We spoke with Sam Kaploushenko, Head of Crypto at Corytech, CEO of Deffio, and industry expert. He shared his thoughts and key takeaways from AIBC Eurasia 2025, covering topics from emerging trends in iGaming to integrating blockchain and crypto technologies. Kaploushenko delves into the insights that will shape the industry’s future.
Here’s a look at the most important discussions and innovations that stood out at the event.
What’s one underappreciated trend in digital assets that you believe will revolutionize the industry in the next five years?
“One of the most underappreciated trends in digital assets is the convergence of real-world asset (RWA) tokenization, AI agents, crypto, and Web3 for enterprises. While many focus on speculative crypto assets, the ability to bring tangible assets—such as real estate, commodities, and equities—on-chain could fundamentally reshape global finance. AI-driven crypto agents will further enhance automation, optimizing trading, compliance, and risk management for institutional and retail investors. Meanwhile, Web3 adoption in enterprises will drive decentralized infrastructure, improving transparency, efficiency, and user control over digital assets. These innovations will be game-changers across industries by increasing liquidity, reducing settlement times, and democratizing access to investment opportunities.”
DeFi was meant to disrupt traditional finance, but banks and institutions are now entering the space. Is this a win for DeFi or a dilution of its core principles?
“It’s both. While institutional adoption brings legitimacy, it also risks centralizing aspects of DeFi. However, if done right, this evolution can create a hybrid model where DeFi benefits from institutional liquidity while retaining its open, permissionless nature. The key will be ensuring that the core values of decentralization, transparency, and financial inclusion remain intact.
“That’s why we are presenting Deffio—a digital wallet for Web3 designed to offer a seamless experience for managing both fiat and cryptocurrency assets. Deffio, through partnerships with licensed financial institutions, bridges Web 2 and Web 3, enabling seamless integration of traditional financial systems with the emerging decentralized world of cryptocurrencies.
“It allows businesses and users to effortlessly transition between fiat and crypto, without the complexity typically associated with Web 3. By offering a simple interface for managing assets and making payments, Deffio makes it easier for businesses to embrace the benefits of Web 3 while continuing to operate within the familiar framework of fiat and centralized banks.
“Integrating with centralized systems, from platforms like Amazon and Steam to payment networks like MasterCard, Deffio allows users to easily buy, sell, or utilize crypto services such as staking, while also supporting traditional banking operations through our licensed partners. Whether a user holds funds in centralized banks and wants to engage with crypto services or keeps crypto assets but needs to pay for goods or services stored in traditional banks, Deffio provides a secure and efficient solution. With risk score monitoring and robust crypto AML practices, Deffio ensures its users’ highest level of security, making it the perfect tool to manage all assets in one place.”
How do you see the integration of crypto and blockchain technology shaping the future of the iGaming industry, particularly in terms of transactions, security, and user engagement?
“Integrating crypto and blockchain technology in iGaming is rapidly transforming the industry, offering faster transactions, enhanced security, and greater transparency. Cryptocurrencies enable instant, borderless payments, reducing reliance on traditional banking methods and allowing players from more regions to participate seamlessly. Blockchain-based provably fair systems ensure game integrity by enabling users to verify results, increasing trust between players and operators. Additionally, smart contracts automate payouts and wagering, eliminating delays and the need for intermediaries. As the industry evolves, innovations like NFTs for in-game assets and tokenized rewards enhance user engagement, making crypto a cornerstone of the future of iGaming.”
Looking ahead to 2030, which aspects of today’s crypto landscape will seem outdated—or even laughable?
“By 2030, the reliance on clunky, high-fee transactions and the lack of seamless cross-chain interoperability will seem primitive. Users will likely look back and find it absurd that moving assets between chains required third-party bridges or wrap tokens, given their vulnerability to security breaches. We’ll also likely see a shift from speculative hype-driven projects toward crypto applications with tangible, real-world utility.”
Are there any unexplored strategic partnerships in the crypto space that could unlock massive potential?
“One of the most promising but underexplored partnerships is between blockchain projects and telecom providers, especially in the markets of Africa and Asia, where people are accustomed to using mobile money. Integrating blockchain-powered micropayments, decentralized identities, and smart contracts into telecom infrastructure could create seamless, borderless financial services for billions of mobile users. This could revolutionize remittances, data monetization, and access to financial services in underbanked regions.”
Scaling is a major challenge for crypto startups. What’s the most common mistake they make, and how can they avoid it?
“Many crypto startups prioritize rapid growth over long-term scalability, often relying on inefficient architectures that struggle under high demand. They frequently underestimate the importance of infrastructure optimization, leading to high fees, slow transactions, and security vulnerabilities. To avoid this, startups should focus on a scalable microservices architecture, layer-2 scaling solutions, and interoperability from the outset.”
When businesses approach you about improving their payment systems or building scalable, secure infrastructure, what’s their biggest fear? How do you address it?
“The biggest fear is security—specifically, the risk of hacks, fraud, or regulatory non-compliance. Businesses worry that integrating crypto payments might expose them to financial and reputational risks. We address this by implementing robust security measures such as multi-signature wallets, smart contract audits, and regulatory compliance frameworks, ensuring their payment systems remain both scalable and resilient. Companies are concerned about the transparency and legitimacy of crypto transactions, so we address this issue through robust Anti-Money Laundering solutions. There are trusted AML software from leading providers on the market such as Chainalysis, Crystal, and Elliptic to ensure compliance and prevent illicit activities.”
If you had to completely redesign how crypto payments work today, what would you change first?
“The first significant change would be eliminating end-user gas fees by making transaction costs predictable and abstracted away, similar to traditional payment processors. This includes removing the burden of paying for gas by allowing transaction fees to be covered in stablecoins across different blockchains. Another key shift would be enabling cross-chain compatibility, allowing users to transact seamlessly across networks without needing wrapped assets or third-party bridges.
“These changes would vastly improve usability and adoption.”
What’s one crypto regulation that you think the industry actually needs to evolve sustainably?
“Clearer guidelines on stablecoin reserves and transparency are essential for sustainable growth. A well-defined regulatory framework that ensures stablecoins are backed 1:1 with verifiable reserves would enhance trust and mitigate systemic risks. This would provide stability within the crypto ecosystem and facilitate broader adoption of digital assets in mainstream finance.
“AIBC Eurasia 2025 in Dubai has undoubtedly set the stage for the future of iGaming, with groundbreaking technologies and strategic insights paving the way for innovation. As the industry continues to evolve, the takeaways from this event will play a crucial role in shaping the next wave of growth and development.”
