PwC crypto lead expects “exciting things” in 2019

While naysayers may think differently, PwC Asia's fintech and crypto leader Henri Arslanian claims in his interview for Bloomberg “exciting things” are ahead in 2019.

While the collapse of the bitcoin bubble is terrible news, such ups and downs are natural and will allow the industry to grow noted Arslanian. He said this has “cleared a lot of noise for the sector” and will provide fertile ground for companies to evolve in unexpected ways. This refers, especially, to ICOs who create and collect assets in crypto. Those who haven’t hedged or moved their assets to cash—a move which might have lost them as much as 90 percent of their value if they made the wrong bet at the wrong time—are probably hurting right now.

Everything points towards stability said Arslanian. As the institutional players enter the space, they bring in new “institutional expertise and experience for the sector.” They will help the crypto industry by launching new solutions, partnering with crypto companies, or investing in crypto solutions.

Moreover, jurisdictions have started provided more regulation clarity. Even more traditional countries are doing the same. France, for instance, is pushing legislation on ICOs.

Security tokens and stablecoins are going to provide further stability as well. Stablecoins can be used in everyday life without the volatility seen recently while security tokens are backed by real-life assets, such as real estate, making them less prone to speculation. Things, Arslanian suggested, are looking up.