Digital assets remain shrouded in mystery for many. Our members highlighted the pressing need for enhanced general education in this field. To bridge this gap, our members discussed organising educational workshops and webinars to simplify complex processes and facilitate a smoother integration with traditional practices. We can foster a more informed and confident ecosystem by empowering individuals with knowledge. Additionally, establishing an educational platform or partnering with industry experts to develop comprehensive learning materials and training programmes tailored to various levels of expertise, an option made accessible by initiatives such as ours at the Finance Hive, was mentioned as extremely valuable by our members.

Client Asset Safety and Risk Management: Safeguarding Trust

In the realm of digital assets, client asset safety and risk management are paramount. Our members recognised this and emphasised the importance of finding optimal solutions for institutions. To ensure the highest standards of security, our members suggested adopting cutting-edge technologies such as multi-signature wallets and secure custody solutions. Moreover, implementing robust risk management protocols will bolster trust and instil confidence among clients.

A potential way to address this is to collaborate with leading cybersecurity firms and engage in continuous evaluation and improvement of security measures to stay one step ahead of potential threats.

Valuable Learning Experience: Going Beyond Products

One intriguing insight shared by our members is the significance of embracing a learning mindset. Rather than solely focusing on specific products, our members suggested that institutions engage in exploratory discussions that delve into the underlying principles of digital assets. By doing so, valuable learning experiences can emerge, allowing for a deeper understanding of the market dynamics and paving the way for more informed decision-making.

Organising regular brainstorming sessions and knowledge-sharing forums where members can engage in open dialogues, share insights, and collectively expand their understanding of digital assets was raised as vital, and we are excited to provide our members with the place to do so.

Industry Progress, Regulations, and Compliance: Building the Future Responsibly

Navigating the evolving regulatory landscape is crucial for sustainable progress in the digital assets industry. Our members highlighted the need to align systems and structures with regulatory requirements. To achieve this, our members suggested establishing close collaborations with regulatory bodies, actively participating in industry associations, and advocating for clearer guidelines. By proactively shaping the regulatory framework, institutions can lay a solid foundation for long-term growth.

Engaging in constructive dialogue with regulatory authorities such as the FCA whom we had the pleasure to welcome at our launch meeting, and sharing expertise and insights leads to contributing to the development of comprehensive and balanced regulatory frameworks.

High-Quality Data Sourcing: The Key to Informed Decisions

Access to accurate and reliable data is essential for informed decision-making in the digital assets space. Our members identified the challenge of sourcing high-quality data and expressed a desire to find viable solutions. To address this, our members suggested forming strategic partnerships with reputable data providers and leveraging advanced data analytics tools. By harnessing reliable data sources, institutions can gain valuable insights, identify trends, and make well-informed investment decisions.

Our Members Suggested: Investing in data infrastructure and collaborating with industry-leading data providers to establish a robust data ecosystem that supports comprehensive analysis and informed decision-making.

Infrastructure: Building the Pillars of Success 

During the early stages of establishing a digital assets trading desk, building operational capability is of utmost importance. Our members emphasised the value of learning from best practices and leveraging insights from peers within the institutional and traditional frameworks. They also stressed the importance of striking the right balance when adopting technology. Our members discussed developing a phased implementation approach, combining progressive adoption of technological advancements with continuous learning and adaptation.

The words of the wise: Create a roadmap for infrastructure development, incorporating a phased approach that allows for learning, adaptation, and seamless integration of new technologies.

Custody and Security: Fortifying Trust in the Digital Age

For digital assets, custody solutions and robust security measures are indispensable. Our members emphasised the need for institutional-grade custody solutions and heightened fluency in technology and cybersecurity, and discussed the importance of engaging industry-leading custody providers, implementing rigorous security protocols, and fostering a culture of continuous learning to stay ahead of emerging threats.

Their concluding advice: conduct regular security audits, engage in cybersecurity training programmes, and explore partnerships with established custodial service providers to ensure the highest level of asset protection.