Hundreds of participants discussed bridging TradFi and DeFi at Harmony Meetup V, organized by Fastex — an ecosystem designed to enhance the Web3 experience by integrating blockchain and AI.

What happens when a city known for its rich cultural heritage and historic landmarks becomes the backstage of an innovative gathering about the future of technology and finance?

Harmony Meetup V, a Web3 event, transformed Yerevan’s Dvin Music Hall in Armenia into the epicenter of Web3 innovation from July 1-4. The annual gathering brought together Web3’s brightest minds and industry experts worldwide. The event attracted approximately 500 participants, including global companies, partner organizations, bloggers and influencers, and garnered significant international media attention.

A series of panel discussions at Harmony Meetup V, organized by Fastex, addressed key topics shaping the future of Web3 and decentralized management. C-level executives expressed their excitement about their projects, and the event featured talks on the evolving structure and regulatory environment of decentralized finance (DeFi).

Expert panelists discussed the impact and implementation of layer 2s (L2s), including digital identity and the Caucasus Blockchain. Built on top of the Bahamut blockchain, Caucasus L2 offers up to 12 times faster transaction speeds and lower gas fees than its competitors. The layer 2 aims to enhance the speed and scalability of Bahamut and is currently being prepared to be used by many games.

Although crypto regulations remain limited, Armenia’s rise to the global stage has also become a significant topic of discussion.

Fastex physical card: Bridging TradFi and DeFi

The first day of the event was dedicated to celebrating and presenting the latest achievements in the Fastex ecosystem. Fastex is an ecosystem designed to enhance the Web3 experience, integrating blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. The ecosystem offers a platform with both digital and physical services, such as payment cards and non-fungible token (NFT) marketplaces.

Fastex officials took the stage to showcase their newest solutions for the decentralized world and introduced Fastex physical cards. They highlighted the card’s potential to bridge the gap between traditional finance and decentralized systems.

With the physical card, Fastex’s goal is to provide effective solutions for Fastex Exchange users and make Web3 technologies more accessible by providing multiple benefits to cardholders:

  • Speedy, secure and seamless transactions.
  • Seamlessly integrated crypto assets with the physical card.
  • Unlimited flexibility for card use on various transactions.

To this end, the Web3-focused ecosystem has been built on the Bahamut blockchain. Bahamut is a next-generation platform developed by the Bahamut Foundation, designed to support a wide range of decentralized applications (DApps) within the Web3 ecosystem. Bahamut blockchain features a unique proof-of-stake and activity (PoSA) consensus mechanism, which rewards validators not just for staking tokens but also for the activity generated by smart contracts they deploy.

Fastex officials also gave participants a glimpse of the future of DeFi and underlined their focus on significantly developing the Web3 field, including the announcement of the Bahamut Foundation.

The Bahamut Foundation plays a crucial role in advancing the namesake blockchain by offering support and resources through initiatives like a grant program, which has been funded with 10 million FTN. The foundation also emphasizes education and community engagement, hosting numerous events and meetups globally to educate and inspire stakeholders in the blockchain industry.

The developers shared the project’s magnitude with attendees by introducing a built-in L2 and a number of DApps currently built on the Bahamut blockchain. They also highlighted advances in the metaverse space, showcasing the various applications and future potential of the Web3 ecosystem.

A festive atmosphere

Harmony Meetup V also covered topics such as collateralizing NFTs with real art and creating a global community to celebrate and advance the Web3 revolution. Participants shared insights, experiences and solutions through engaging discussions, meetings and networking sessions.

The afterparty featured Armenian wines, cognac and endless food. Lambos, Rolls Royces, a red carpet and a banquet hall added to the high-budget coverage. The glamorous evening has created a festive atmosphere. Participants relaxed and continued discussions informally. This collaborative setting fostered the exchange of ideas and strategies that will shape Web3’s future.

When the event concluded, attendees left Yerevan with renewed inspiration and a deeper understanding of groundbreaking developments within the Fastex ecosystem and the broader Web3 industry.