KBW 2026 Main Conference Adds Government, Finance, and AI Leaders to Speaker Lineup

Korea Blockchain Week (KBW) 2026 has announced an expanded roster of speakers for its main conference, set to take place at Seoul’s Walkerhill Hotels & Resorts from Sept. 29 to Oct. 1. The additions include prominent figures from government, institutional finance, and artificial intelligence, underscoring the event’s focus on regulatory evolution, institutional adoption, and the integration of AI with blockchain technology.

New Speakers Reflect Global Regulatory and Institutional Trends

Among the newly confirmed speakers are Bermuda Prime Minister David Burt, OKX founder and CEO Star Xu, Franklin Templeton Senior Vice President Chetan Karkhanis, World Liberty Financial CEO Zach Witkoff, and 0G co-founder and CEO Michael Heinrich. Their participation highlights a growing intersection between traditional finance, digital assets, and policy-making.

Bermuda has positioned itself as a proactive jurisdiction for digital asset regulation, while Franklin Templeton’s involvement signals continued institutional interest in crypto. OKX’s presence reflects the exchange’s global expansion efforts, and 0G’s focus on AI and blockchain convergence points to a key theme for the conference.

Event Organizers Emphasize Regulatory and Technological Convergence

FactBlock, the Web3 ecosystem builder organizing KBW 2026, said the event will serve as a platform to discuss the future direction of the crypto market amid a rapidly changing global regulatory environment and growing technology convergence. The conference aims to bridge the gap between policymakers, institutional investors, and technology innovators.

Upbit, one of Asia’s leading digital-asset exchanges, will participate as the top-tier presenting partner. The exchange’s involvement reinforces the event’s significance within the Asian crypto market and its focus on regulatory compliance and market maturity.

Why This Matters for the Crypto Industry

The speaker lineup at KBW 2026 reflects broader trends in the digital asset space: governments are formalizing regulatory frameworks, traditional financial institutions are increasing exposure to crypto, and AI is becoming a central component of blockchain innovation. For industry participants, the event offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from decision-makers shaping these developments.

As regulatory clarity improves in key jurisdictions and institutional adoption accelerates, events like KBW serve as barometers for the industry’s trajectory. The inclusion of a sitting prime minister and executives from major financial and tech firms suggests that blockchain is moving further into the mainstream.

Conference Schedule and Participation

The main conference begins on Sept. 30, following an opening day on Sept. 29. The venue, Walkerhill Hotels & Resorts, is a well-known conference location in Seoul, offering ample space for networking and side events. Additional speakers and session details are expected to be announced in the coming months.

Conclusion

KBW 2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal event for the crypto industry, with a speaker lineup that spans government, finance, and technology. The conference’s emphasis on regulatory formalization, institutional adoption, and AI integration aligns with the current state of the market, making it a key date for professionals in the space.

FAQs

Q1: When and where will KBW 2026 take place?
Korea Blockchain Week 2026 will be held at Walkerhill Hotels & Resorts in Seoul from Sept. 29 to Oct. 1, with the main conference starting on Sept. 30.

Q2: Who are some of the notable speakers at KBW 2026?
The lineup includes Bermuda Prime Minister David Burt, OKX CEO Star Xu, Franklin Templeton’s Chetan Karkhanis, World Liberty Financial CEO Zach Witkoff, and 0G co-founder Michael Heinrich.

Q3: What are the main themes of KBW 2026?
The conference will focus on regulatory developments, institutional adoption of digital assets, and the convergence of AI with blockchain technology.