated disruptors enter the market, and how Sino-Swiss synergies could benefit both countries, for example regarding the Belt and Road initiative.

Moderated by Dr David Chang, Vice President of Shanghai Blockchain Association, the panel discussion features topics on current regulatory framework, traditional wealth management industry and Fintech startups.

 Orient Securities provided the event location in the South Bund area, allowing for a subsequent networking opportunity with a spectacular view of the Shanghai skyline.

The Swiss and Chinese delegations gathered for the networking cocktail reception at the Bund .

Thank you for the close collaboration with the Swiss Confederation, SwissBanking, SIX, University of Zurich, FISF Fudan University, Orient Securities, Blocknology Capital, The Asian Banker and Presence Switzerland.

All in all, the event was a financial extravaganza with first-class keynote speakers and panellists as well as top-level guests. The event was a great opportunity to shed light on the Venture Leaders Fintech program, which will take place in November 2019 in Hong Kong and Shenzhen.

Future of Money series: Sino-Swiss Luncheon Talk on Blockchain Trends

Shanghai, October 25 – Continuing the Future of Money series, swissnex China co-organized ‘BlockchainBites’, our first Blockchain luncheon. The speakers were Dr. Wei Cheng, Co-Founder of ChainFunder (top tier Chinese CryptoFund) and Quentin Reyes, Junior Project Leader on Blockchain at swissnex China. They both focused about the latest blockchain trends and perspectives in Switzerland and China. After Quentin gave an in-depth overview of the Swiss Fintech and Blockchain landscape and the new “Blockchain Center” at the University of Zurich, Dr. Cheng talked about blockchain developments in China and the latest “Dos” and “Don‘ts” in an interview format. The dialogue finally moved into an active Q&A with the 80 people in the audience.

Welcoming words by swissnex CEO Felix Moesner and SwissCham Vice President Gianna Abegg

Quentin Reyes, swissnex China interviewed Dr. Wei Cheng, ChainFunder

An active audience of 80 people joined the Blcokchain luncheon

Registration for the luncheon

This event “BlockchainBites” was in partnership with SwissCham (Digitalization Committee), UZH Alumni Shanghai and Presence Switzerland and held at the Four Seasons Hotel, Shanghai.

Background: The "Future of Money" series on FinTech by swissnex China was held in Shanghai, Beijing and Hong Kong and focused on Blockchain and AI in WealthTech. The event BlockchainBites is the 7th event of this series in Greater China.

Makiko Aikawa & Gianna Abegg (Co-Presidents UZH Alumni Shanghai), Quentin Reyes, Dr. Wei Cheng and Felix Moesner

The 4th Edition of Future of Money, a successful luncheon event

By Priska Furrer, Junior Project Manager

On October 25, swissnex China in collaboration with SwissCham Shanghai and the UZH Alumni Chapter Shanghai, held the fourth edition of the Future of Money Series: ‘Blockchain Bites – Be part of the “Future of Money” Series’ as a luncheon event at the Four Seasons Hotel in Shanghai. With an audience of 80 people, the key highlight of the event was an expert interview of Dr. Wei (Chris) Cheng, Co-Founder of ChainFunder (Blockchain VC), by Quentin Reyes, Blockchain Junior Project Manager at swissnex China, which focused on latest Blockchain trends in Switzerland and China.

The event was kicked off by Dr. Felix Moesner, Science Consul and CEO of swissnex China, and Gianna Abegg, Board Member of SwissCham Shanghai and Co-Chair of the UZH Alumni Chapter Shanghai.

While the guest were enjoying their desserts and post-meal coffee, Quentin Reyes, Junior Project Manager Blockchain at swissnex China, gave a broad overview on the Swiss Fintech/Blockchain ecosystem.

The presentation was followed by an expert interview with Dr. Wei (Chris) Cheng of ChainFunder about blockchain trends in China moderated by Quentin Reyes. During the interview it was also possible for the audience to ask questions – an opportunity the guests appreciated; many questions were asked.

From left to right: Makiko Aikawa, Gianna Abegg, Quentin Reyes, Dr. Wei (Chris) Cheng and Dr. Felix Moesner.

Blockchain in FinTech: another Grand Success in the Future of Money series

By Sébastien Quadri, Junior Project Leader

swissnex China was proud to organize the third edition of the Future of Money series, “Blockchain in FinTech” at the Embassy of Switzerland, as part of the Swiss Innovation Week on July 6.

Blockchain, such a hot topic nowadays! This disruptive technology is often compared to the Internet revolution and trigger interests among both professionals and curious people. With a wealth of experts and the proliferation of blockchain startups across the FinTech space, Switzerland has quickly become a major blockchain hub of the world. A very supportive government, a dynamic environment and high motivation are important drivers of Swiss innovation. On the other hand, China’s investments in this technology are unmatched by any others. In 2017, more than half of the Blockchain patents in the world were published by Chinese organizations.

Under such circumstances, 250+ guests including executives, VCs & policymakers were welcomed by his Excellency Dr. Jean-Jacques de Dardel, Swiss Ambassador in China and our CEO Dr. Felix Moesner to attend the panel discussion.

His Excellency Dr. Jean-Jacques de Dardel welcoming the audience.

A fascinated audience: the venue was fully packed with 250+ people.

With a very impressive panel consisting of Mr. Liwei Wang, senior reporter at Caixin media, Prof. Elaine Shi, the very first Scientist to talk about and teach smart contract, Prof. Dr. Ben Shenglin, Founder and Dean of the Academy of Internet Finance of Zhejiang University, Mr. Daniel Haudenschild, CEO of Swisscom Blockchain and Dr. Thomas Ankenbrand, Researcher and Lecturer at the Luzern University of Applied Sciences and Arts and expert on the Swiss FinTech landscape, the bar was set very high.

The panelists discussed topics revolving the application of blockchain technology in Switzerland and in China.

The talk addressed diverse trendy subjects such as the applications of blockchain technology and endeavors in Switzerland and in China, the supportiveness of their governments and policies, the technical capabilities and challenges of the blockchain technology at this stage and moving forward as well as its tricky relationship to Cryptocurrency in the blockchain's development. Both the promise and pitfall from a longer-term perspective were mentioned and the panelists were delighted to shared their opinions.

“Blockchain or, more precisely, Distributed Ledger Technology offers new opportunities on three levels. First, on the technology or database level, secure, immutable applications without a central operator are made possible. Second, cryptocurrencies offer an efficient crowdfunding possibility for innovative projects. Third, token economies can be built for disruptive new business models. The current situation in the blockchain space reveals parallels to the internet space twenty years ago: There are great opportunities but also high risks.”

— Dr. Thomas Ankenbrand

Many participants were eager to ask questions to the panelists both during and after the event.

In the end, expectation were more than fulfilled and the only challenge consisted of the constant flow of astute questions from the audience, who were waited for the Grand Reception Opening.

In three words: A Grand Success!

Testimonials

“It was a successful event held last Friday. We are very glad that both Dean Shenglin and myself are involved.”

— Ruidong Zhang, Director of the Blockchain Labs at Academy of Internet Finance, Zhejiang University

“High quality discussion and diverse audience.”

— Mr. Lars Hoffmann,  Community Standing Committee of Elastos Foundation

“Great event with insights from China and Switzerland on blockchain tech advances and outlook into the immediate future.”

— Mr. Fabian Knopf, Commercial manager of TMF Group

Thanks to our partners and sponsors

This third edition of the Future of Money series would not have been possible without the generous contribution of our sponsors. A big thanks to:

·      ThunderCore™ is an EVM-compatible public blockchain developed by leading experts, characterized by:

o   Compatibility: Ethereum smart contracts fully supported. Migrate DApps to ThunderCore and immediately increase their performance.

o   Scalability: Process thousands of transactions in a second—nothing is left pending.

o   Fastness: Get your transactions confirmed instantly in less than a second.

o   Security: Enjoy mathematically grounded security guarantees. We are as secure as existing blockchains but with vastly improved speed and efficiency.

https://www.thundercore.com

A special thank you to our keynote speaker Mrs. Elaine Shi, Blockchain Scientist and Professor.

·      TrustSquare With blockchain technology as the common denominator, TrustSquare brings together entrepreneurs, businesses, investors as well as academics and researchers in an open and diverse environment.

https://www.trustsquare.ch

·      Swisscom Blockchain Swisscom Blockchain provides solutions to implement blockchain technology quickly and successfully for your company.

https://blockchain.swisscom.com

·      Presence Switzerland: Presence Switzerland is competent for the image of Switzerland abroad and implements the strategy of the Federal Council on Switzerland’s communication abroad

https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home/das_eda/organisation_deseda/generalsekretariat/praesenz_schweiz.html

·      The Embassy of Switzerland in China

https://www.eda.admin.ch/beijing

Blockchain in Fintech, the successful launch of the Future of Money series in Hong Kong and Shanghai by swissnex China

By Martin Stürchler, Junior Project Leader

In case you have not heard of the blockchain technology, blockchain gives the internet user the possibility to transfer a piece of digital property to another internet user. The Blockchain guarantees the transfer to be safe and secure. Due to the fact that the blockchain is transparent everyone knows that the transfer has taken place and nobody can challenge the legitimacy of the transfer.

Switzerland as a leader in innovation and with crypto valley Zug on the rise in the Blockchain scene has gained curiosity around the world including China.

On November 20 & 21, swissnex China successfully launched its first “Future of Money” series’ event themed “Blockchain in Fintech” with a great exceptional panel of Swiss and Chinese Blockchain & Fintech experts. The topics that have been discussed are the revolutionizing technology of Blockchain in Fintech and the future outlook of how cryptocurrencies and distributed ledger have the potential to affect different industries and shape the world of tomorrow.

The panel was moderated by the FinTech expert Zennon Kapron, Director of Kapron ASIA. In the panel seven Blockchain experts joined: Da HongFei, Founder of NEO the largest Blockchain project in China, gave interesting insights how digital identity can digitalize assets, to automate the management of digital assets using smart contracts aiming to create a “smart economy”. Furthermore from Hong Kong we welcomed Arthur Hayes, CEO of BitMEX who explained the next generation of Bitcoin derivates. Ms. Qijun Wang a serial entrepreneur and co-founder of crypto asset management startup Queschain representing the voice for women in the industry. Last but not least we had Mr. Rong Chen, co-founder of Elastos Foundation who works on a smart-web powered by Blockchain,  and Mr. Jason Inch who shared with us his most recent insights of his book “China 4.0” and his latest Blockchain project Genaro.

Switzerland was represented by Dr. Thomas Bocek, Head of P2P and distributed systems CSG of the University of Zurich and Manuel Stagars, movie maker of the documentary “Blockchain and Us”. Mr. Bocek gave the audience a taste of the technological background on peer-to-peer, distributed systems, including Bitcoins and Blockchain. On the other hand Mr. Stagars, due to his documentary movie and many interviews with key players in Switzerland, shared interesting insights of the Swiss Fintech landscape and its opportunities and challenges for the Blockchain technology.

Many interesting questions were discussed during the two events: Is Blockchain technology a game changer? Which industries will the Blockchain in particular influence? Is Switzerland going to play a key player in this Fintech industry? How long does it takes for mass adoption? What are the opportunities and threats of Blockchain technology?

The panelists actively replied to questions throughout the conference. The conclusion was that blockchain technology is still at the beginning of a revolution, which will have the power to change our everyday life.

Testimonials

“I have to say this has been one of the greatest events I have had and I appreciate the invite from swissnex and the opportunity to share the stage to learn from my fellow panelists so much.” Ms. QJ (Qijun) Wang - CEO and Founder, Queschain Capital

“swissnex Future of Money event, industry sharing is comprehensive, audience is great, Q&A communication is fantastic.” Johnson Zhao Chen - Head of Business Development and Operations at NEO 

“The event was great. For the future, let us plan some Fintech events together, I think that would work great.” Johan Uddman - General Manager & Investor at JadeValue Fintech

“First of all thank you for this great event! It was impressed about the organization and the event itself. Keep going!” Celina Eisenring - Consulate General of Switzerland in Shanghai 

“Many thanks for putting on a great event and fantastic to meet you all.” Manuel Stagars - Founder of Blockchain & Us

“Thanks for the superb organization!” Dr. Thomas Bocek - Head of P2P and distributed systems at the CSG of the University of Zurich

To get more information please find the detailed list of the panelist below:

Dr. Thomas Bocek, Head of P2P and distributed systems at the CSG of the University of Zurich, Dr. Thomas Bocek is mainly interested in communication systems and networks, especially focusing on peer-to-peer, distributed systems, including Bitcoins and blockchains. Thomas has published several papers on these topics and his PhD topic has a strong focus on Peer-to-Peer and distributed systems.

Manuel Stagars, Founder of Blockchain & Us, Manuel Stagars is an author, film director, economist, and serial entrepreneur with 20 years of experience in consulting and startups in Switzerland, the United States, Japan, and Singapore. His documentary films focus on technological innovations and their potential to improve the lives of people.

Qijun Wang, Founder and CEO of Queschain, Co-Founder of several blockchain startups, open-source blockchain projects such as MakerDAO, community education initiatives, and charity programs with a focus of connecting China and the rest of the world.

Da Hongfei, Founder of NEO & CEO of Onchain, Da Hongfei came across Bitcoin in 2011, and worked fulltime in the industry since 2013. In 2014, he founded NEO, a blockchain to register, transfer, and exchange digital assets, and led the startup to become the benchmark in the Chinese blockchain community.

Arthur Hayes, CEO of BitMEX, In January 2014, BitMEX – Bitcoin Mercantile Exchange was formed. BitMEX is a trading platform that gives retail investors access to the global financial markets using Bitcoin, the Blockchain, and financial derivatives. BitMEX through the use of Bitcoin as collateral, allows anyone anywhere to trade any type of financial asset.

Jason Inch, Serial Entrepreneur & Author of China 4.0, Jason is also an accomplished writer with several books about China’s economy. His most recent book is called China 4.0 and he is also the founder of the China Business Events meetup community.

Rong Chen, Co-Founder of Elastos Foundation, Rong believes that a smart-web powered by the blockchain technology is the future for Elastos to create the scarcity of digital contents. He established the Elastos Foundation with his partners in June of 2017.