Three-day summit highlights AI agents as crypto payment infrastructure
AI Agents Emerge as Crypto Use Case
Speakers at CoinDesk’s Consensus Hong Kong conference highlighted that crypto and stablecoins are likely to become default payment tools for autonomous AI agents in an emerging machine economy, according to a conference recap. As AI agents become capable of making and executing decisions independently, observers expect to see early forms of what some call the machine economy where automated systems conduct financial transactions without human intervention. This represents a significant shift from early cryptocurrency narratives focused on speculation and store-of-value propositions toward practical utility in automated commerce. Market participants warned that Bitcoin, which has already dropped nearly $30,000 in a month, may fall further with $50,000 seen as the critical support level to watch. This volatility underscores persistent challenges facing mainstream adoption despite the enthusiasm around new use cases.
Institutional Treasury Strategies
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. As institutional adoption of digital assets matures, a new corporate playbook is emerging: treat ether not just as investment but as productive financial infrastructure enabling programmable money and automated settlement. This approach demonstrates growing sophistication in how corporations deploy crypto assets beyond simple speculation. The panel emphasized that companies are now considering digital assets as operational tools that enable new business models and efficiencies rather than merely as portfolio diversification.
Regulatory Development
Hong Kong regulators are pressing ahead with crypto rules even as others wait to see how U.S. legislation develops, demonstrating the city’s commitment to positioning itself as Asia’s digital asset hub. 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. This regulatory engagement contrasts sharply with mainland China’s absolute prohibition on cryptocurrency activity. The tension creates a precarious environment where digital asset innovation proceeds within strict parameters acceptable to Chinese authorities. The conference featured more than 350 speakers addressing institutional adoption, stablecoins, and the architecture of emerging Internet Capital Markets. In parallel with main programming, over 400 side events took place throughout the week, demonstrating the vibrant ecosystem supporting digital asset development.
Market Context and Future Outlook
The conference timing amid substantial market volatility highlighted persistent questions about cryptocurrency’s suitability as stable payment infrastructure or reliable store of value. While the machine economy narrative offers compelling new use cases, the dramatic price swings demonstrate that fundamental challenges around stability and mainstream adoption remain unresolved. For advocates of decentralized finance and resistance to authoritarian control, the division between Hong Kong’s regulatory embrace and Beijing’s hard prohibition 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.
