During the recent Paris Blockchain Week, Charles Hoskinson, founder of Input Output Global (IOG), delivered a compelling keynote address that delved into the evolution of the cryptocurrency industry. He discussed the significant challenges the sector has faced, the hurdles it has overcome, and what lies ahead for blockchain technology.
Central to Hoskinson’s argument was the assertion that the ongoing trade war instigated by U.S. President Donald Trump underscores an urgent need for blockchain and decentralization. He made the case that in an increasingly polarized world, the risks of concentrated power necessitate a decentralized financial infrastructure.
Reflecting on recent global developments, Hoskinson noted that the concentration of power often leads to adverse effects for everyday individuals, suggesting that decentralization is crucial to prevent such consequences. He stressed that while blockchain technology has made significant strides, it faces considerable challenges requiring innovative solutions.
In light of the favorable political climate toward cryptocurrency in the U.S., Hoskinson anticipates significant legislative progress, including a stablecoin bill and broader regulation for digital assets by year-end. However, he raised concerns about the potential involvement of major technology companies—such as Amazon, Apple, Google, and Microsoft—asserting that their centralized nature might stifle the very decentralization the blockchain community champions.
Hoskinson emphasized the importance of collaboration among decentralized entities to maintain the integrity of the sector against encroachment by these tech giants. He admitted that IOG had made some minor missteps with Cardano but highlighted the valuable lessons learned from these experiences.
Moving forward, Hoskinson advocates for a transformative agenda within the industry: the merging of Traditional Finance (TradFi) and Decentralized Finance (DeFi) into a cohesive financial framework, which he refers to as Finance (Fi).
“The Fourth Generation of Cryptocurrencies is bridging TradFi and DeFi to make it Fi.”
LIVE from the #PBW2025 Master Stage @IOHK_Charles (CEO & Founder @InputOutputHK) pic.twitter.com/1N4pN8Yy9f
— Paris Blockchain Week (@ParisBlockWeek) April 9, 2025
Additionally, Hoskinson teased a forthcoming project that will distribute 37 million tokens to holders of Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Cardano (ADA), and more, with detailed information to be revealed in the coming weeks.
The importance of blockchain as a robust alternative to traditional financial systems has never been more apparent, especially in turbulent economic times. As we look to the future, insights from leaders like Charles Hoskinson are invaluable in steering the conversation toward a more decentralized and equitable financial landscape.
