9 Key Insights from the Doing Digital Forum 2025 on 盗U系统多语言版源码the Future of Money

April 11, 2025  17:57

The Doing Digital Forum (DDF), focused on digital finance and innovative technologies, was held in Yerevan for the third time, bringing together around 20 speakers and more than 1,000 participants from Armenia and abroad. Entitled “The Future of Money: Economic Impact,” DDF25 served as a platform for valuable ideas and dynamic discussions among policymakers, business leaders, innovators and top international and local experts in the field.

The event was organized by SPRING PR, Amazon Web Services was the Technology Partner of DDF 25. Tatevik Simonyan, Founder of the Doing Digital Forum and Co-Founder of SPRING PR, emphasized the importance of leadership in times of transformation. “We live in an era of unprecedented technological change—what I would call a technological tsunami, filled with new opportunities and bold ideas. Those who don’t just follow but lead these processes are the ones shaping the vision of the future economy and setting the rules of the new game. The future doesn’t wait—let’s lead the change,” said Tatevik Simonyan.

In his opening address, Central Bank Governor Martin Galstyan reflected on the long journey of money—from ancient barter systems to modern digital currencies. “To understand how digital technologies are shaping the future of money, we must revisit several fundamental questions: What is the role of money? What makes a currency trustworthy and widely accepted?” said Galstyan, adding that the issue of trust and credibility is becoming increasingly urgent as digital currencies continue to gain ground.

The Forum's keynote speaker, world-renowned futurist Gerd Leonhard, opened his speech with a powerful thought: “We live in a world where almost everything is constantly changing. What was reality ten years ago is being questioned today—and to better understand the future, we must begin preparing for it now.”

According to Leonhard, humanity stands at a crossroads: the old systems are breaking down, but the new ones are still being built. He identified four major revolutions that are significantly impacting the banking sector, financial services, and the very concept of money: geopolitical shifts; the digital revolution and the rise of artificial intelligence; the urgency of sustainable development; and the transformation of life purpose. “These four forces are shaping a new world—one filled with uncertainty, but also rich in opportunities and discoveries. What role technologies—especially artificial intelligence—will play in this new reality is up to us. What a person can do, a machine cannot. We are the builders of the future, not the victims. Let’s create the future together,” the futurist concluded.

Henri Arslanian, global crypto leader and Co-Founder of Nine Blocks Capital Management, highlighted Armenia’s unique potential in this shift: “Armenians are agile, open to innovation, and ready to embrace transformation. We are witnessing the most exciting era in the history of money,” said Arslanian.

The panel discussion, “From Barter to Crypto: The Evolution of Money,” moderated by Henri Arslanian, brought together leading voices to explore Armenia’s potential as a pioneer in digital finance. The conversation covered blockchain, cryptocurrencies, Web3 technologies, and the importance of regulation in enabling strategic growth.

Vakhtang Abrahamyan, CEO of Fastex, stressed the value of a well-regulated environment, noting it allows businesses to think long-term and act strategically. He also emphasized Armenia’s opportunity to position itself as a country that creates value in the global crypto arena.

Ara Abrahamyan, Member of the Supervisory Board at Armenian Card (Arca), highlighted Armenia’s strength at the intersection of finance and technology: “Financial services and information technology are among the most advanced sectors in Armenia—bringing them together creates a fertile ground for fintech innovation.”

The second panel, “The Impact of Digital Money on Economic Growth,” was moderated by Vahan Vardanyan, Member of the Board of Directorsat Fast Bank. The discussion explored how digital money and technologies like AI and cloud computing are reshaping capital markets, humanitarian aid, and economic development—particularly in Armenia’s fintech landscape.

Nanna Skau, Representative and Country Director of UN World Food Programme in Armenia, underlined the need for financial education: “Whether aid is delivered in cash, food, or cryptocurrency, the key challenge remains: people must know how to manage it.”

Ofelya Aghakaryan, Senior Executive Officer at Apricot Capital DIFC Limited, noted a shift in demand for innovation: “New technologies are no longer just for the youth. Customized digital solutions are becoming essential for corporations and professional clients alike.”

Matias Undurraga Breitling, Enterprise Technologist at Amazon Web Services stated: “Generative AI is transforming the customer experience. Loyalty built through seamless experiences is the key to long-term growth.”

As part of its mission to spotlight innovation and leadership in digital finance, Doing Digital Forum 2025 presented the Doing Digital Awards, celebrating trailblazers shaping the future of money. From global thought leaders to cutting-edge companies, the awards honored outstanding contributions in areas such as ethical innovation, secure payments, decentralized finance, and digital inclusion.

Among the speakers at the forum were Armen Nurbekyan, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank; Vardan Khachatryan, CEO of Arca (Armenian Card); Shant Kassardjian, Director of Cybersecurity at the Information Systems Agency of Armenia, Samee Zafar, CEO at Edgar, Dunn & Company; Andrew Truong, Head of Digital, Strategy, and PxD Practice for CEMEA, Visa; and others.

Since its launch in 2025, the Doing Digital Forum has brought together over 60 distinguished speakers and more than 3,000 participants from Armenia, Georgia, Germany, Switzerland, Hong Kong, Denmark, Greece, the United Kingdom, the United States, the UAE, Australia, and CIS countries.

The Doing Digital Forum was held with Visa as the Innovation Partner, Apricot Capital - the Investment Partner, Arca - the National Partner, Fastex as the Blockchain Partner, and Fast Bank as the Financial Partner.