Giddy was on location at Consensus 2023 in Austin, Texas for one of the most significant crypto events of the year. With a plethora of panels, workshops, and keynotes, this was an insightful gathering of the brightest minds in the industry.

We’ve distilled our experience into five key takeaways that represent the most important trends in Web3 and cryptocurrency.

Let’s get into it.

Photo credit: CoinDesk

Crypto is embracing its role as Finance 2.0

Despite fluctuations in token market caps, the real story at Consensus 2023 was the continued growth and maturity of Web3. Active addresses and developer activity have reached all-time highs, and real-world usage of crypto is expanding rapidly. The shift toward decentralized finance and the tokenization of assets is revolutionizing traditional financial systems. For too long crypto has been thought of simply in terms of the price of Bitcoin – but one thing was clear at Consensus: crypto is actually becoming Finance 2.0.

StageX Session at Consensus 2023

The Fortune 500 want to get into crypto

This year’s Consensus featured a variety of sessions and panels with Fortune 500 brands such as Salesforce, Anheuser-Busch, Franklin-Templeton, and PepsiCo. These industry giants discussed their plans to integrate Web3 technologies into their operations and business models. Perhaps most importantly, their presence at the conference highlights a growing consensus (see what we did there?) of the importance of blockchain and cryptocurrencies in the global economy. As more and more established companies explore the potential of Web3, we can expect to see accelerated adoption of digital assets.

Stickers galore at Consensus 2023

But the U.S. regulatory quagmire is still problematic

The lack of clear and consistent regulation in the United States continues to be a significant obstacle, not only for crypto companies and investors, but for large brands as well. If you were hoping to find more clarity at Consensus, well, unfortunately this wasn’t that time. Even during a friendly panel with two former regulators, one from the SEC and another from the CFTC, the two parties couldn’t agree on an ideal path forward for crypto regulation.

Panel discussions at Consensus also revealed concerns about the potential for over-regulation, which could stifle innovation and hamper the industry’s growth. The need for a balanced regulatory framework that fosters growth while protecting consumers was a recurring theme throughout the conference. The ongoing uncertainty and lack of regulatory clarity have led to a cautious approach that sadly is causing the United States to be left behind in its adoption of Web3 technologies. It seems that, for the time being, the regulatory landscape will remain murky.

Giddy CEO, Eric Parker speaks with the Texas Blockchain Council

New changes are on the horizon

Despite these regulatory challenges, there are signs of progress. Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and Representative Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.) spoke toward new legislation for cryptocurrencies that would be introduced in the next two months, which could provide the first real foothold for crypto in the U.S. This legislation aims to foster innovation while protecting consumers and ensuring the stability of the financial system. If passed, the act could bring much-needed clarity and support to the crypto industry, allowing it to flourish and reach its full potential in the United States.

The proposed legislation was a hot topic at Consensus, with many industry leaders expressing their support for legislation and the potential positive impact it could have on the crypto landscape. Attendees engaged in spirited discussions about the specific provisions of the act and how it might shape the future of Web3 and cryptocurrency regulation in the United States.

Giddy Booth at Consensus 2023

And hope springs eternal

The underlying theme at Consensus 2023 was not a question of “if” but rather “how” mass adoption of Web3 will occur. There was a palpable sense of optimism and determination. Despite the challenges and obstacles facing the industry, there was a strong belief that Web3 will overcome these hurdles and transform the way we transact, invest, and interact with the global economy. In other words, the train has left the station and will reach its destination despite the challenges: now it’s just a matter of what route it takes.

This optimism was evident in the myriad of projects and initiatives showcased at the conference. From decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) that aim to revolutionize corporate governance, to innovative cross-chain solutions designed to enhance interoperability between different blockchain networks, the possibilities for growth and expansion in the Web3 ecosystem appear limitless. The conference also featured discussions about the role of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and their potential impact on the global financial landscape, with many attendees expressing excitement about the opportunities this could bring to the crypto industry.

Giddy onsite at Consensus 2023

In short, Consensus 2023 showcased the continued growth and maturation of the crypto ecosystem. With major corporations exploring the benefits of Web3 and the potential for regulatory progress on the horizon, the future of the industry looks promising.

At Giddy, we’re excited to be part of this journey and will continue to bring you the latest developments, trends, and insights in the world of Web3 and smart wallets.

Stay tuned for more updates and news from the ever-evolving world of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. As we move forward, the enthusiasm, innovation, and collaborative spirit displayed at Consensus 2023 will undoubtedly serve as a driving force for the continued success of the Web3 revolution.