19.05.2025 03:45 PM

Crypto & AI: Machine learning and AI use cases of tomorrow

Last week I, Matthias Lais, had the pleasure of hosting our #btt – and once again it was an evening full of inspiration, perspectives and exciting conversations. Today I would like to share some impressions with you. Even though the big blockchain hype of recent years has died down, it is currently being overshadowed by the attention surrounding artificial intelligence and the use of AI in all technologies and systems.

Distributed ledger technology (DLT) is developing quietly but substantially. The event impressively demonstrated that a lot is happening beneath the surface.

In three strong keynotes, Dr. Jonas Gross (etonec GmbH), Jan Kühne (DLT Finance AG) and Bert Staufenbiel and Tim Meirer (KfW) provided exciting insights into the current efficient development of crypto, tokenization and digital capital market structures.

What becomes clear: We have long since moved on from the former “tech seeks problem” narrative. Today, the question is much more often: “Can DLT better solve and optimize a real-world problem?” Whether in the convergence of traditional banking and crypto services or in the issuance of digital bonds, DLT is increasingly becoming a practical solution with clear added value.

How DLT Finance enables the market for digital assets | Jan Kühne (DLT Finance AG)

In his presentation, Jan Kühne, Senior Director Partnerships at DLT Finance AG, will introduce the company and its role as a technical and regulatory enabler in the field of digital assets. As a BaFin-regulated securities trading company and crypto custodian with FinTech DNA, DLT Finance offers a fully regulated infrastructure for the trading and custody of crypto assets.

The company’s solutions deliberately disappear into the front end of partners – from start-ups to established players – and enable a wide range of use cases. Whether on-/off-ramping, crypto brokerage, derivatives trading or institutional market access: DLT Finance provides support with white-label offerings, KYC processes and regulatory coverage.

Using concrete examples – such as the cooperation with Finoa, Kraken, SIX Digital Exchange or TP ICAP – Jan Kühne will show how new business models can be realized through integrated crypto infrastructure.

A presentation for anyone who wants to know how crypto services work in the background – and what it takes to provide them in a legally compliant and scalable manner.

Bitcoin instead of gold? - Why new forms of money are turning the financial world upside down | Dr. Jonas Groß (etonec GmbH)

In his presentation, Dr. Jonas Groß, Chief Operating Officer at etonec GmbH, will discuss the transformation of money – from traditional central bank money to new digital forms such as Bitcoin, stablecoins and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs).

With a market capitalization of over two trillion US dollars, Bitcoin has established itself as a serious store of value. New Bitcoin ETFs are recording strong inflows and are already outperforming gold ETCs. Stablecoins are also rapidly gaining in importance – particularly as a lucrative business model for banks, for example through integration into payment processes or as the basis for new financial products.

Finally, Dr. Groß discusses the digital euro, which could arrive in 2029 at the earliest. Unlike stablecoins, as a digital central bank currency, it is primarily intended to strengthen Europe’s strategic payment sovereignty.

Watch the lecture to understand how new forms of money are fundamentally changing the world of finance:

Digital bonds and DLT on a large scale: How KfW is modernizing the capital market | Bert Staufenbiel & Tim Meirer (KfW)

In their presentation, Bert Staufenbiel (Senior Manager Digital Transformation) and Tim Meirer (Senior Treasury Manager) from KfW Bankengruppe will give an insight into how and why one of the world’s largest bond issuers is involved in DLT and digital securities.

With an annual issuance volume of EUR 65 to 70 billion, KfW relies on efficient, secure and future-proof capital market processes. Since the Electronic Securities Act came into force, it has been increasingly utilizing the possibilities of blockchain technology – both as an issuer and as an investor. In July 2024, KfW issued its first blockchain-based syndicated bond in accordance with the eWpG with the support of renowned banks. A second issue followed in August with a focus on digital payment processing.

The presentation not only shows the practical use of digital bonds, but also identifies the prerequisites that KfW believes are necessary for scaling digital capital market processes.

Want to experience BtT live and in color?

Would you like to be part of our next “Between the Towers”? Then we look forward to meeting you! Every first Tuesday of the month, we talk about all the topics that move the finance and tech scene. For each edition, we invite experts from the industry and discuss a focus topic. Afterwards, there is plenty of opportunity to network over snacks and drinks.

Participation is of course free of charge.

I´m in!