The second day of LABITCONF in Buenos Aires, Argentina, marked a pivotal moment for discussions about the future of the crypto industry in the country. Industry leaders like Marcelo Cavazzoli of Lemon, Juan Méndez of Ripio, Pedro Gutiérrez of CoinEx, Edgar Plascencia of Bitget, and Julián Colombo of Bitso took the stage to share insights, offering a unique perspective on the current state and future outlook of Argentina’s crypto scene.
A Glimpse into Crypto Platforms
Pedro Gutiérrez of CoinEx highlighted his platform’s prominence as the leading Chinese crypto asset exchange. With over 800 cryptocurrencies and 1200 trading pairs, CoinEx is known for its world-leading mining pool exchange vertical, ViaBTC. The platform currently focuses on retail users, aiming for high-volume, small-transaction movements.
Marcelo Cavazzoli of Lemon shared impressive growth data about his fintech, establishing itself as the first app in Latin America with over 2 million daily active users. With more than 900,000 cards issued, Lemon stands out for its transparency, allowing users to view reserve data in real-time, fostering trust and peace of mind.
Juan Méndez of Ripio reflected on the past year, urging those in the crypto world to take it as a crucial lesson for shared responsibility. Ripio has reached 10 million users in Latin America, catering to both individual users and businesses.
Growth Strategies and Education
Regarding growth strategies, CoinEx emphasized their focus on education, expanding in Colombia and Argentina. The platform has formed partnerships with universities to impart knowledge about crypto assets and blockchain technology. CoinEx recognizes the user as the backbone of their business and plans to focus more on education, partnerships, and service offerings in 2024.
Argentina’s Ban on Banks Operating with Cryptocurrencies
A significant point of discussion was the regulatory policies, particularly those affecting financial entities like Banco Galicia. The Argentine Central Bank’s decision in May this year sparked debates, especially considering the country’s inflation crisis. Gutiérrez expressed understanding yet prohibition of these restrictions, highlighting the complexity of tax issues in this context.
Cavazzoli, however, shared concerns about the limitation on crypto asset adoption, considering it detrimental. He argued that the regulation seems to pursue other interests rather than protecting users, discouraging investments and ecosystem growth.
LABITCONF 2023: Avoiding Crypto Scams with AI
The leaders at LABITCONF made it clear that despite regulatory challenges, Argentina has the opportunity to lead a technological revolution. They called for entrepreneurs and crypto enthusiasts in Argentina to face regulatory challenges and contribute to building a stronger ecosystem.
Looking Forward
The panelists agreed that 2024 would be marked by increased crypto adoption. Expectations around ETFs and the upcoming Bitcoin halving will be key markers shaping the market’s direction.
Juan Méndez of Ripio discussed the impact of the next Bitcoin halving, a significant event every four years within the crypto community. Ripio is preparing for this event, recognizing its substantial impact on cryptocurrency prices and the alternative it offers to the traditional financial system.
Pedro Gutiérrez of CoinEx shared his vision for the coming year, focusing on increased adoption and ecosystem maturity. CoinEx plans to maximize its educational partnerships in Argentina, emphasizing the importance of the end user.
LABITCONF 2023 highlighted the dynamic and evolving nature of Argentina’s crypto landscape, with industry leaders advocating for education, regulatory understanding, and strategic growth to navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead.
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