AI agents poised to drive digital asset adoption across autonomous systems
AI Agents Drive New Use Cases
Speakers at CoinDesk’s Consensus Hong Kong conference identified crypto and stablecoins as likely default payment tools for autonomous AI agents in an emerging machine economy. Market participants also warned that Bitcoin may fall further, with $50,000 seen as the critical support level after dropping nearly $30,000 in a month. The machine economy concept refers to autonomous systems that make independent financial decisions and execute transactions without human intervention.
Institutional Treasury Strategies Emerge
At a panel featuring Sharplink Gaming Chairman Joe Lubin and CEO Joseph Chalom, executives outlined how digital asset treasuries are evolving into distinct institutional strategies. Companies now treat ether not merely as speculative investment but as productive financial infrastructure enabling programmable money and automated settlement. This approach represents maturation beyond early cryptocurrency use cases focused primarily on speculation and store-of-value narratives. Hong Kong regulators are advancing crypto rules even as other jurisdictions wait to see how U.S. legislation develops, demonstrating the city’s commitment to positioning itself as Asia’s digital asset hub despite mainland China’s comprehensive prohibitions. Securities and Futures Commission CEO Julia Leung announced plans to publish a high-level framework allowing perpetual contracts, expanding Hong Kong’s regulated product offerings beyond spot trading.
Market Volatility Context
The conference occurred amid substantial market instability, with participants warning Bitcoin’s decline may not have reached bottom. Analysts identified $50,000 as the next crucial support level, representing another significant drop from current levels around $67,000. This volatility underscores persistent challenges facing mainstream adoption and questions about cryptocurrency’s suitability as stable payment infrastructure. The tension between Hong Kong’s regulatory embrace and Beijing’s hard prohibition creates a precarious environment where digital asset innovation proceeds within strict parameters acceptable to Chinese authorities. For advocates of decentralized finance and resistance to authoritarian control, this division highlights cryptocurrency’s dual nature as both a tool for individual freedom and a regulated product subject to government oversight. Whether Hong Kong can maintain meaningful autonomy in digital finance policy or whether all initiatives ultimately require Beijing’s approval will determine the city’s long-term relevance in global crypto development.
Senior Journalist & Editor, Apple Daily UK
Contact: athena.lai@appledaily.uk
Athena Lai is a senior journalist and editor with extensive experience in Chinese-language investigative reporting and editorial leadership. Educated at a leading journalism school in the United Kingdom, Athena received formal training in fact-checking methodology, editorial governance, and international media standards, grounding her work in globally recognized best practices.
She has held senior editorial roles at Apple Daily and other liberal Chinese publications, where she oversaw coverage of Hong Kong civil liberties, diaspora politics, rule of law, and press freedom. Athena’s reporting is distinguished by disciplined sourcing, cross-verification, and a clear separation between factual reporting and opinion, reinforcing reader trust.
Beyond reporting, Athena has served as an editor responsible for mentoring journalists, enforcing ethical guidelines, and managing sensitive investigations. Her newsroom leadership reflects real-world experience navigating legal risk, source protection, and editorial independence under pressure.
Athena’s authority comes from both her byline history and her editorial stewardship. She has reviewed and approved hundreds of articles, ensuring compliance with defamation standards, accuracy benchmarks, and responsible language use. Her work demonstrates lived experience within high-stakes news environments rather than theoretical expertise.
Committed to journalistic integrity, Athena believes credible journalism is built on transparency, accountability, and institutional memory. Her role at Apple Daily UK reflects that commitment, positioning her as a trusted voice within independent Chinese media.
