15th April 2025

Sonya Kuhnel

Welcome address by Master of Ceremonies

Dr. Saifedean Ammous

From its inception as a revolutionary whitepaper to becoming a global asset, this session traces Bitcoin's remarkable journey. Explore the next steps in Bitcoin's evolution and its potential future as a reserve currency on the global stage.

Prof. Dr. Naseem Naqvi

This session explores how nations are strategically leveraging Bitcoin to reshape global power dynamics. As countries like the U.S., China, and El Salvador integrate Bitcoin into their economic strategies, this session will examine the implications for international relations, financial stability, and national sovereignty.

Cath Jenkin

Stafford Masie

James Caw

Moderator: Cath Jenkin. This session analyzes how Bitcoin's fixed supply could strengthen emerging economies' financial sovereignty while examining key challenges including volatility risks, energy consumption, and public sentiment. The panel will explore practical approaches for developing nations to balance these opportunities and challenges in their reserve strategies.

Eleanor Terrett

Dr. Matthias Hafner

Timothy Kotzman

Moderator: Eleanor Terrett. This discussion explores whether Bitcoin or gold offers greater strategic value as a reserve asset for nation-states, considering factors like stability, liquidity, and geopolitical implications.

Susie Violet Ward

Dr. Matthias Hafner

Daniel Batten

Moderator: Susie Violet Ward. Bitcoin's substantial energy consumption is an inherent aspect of its proof‐of‐work consensus mechanism, which underpins the network’s security and decentralization. Recent research indicates that efforts are underway to repurpose the waste heat generated by mining operations, thereby mitigating environmental impact. Additionally, Bitcoin mining is increasingly relocating to regions with low-cost energy, where the potential for renewable sources is higher and dependence on fossil fuels is often lower. Although initiatives to reuse excess energy are still in their early stages, advancements in second-layer solutions—such as the Lightning Network—offer the potential to significantly reduce the energy footprint per transaction. In this talk or panel we discuss recent developments and impacts.

Jeff Walton

Gary Cardone

Matthew Hougan

Andrew Hohns

Moderator: Jeff Walton. This session will share lessons learned from institutions that have successfully integrated Bitcoin into their reserves, highlighting the strategic decisions and operational adjustments made along the way.

Eleanor Terrett

Ben Werkman

Jessi Goostree

Hailey Miller

Moderator: Eleanor Terrett. President Trump's recent Executive Order to establish a U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve marks a significant shift in the nation's approach to Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. This panel will delve into the implications of designating Bitcoin as a strategic asset, exploring how this development could influence regulatory frameworks, institutional adoption, and the future of digital assets worldwide.

James Caw

Robert Hersov

Susie Violet Ward

Brian Whitehurst

Moderator: James Caw. This session will explore how the establishment of a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve by the United States could provoke significant global reactions, potentially triggering a "crypto arms race" as other nations accelerate their own Bitcoin accumulation strategies.

Networking in the Virtual Lounge

Matthew Sigel

This session will outline how a modest Bitcoin reserve could help the U.S. hedge against dollar debasement, reduce long-term debt burdens, and reinforce strategic leadership across energy, AI, and digital finance. Building on lessons from corporate issuance and recent modeling of Bitcoin-backed Treasury instruments, Matthew will also demonstrate how the U.S. could lower borrowing costs while gradually accumulating a reserve position—offering asymmetric upside with limited fiscal risk.

Lee Bratcher

This session will explore Texas' approach to adopting Bitcoin as a strategic reserve asset. Featuring insights into the state's motivations, regulatory frameworks, and economic strategies, the discussion will highlight how Texas is positioning itself as a leader in Bitcoin adoption.

Joey Garcia

This session delves into the essentials of building a secure Bitcoin reserve, focusing on best practices for custody solutions, cold storage, and disaster recovery planning. It will also address managing market volatility through advanced hedging strategies and comprehensive risk management approaches.

Timothy Kotzman

Tyler Evans

Robert Catalanello

Moderator: Timothy Kotzman. This session explores how CFOs and corporate leaders can strategically integrate Bitcoin into their treasury operations and balance sheets. It will cover key considerations for adopting Bitcoin as a long-term reserve asset, navigating regulatory and accounting frameworks, and balancing financial innovation with effective risk management.

Edan Yago

This session explores advancements in blockchain scalability, security, and privacy, focusing on innovations like Taproot and the Lightning Network. These technologies enhance Bitcoin’s efficiency, utility, and integration into global financial systems, strengthening its role as a secure and strategic reserve asset.

Brian Whitehurst

Joshua Ashley Klayman Kuzar

Loretta Joseph

Joey Garcia

Moderator: Brian Whitehurst. This session explores international regulations, compliance requirements, and strategies to address tax, reporting, and audit challenges for Bitcoin reserves. It will highlight evolving frameworks and their impact on countries adopting Bitcoin as a reserve asset.

Jeff Walton

Matthew Hougan

Dan Tapiero

Moderator: Jeff Walton. This session will explore Bitcoin's potential as a hedge against the debasement of fiat currencies, focusing on its scarcity, fixed monetary policy, and decentralized nature.

Sonya Kuhnel

Closing address by Master of Ceremonies