True consensus at Consensus Hong Kong 2026

Consensus 2026 in Hong Kong shows a rather gloomy sentiment in the cryptocurrency industry. Many attendees and speakers believe that the prolonged market stagnation, the decline of retail investors, and the rapid rise of artificial intelligence have dampened enthusiasm. Traditional narratives about cryptocurrencies, which focus on decentralization and speculation, are gradually losing their appeal.

However, most opinions agree that cryptocurrencies are not “over.” Instead, the industry is entering a phase of transformation. Key topics include increased participation from institutions, stricter regulatory compliance requirements, and practical applications such as payments, stablecoins, derivatives, and blockchain-based financial infrastructure. The integration of AI with crypto is also seen as a potential driver of innovation.

Overall, the crypto industry is reshaping itself rather than collapsing.