Singapore played host last week to a digital currency-centered conference led by two of its leading financial organizations. At issue were cryptocurrencies' place in financial industry innovation, and Singapore's own unique role in developing the ecosystem.

The inaugural CAIA-SKBI Cryptocurrency Conference on 4th November was significant as it was organized jointly by the Sim Kee Boon Institute (SKBI) for Financial Economics at Singapore Management University (SMU) and the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) Association – both of which lie outside the cryptocurrency industry.

Key points of discussion were the the correct definition of bitcoin and the various implications for cryptocurrency as a part of the mainstream financial industry, including markets, accounting and payments.

The event also looked at whether Singapore offered a conducive environment for digital currency innovation, and whether blockchain technology and/or 'smart contracts' could solve unique Asian problems.

Roughly 250 people attended, representing stakeholders from government to academia and the business community – both digital currency-related and 'mainstream'.