Key Takeaways

• – Greenlight for staking: The Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) announced licensed crypto exchanges can offer staking services—an unprecedented move that legitimizes DeFi under regulatory oversight.
• – Stablecoin regulations on the horizon: Hong Kong’s government confirmed comprehensive guidelines will roll out later in 2025, offering a long-awaited regulatory framework for stablecoins.
• – AI meets Web3: Exhibitors like InitVerse and HolmesAI debuted privacy-preserving AI solutions running on encrypted data, hinting at a new era of decentralized, secure machine learning.
• – XT.COM’s dynamic presence: From live music events featuring Hong Kong rock legends to hands-on product demos, XT.COM underscored the human side of Web3 with its “#BeyondTrade” spirit.
• – Massive community buzz: Hashtags like #Web3Festival and #Web3FestivalHongKong2025 trended regionally, reflecting intense online engagement and enthusiasm.

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The Web3 Festival Hong Kong 2025 was a full-throttle showcase of innovation, collaboration, and cultural fusion. Held from April 6–9 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), the event drew over 50,000 attendees and hundreds of global thought leaders. Co-hosted by Wanxiang Blockchain Labs and HashKey Group, the Hong Kong Web3 Festival 2025 featured major regulatory announcements, groundbreaking AI-blockchain demonstrations, and side events that reflected the region’s unique cultural flavor.

Read on for a closer look at the festival’s biggest announcements, marquee exhibitions, and the societal pulse that made the Web3 Festival Hong Kong 2025 an unforgettable experience.

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Table of Contents

Major Announcements & Regulatory Updates

Emerging Themes & Key Discussions

• – AI + Web3 Integration
• – DeFi & Infrastructure Innovations
• – DePIN: Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks
• – RWA Tokenization
• – PayFi: Payments Meet DeFi

XT.COM’s Dynamic Presence & Community-Focused Side Events

• – XT HK Beyond Trade VIP Party Side Event
• – Booth Highlights & Online Engagement

Community Voices & Social Media Buzz

Market Impacts & Industry Insights

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Major Announcements & Regulatory Updates

A Landmark Win for DeFi

One of the most transformative moments at the Web3 Festival Hong Kong 2025 involved the SFC’s decision to allow licensed crypto exchanges to legally offer staking services. This announcement quickly became a focal point of industry discussion. Market participants noted that the move underscores Hong Kong’s commitment to nurturing a compliant yet forward-thinking blockchain environment. By legitimizing DeFi products under regulatory oversight, the city aims to fuse innovation with investor protection.

Stablecoin Regulation: Clarity Ahead

Adding to the regulatory momentum, Hong Kong’s government confirmed that comprehensive stablecoin regulations are slated for later this year. While the details remain under wraps, the promise of clearer guidelines could mitigate one of the biggest uncertainties in the digital asset space. Financial Secretary Paul Chan emphasized Hong Kong’s ambition to be a “global blockchain hub,” stressing the importance of frameworks that bridge traditional finance and digital innovation. He explained, “Innovation comes with risk, but our job is to create an environment where it can thrive responsibly.”

This policy stance could catalyze broader institutional adoption, especially for those waiting on the sidelines for signs of robust, clearly defined rules.

Image Credit: Web3 Festival Medium

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Emerging Themes & Key Discussions

From multiple stages to impromptu meetups, the Hong Kong Web3 Festival 2025 buzzed with conversations that revealed the industry’s evolving priorities.

AI + Web3 Integration

• – InitVerse: Their TfhEVM stole the show for merging AI and privacy, offering a new paradigm in secure data processing. “This changes the game for industries where trust and compliance matter most,” said Sezikli.
• – HolmesAI: By removing centralized choke points from the AI development pipeline, HolmesAI caters to builders who want transparency, security, and creative freedom.

Image Credit: GlobeNewswire

DeFi & Infrastructure Innovations

• – Neo: Returning as a secondary exhibition sponsor, Neo showcased modular infrastructure layers and new DeFi tools. Their booth provided practical examples—like real-world use cases in supply chain management and asset tracking—demonstrating how smart economies might flourish on decentralized networks.
• – TON Foundation: Hosting an off-site “TON Day” event, TON Foundation highlighted Telegram mini apps, GameFi, DeFi, and even institutional adoption. The presence of AI-driven demos tied everything together, showing how messaging ecosystems and gaming could converge on the blockchain.

Image Credit: Web3 Festival Medium

DePIN: Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks

DePIN was another hot topic, focusing on the tokenization of real-world infrastructure—ranging from energy grids to transportation systems. Experts debated how decentralized networks might solve pain points like transparency and data siloing. Panels concluded that applying blockchain-based governance to physical infrastructures could lead to more equitable resource distribution.

RWA Tokenization

Real-world asset (RWA) tokenization was flagged as a critical bridge between traditional finance (TradFi) and DeFi. By putting tangible assets—such as real estate or commodities—on-chain, projects can expand market liquidity and bring sophisticated financial instruments into a decentralized realm.

PayFi: Payments Meet DeFi

Intersections between standard payment rails and decentralized finance also captured attention. Discussions highlighted stablecoins and asset tokenization as pivotal for faster, cheaper cross-border transactions. Many predicted that PayFi solutions would emerge as a foundation for global trade, especially in regions underserved by conventional banking systems.

Image Credit: Web3 Festival Medium

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XT.COM’s Dynamic Presence & Community-Focused Side Events

The Nostalgic Pull of “XT HK Beyond Trade VIP Party”

XT.COM made a splash not just with technology but with a deeply human touch. Our signature side event, “XT HK Beyond Trade VIP Party”, at a chic social lounge in Central, Hong Kong on April 6 featured Paul Wong, the legendary guitarist from Beyond. The resulting blend of Hong Kong rock nostalgia and Web3 enthusiasm created a memorable evening where music, culture, and crypto converged.

Between guitar solos and casual toasts, attendees—ranging from die-hard fans to project founders—found an intimate space to discuss how blockchain can power greater financial inclusivity, transparency, and innovation. This cultural-meets-technical approach exemplified XT.COM’s #BeyondTrade ethos, showing that crypto isn’t just about trading pairs and charts but also about community and shared values.

Booth Highlights & Online Engagement

Back at the festival, XT.COM’s booth thrived as a hub for hands-on demos, live trading showcases, and Q&A sessions with product experts. The ambiance was fun yet informative: visitors could see how XT.COM’s ecosystem facilitates everything from casual trading to more advanced DeFi interactions.

To ensure global participation, XT.COM hosted online trading competitions, polls, and giveaways, bringing a slice of festival excitement to users who couldn’t be there in person. The synergy between on-site engagement and virtual outreach reinforced XT.COM’s belief that community transcends physical boundaries.

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Community Voices & Social Media Buzz

A critical measure of any major blockchain event is the conversation it sparks outside the venue walls. By that standard, the Hong Kong Web3 Festival 2025 was a resounding success. Attendees flooded platforms like Instagram, X/Twitter, and Medium with hot takes, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and highlights from panel discussions.

• – Instagram: User @1lnwr shared a photo from a packed HKCEC, captioned: “Another crazily busy Sunday at HKCEC! Just attended the Web3 Festival—what an experience!”
• – Facebook: China Daily’s video montage of keynote sessions and interactive booths garnered a flurry of comments, including one user’s remark: “This proves Hong Kong’s Web3 future is real and happening.”
• – X/Twitter: Hashtags like #Web3Festival, #Web3FestivalHongKong2025, and #HKWeb3 trended regionally, turning the festival into a digital conversation hub. Influencers and KOLs weighed in on everything from DePIN to stablecoin regulation.
• – Medium: The festival’s official blog highlighted the global turnout and praised the community spirit that pervaded the event—even in side gatherings away from the main stages.

Overall, the festival was not just about displaying tech and listening to speeches; it was a cultural moment celebrated both on-site and across social channels.

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Market Impacts & Industry Insights

Regulatory Shifts Drive Adoption

From a market standpoint, the SFC’s endorsement of staking was arguably the biggest game-changer. Institutions typically watch regulatory signals before allocating funds. By clarifying that licensed exchanges can offer staking services without crossing legal lines, Hong Kong positioned itself as a front-runner. Many analysts predict this bold stance will trigger a ripple effect, encouraging other jurisdictions to adopt a more open approach to regulated DeFi services.

Financial Secretary Paul Chan’s confirmation that stablecoin regulations are “on track to roll out later this year” also stoked optimism. In an industry often mired by legal gray areas, definitive rules for stablecoins may attract capital from institutional investors who previously hesitated due to compliance uncertainties.

Image Credit: The Standard

AI-Blockchain Convergence

The intersection of AI and blockchain continued to make waves. New paradigms for privacy and decentralization were introduced, which could reshape how businesses handle sensitive data. Attendees noted that if these technologies achieve broad adoption, industries like healthcare, finance, and logistics might see a significant shift toward encrypted, trust-minimized data processing.

Macro Considerations

Amid the festivities, there were acknowledgments of global macro pressures—such as U.S. trade tensions. These factors remind the crypto community that digital assets do not exist in a vacuum. However, many view Hong Kong’s proactive regulation as a hedge against geopolitical uncertainty, enabling the city to stand out as a stable environment for blockchain enterprises.

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Conclusion & Future Outlook

The Web3 Festival Hong Kong 2025 was a defining moment for a maturing, fast-moving Web3 ecosystem. Regulatory clarity—especially around staking and stablecoins—signaled to the global market that Hong Kong is ready to lead with progressive policies. This approach could serve as a blueprint for regions balancing innovation with investor protection.

At the same time, AI + Web3 innovations took the spotlight. Startups like InitVerse and HolmesAI showcased how privacy-first AI, built on technologies like Fully Homomorphic Encryption, could solve real-world problems in compliance-heavy sectors.

But it wasn’t all about tech. XT.COM’s creative side events and the shared energy among builders emphasized that Web3 is also about human connection—rethinking how people transact, communicate, and collaborate.

On social media, hashtags like #Web3Festival and #Web3FestivalHongKong2025 trended widely, reflecting global attention. The synergy between DeFi, AI, and proactive governance pointed to a future that is borderless and inclusive.

Looking ahead:

• – Stablecoin regulations could unlock new institutional adoption.
• – AI privacy tools may redefine compliance standards.
• – Cross-border collaboration will likely fuel continued innovation.

Ultimately, the Hong Kong Web3 Festival 2025 showed that Web3 is no longer hype—it’s a growing movement with Hong Kong boldly at the forefront.

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Quick Links:

• – April Economic Calendar for Crypto Traders
• – Trade War & the Emergence of a Crypto Strategic Reserve: What to Expect
• – Top 9 Crypto Narratives Shaping 2025: AI, DeFi, Tokenization, and More
• – Beyond the Candlesticks: How On-Chain & Macro Factors Drive Bitcoin’s Growth
• – Ethereum Pectra Upgrade Breakdown: Account Abstraction, Staking, and More
• – Monad Blockchain Explained: A Faster, Scalable Alternative to Ethereum

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About XT.COM

Founded in 2018, XT.COM now serves nearly 7.8 million registered users, over 1,000,000+ monthly active users and 40+ million users in the ecosystem. Our comprehensive trading platform supports 800+ high-quality tokens and 1000+ trading pairs. XT.COM crypto exchange supports a rich variety of trading, such as spot trading, margin trading, and futures trading together with an aggregated NFT marketplace. Our platform strives to cater to our large user base by providing a secure, trusted and intuitive trading experience.