CoinDesk’s renowned Consensus conference was held in Canada for the first time, marking a significant milestone for the global crypto and blockchain community. From May 14 to 16, 2025, the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC) became the epicenter of digital innovation, hosting over 14,700 attendees worldwide.
A Decade of Consensus
Launched in 2015, Consensus has become one of the most influential events in the blockchain and Web3 space. It serves as a convergence point for developers, investors, policymakers, and entrepreneurs to discuss and shape the future of decentralized technologies. The 2025 edition in Toronto was particularly symbolic, as the city is recognized for launching the world’s first Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs, underscoring Canada’s pivotal role in the crypto landscape.
Highlights from Toronto
The conference featured a stellar lineup of speakers, including:
- Jose Fernandez da Ponte, Senior Vice President of Digital Currencies at PayPal
- Sergey Nazarov, Co-founder of Chainlink
- Mike Belshe, CEO of BitGo
- Ambre Soubiran, CEO of Kaiko
- Dan Morehead, Founder of Pantera Capital
- Kavita Gupta, Founder of Delta Blockchain Fund
- Dan Held, General Partner at Asymmetric
Canadian representation was strong, with notable figures like Dean Skurka, CEO of WonderFi, and Lucas Matheson, CEO of Coinbase Canada, sharing insights on the nation’s growing influence in the crypto sector.
The event’s agenda featured discussions on stablecoins, custody solutions, regulatory frameworks, and the integration of AI with blockchain technologies. The mainstage sessions, held at 255 Front St W, featured high-profile announcements and transformative insights that are set to influence the global crypto ecosystem.
Canadian Panel Hosts: Ashley Wright and Stephen Sargeant
Ashley Wright, founder of the Crypto Strategy Academy, brought her blockchain educator and community builder to the conference. With a background in launching initiatives like Fem T3ch and Blacks on Blockchain, Wright has been instrumental in promoting diversity and inclusion within the tech industry. Her contributions to Consensus 2025 highlighted the importance of accessible crypto education and the empowerment of underrepresented communities in the Web3 space.
Stephen Sargeant, founder of Airdropd, a media production house specializing in blockchain content, moderated the panel titled “Building at Home: How Canada Can Keep Its Boldest Innovators Local.” The discussion delved into strategies for retaining Canadian talent and fostering innovation within the country’s tech ecosystem. Sargeant’s role underscored his commitment to supporting the growth of Canada’s blockchain industry through engaging and informative content.
Looking Ahead
Building on the success of the Toronto event, CoinDesk has announced that Consensus will expand to Hong Kong in 2026, aiming to bridge Eastern and Western perspectives in the blockchain space.
For more information on upcoming events and to stay updated on the latest in blockchain and crypto, visit CoinDesk’s official website.
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