As global interest in decentralized finance and Web3 continues to grow, Armenia has the potential to become a strategic hub for innovation in this space.

In this interview with Vakhtang Abrahamyan, CEO of Fastex, we discuss the evolution of crypto adoption, the challenges of integrating blockchain with traditional finance, and the key steps needed to position Armenia as a leader in the digital asset economy.

At Doing Digital Forum 2025, themed “Future of Money: Economic Impact,” Vakhtang Abrahamyan will participate in the panel discussion “From Barter to Crypto: The Evolution of Money,” moderated by Henri Arslanian, Co-Founder & Managing Partner at Nine Blocks Capital Management.

- Fastex is a major player in the digital asset space. How do you see the evolution of crypto adoption in Armenia and the region?

- Crypto adoption in Armenia and the wider region is evolving rapidly, transitioning from niche interest into meaningful mainstream use. Driven by Armenia’s tech-savvy youth and growing startup ecosystem, I foresee greater institutional integration and widespread acceptance of digital assets. Initiatives by companies like Fastex are playing a crucial role in building secure, trusted infrastructures, paving the way for sustainable, responsible, and broad-based crypto adoption.

- What challenges still exist in bridging traditional finance with blockchain-based financial services?

- The main challenges lie in regulatory ambiguity, limited financial infrastructure interoperability, and a lack of understanding or trust among traditional financial institutions. Bridging these gaps requires clear and stable regulatory frameworks, better education, and collaborative efforts between legacy financial institutions and blockchain innovators, helping both sides clearly see the mutual benefits.

- Crypto adoption is growing, but mass adoption requires regulatory clarity. What role should regulators and industry leaders play in accelerating crypto adoption while ensuring security and compliance?

- Regulators must establish clear, balanced guidelines that provide security, foster innovation, and protect users without stifling growth. Meanwhile, industry leaders should proactively engage with regulators, ensuring compliance is integrated into the foundation of blockchain-based services. This collaborative approach builds public trust and accelerates mass adoption by making crypto accessible and secure.

- Armenia has an emerging startup ecosystem, and blockchain is a promising sector. How can Armenia position itself as a regional hub for blockchain and crypto startups?

- Armenia can position itself as a regional blockchain hub by creating supportive regulatory conditions, providing targeted incentives, and investing heavily in tech education and research. Fostering collaboration between academia, startups, regulators, and established businesses can also build a vibrant innovation ecosystem that attracts talent, investment, and global attention.

- What incentives or regulatory frameworks could attract global Web3 and fintech companies to set up in Armenia?

- To attract global Web3 and fintech companies, Armenia needs clear, transparent, and innovation-friendly regulations, including streamlined licensing procedures, regulatory sandboxes, startup tax incentives, and initiatives such as innovation zones. Combined with strategic investments in talent development, infrastructure, and international partnerships, offering these can significantly boost Armenia’s appeal as a regional Web3 and fintech destination.

Since its launch in 2023, the Doing Digital Forum has brought together over 40 distinguished speakers and more than 2,000 participants from Armenia, the United Kingdom, the United States, the UAE, Germany, Australia, and CIS countries. This year, the forum returns for its third edition under the title “The Money of the Future: Economic Impact.”

The organizer of the Doing Digital forum is SPRING PR. Amazon Web Services is the forum’s Technology partner. For the third consecutive year, Visa is the forum’s Innovation Partner, Apricot Capital is the Investment Partner and Fastex is the Blockchain Partner. Fast Bank joined the Forum as a Financial Partner. As in DDF24, Arca continues to be the National Partner of the forum this year.