This article is an opinion piece about cryptocurrency roundtables:
Cryptocurrency roundtables, like those commonly organized at conferences or financial forums, are valuable spaces to discuss the present and future of digital assets. These events bring together experts, investors, and regulators, providing an opportunity to debate key topics such as regulation, blockchain adoption, market volatility, and associated risks such as fraud or money laundering. In a recent context, where Bitcoin has reached new all-time highs close to $109,000 in 2025, these discussions are more relevant than ever.
From my perspective, these roundtables are essential for fostering transparency and education in a market that remains volatile and prone to scams, such as the sophisticated phishing that has evolved in the sector. However, often these discussions lack a practical approach to protect retail investors, who in Spain, for example, have invested significantly (more than 6,000 euros per person, according to some estimates). The lack of clear regulation in many countries, including Spain, where the Fifth Directive on money laundering has not yet been fully transposed, can generate distrust.
On the other hand, these roundtables often highlight the transformative potential of cryptocurrencies, especially in areas such as e-government and sustainable development, where blockchain-based currencies could enhance social welfare. However, I believe it is crucial that these events do not remain in utopian promises or speculation, as happened during the post-2008 cryptocurrency boom, where magical thinking led to unrealistic expectations. Instead, they should focus on concrete solutions, such as improving the security of platforms (many, like Crypto.com, have faced criticism for access and customer service issues) and promoting balanced regulation that does not stifle innovation.
In conclusion, cryptocurrency roundtables are a step forward to legitimize and structure this market, but they must go beyond rhetoric and address real challenges: consumer protection, regulatory clarity, and financial education. Only then can the potential of cryptocurrencies be harnessed without repeating the mistakes of the past.