The blockchain world is turning its attention to Istanbul as Huobi Group prepares to co-host the inaugural Eurasian Blockchain Summit on October 18–19 (EAT). Organized in collaboration with Kemer Partners, this landmark event is set to become the largest blockchain and cryptocurrency industry summit ever held in Turkey, drawing global leaders, innovators, and experts to explore the future of decentralized technology.
With rising inflation and persistent Turkish lira depreciation, demand for digital assets in Turkey has surged. The lira now ranks as the fifth most traded fiat currency in crypto markets worldwide. This growing appetite for digital finance has positioned Turkey as a key emerging market in the blockchain space—making it an ideal location for a high-impact industry gathering.
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Advancing Blockchain Adoption in Emerging Economies
The summit will focus on practical applications of blockchain technology, especially within financial infrastructure and payment systems. Discussions will center on how traditional banking institutions can integrate blockchain solutions to improve efficiency, transparency, and financial inclusion—particularly in volatile economic environments like Turkey’s.
Experts anticipate that the event will catalyze new public-private partnerships, inspire regulatory clarity, and accelerate innovation across sectors such as remittances, cross-border trade, and decentralized finance (DeFi). By hosting global thought leaders and local stakeholders under one roof, the summit aims to position Turkey as a bridge between Eastern and Western blockchain ecosystems.
World-Class Speakers and Industry Leaders Converge
The Eurasian Blockchain Summit boasts a stellar lineup of speakers from top-tier firms, academic institutions, and investment groups. Attendees will hear from:
- Michael Wu, Co-Founder and CEO of Amber Group
- Chris McCann, Partner at Proof of Capital
- QJ Wang, Executive Director of Ethereum Community Fund
- Edith Yeung, Advisor to 500 Startups
- Fei Liu, COO of Bixin Financial
- Spencer Yang, VP of Strategy at CoinMarketCap
- Emin Gün Sirer, Professor at Cornell University and blockchain pioneer
Additionally, Huobi’s executive team—including Leo Wang (CEO of Huobi Global), Chris Lee (CFO of Huobi Group), Yuan Yuming (CEO of Huobi China), and Yu Jianing (President of Huobi University)—will participate in panel discussions and strategic sessions.
This convergence of global minds underscores the growing importance of cross-border dialogue in shaping the next phase of blockchain evolution.
Strong Support from Turkish Institutions
The summit has garnered strong backing from Turkish government agencies and established financial institutions. Attendees include:
- Barış Özistek, CEO of Boğaziçi Venture
- Hakan Erkan, General Manager of Digital Services at Turkcell
- Prof. Göksel Aşan, Deputy Director at the Presidential Investment Office
Notable traditional finance players such as BKM and SabancıDx are also supporting the event, signaling increasing openness from legacy institutions toward blockchain integration. Their participation reflects a broader shift: blockchain is no longer seen as a fringe technology but as a strategic tool for modernizing financial services.
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Turkey’s Rise as a Crypto-Friendly Nation
Turkey’s journey into the digital asset space has been driven by necessity. With inflation exceeding 60% in recent years and the lira losing significant value, many Turks have turned to Bitcoin and stablecoins as stores of value—similar to how people use foreign currencies like the U.S. dollar.
Today, over a million Turkish users actively engage with cryptocurrencies. Platforms offering crypto trading, peer-to-peer exchanges, and blockchain-based lending services have seen exponential growth. This organic adoption has created fertile ground for innovation—and for strategic players like Huobi to expand their footprint.
Huobi’s decision to host this summit signals its long-term commitment to the Turkish market. The company plans to deepen its presence through localized services, community engagement, and collaboration with regulators to promote responsible innovation.
Strategic Vision: Building Bridges Across Continents
Arfat Cenk Erkin, Founding Partner of Kemer Partners, emphasized the broader vision behind the summit:
“In the coming years, blockchain technology will become one of Turkey’s most critical technological frontiers. By hosting the first Eurasian Blockchain Summit, we’re not only inviting global recognition—we’re building a lasting bridge for collaboration, investment, and innovation.”
This event is more than just a conference; it's a catalyst for national transformation. It reflects Turkey’s ambition to transition from a high-demand crypto market to a hub of blockchain development, startup incubation, and fintech advancement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: When and where is the Eurasian Blockchain Summit taking place?
A: The summit will be held on October 18–19, 2025, in Istanbul, Turkey.
Q: Who is organizing the event?
A: The event is co-hosted by Huobi Group and Kemer Partners, with support from Turkish government bodies and financial institutions.
Q: Why is Turkey becoming a major player in the crypto space?
A: Economic instability and currency devaluation have driven widespread adoption of digital assets. Over a million Turks now use cryptocurrencies as alternative stores of value or payment methods.
Q: Will there be discussions on regulation during the summit?
A: Yes, regulatory frameworks for digital assets and blockchain applications will be a key topic, with participation from policymakers and compliance experts.
Q: Is the event open to the public?
A: While primarily an invite-only industry summit, select sessions may be livestreamed or made available post-event through official channels.
Q: What are the expected outcomes of the summit?
A: Expected outcomes include stronger international partnerships, increased investment in Turkish blockchain startups, and greater alignment between regulators and innovators.
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Looking Ahead
As blockchain continues to redefine finance, identity, and data management globally, events like the Eurasian Blockchain Summit play a vital role in connecting regions, sharing knowledge, and driving real-world adoption.
Turkey stands at a pivotal moment—poised to leverage its vibrant user base and strategic geographic position to become a leader in Eurasian blockchain innovation. With support from global players like Huobi and visionary local partners like Kemer Partners, the country is laying the foundation for a decentralized future.
This summit marks not just a milestone for Turkey—but for the entire region’s journey toward inclusive, resilient, and transparent digital economies.