PKF participates in “Unleashing Innovation in Blockchain “conference in Amsterdam
PKF executives recently attended a two-day blockchain conference held in De Rode Hoed in Amsterdam. This well attended conference was addressed by global industry specialists such as ING Bank, Tui Group, Pfizer, Ing Bank, Bosch Group, ABN Amro Bank and Dutch Blockchain Coalition.
The event was organised by Global Executive Events, a leading provider of high quality corporate events which is headquartered in the Netherlands, with FinanceMalta acting as facilitators for the event.
The agenda was chaired by Alexander Wied , Partner Blockchain Evangelist working for Project Partners Germany. His specialisation as a consultant includes identification of high-value use cases, shaping strategies and delivery of business solutions based on Ethereum. Alexander introduced the speakers and prompted the audience on the fast changing world of Blockchain and its powerful force of disruption and thirst for innovation. He also spoke about the use of technologies involving blockchain and how it has created a number of challenges and opportunities both for European countries and beyond.
The list of topics discussed on the two day event covered many aspects such as use of smart contracts, compliance changes, AML, legal implications assuring the delivery of value, quality standards, trust policy and security. The speaker from the giant pharmaceutical firm Pfizer discussed innovation in healthcare especially in relation to patient records and integration of medical records with inventory control.
Another speaker discussed the scalability for public smart contract chains and the exciting features of Ethereum. Speakers from the Dutch banks discussed the regulatory costs when management decides to onboard blockchain technologies and how best to generate interest among banking staff to embrace the new digital infrastructure.
Dr Marilyn Formosa from PKF joined a panel about Malta. The panel discussed the recent promulgation of three laws covering all aspects of virtual financial assets and innovative technology arrangements. The subject also touched on the licensing requirements for VFA agents and issuers and the obligations for pre-audit of distributed and decentralised software by licensed system auditors.
Dr Formosa touched on the need for more training of staff to increase the cohort of blockchain professionals. Malta is definitively looking forward to welcome newcomers specialising in blockchain able to follow the footsteps of giants such as Binance which recently showered praise on the island’s friendly legislation.