At the recently concluded NOAH's ARK Global Chinese Wealth Management and Inheritance Summit, the panel discussion on "Cutting Through the Noise: Making Sense of Digital Assets in the Web3 Era" garnered significant attention. Industry-leading experts deeply explored the intrinsic value of digital assets, strategies for identifying market opportunities, and practical investment approaches. Their compelling insights sparked enthusiastic responses from attendees.

This summit was not only a celebration of intellectual exchange but also a pivotal platform for Noah ARK to showcase its strategic vision and ecosystem to its global clientele. The event brought together an exceptional array of thought leaders: insightful academics, seasoned investors, family office leaders, senior executives from international asset management institutions, distinguished economists, and industry elites. Through dynamic dialogues and intellectual exchanges, the summit offered unparalleled depth and professional insight.

Scarcity Underpins Growth: The Rising Potential of Digital Assets

In the panel's introductory keynote, Grant Pan, CFO of Noah Holdings and CEO of ARK Hong Kong, opened with a data-driven analysis, unveiling the core investment logic behind digital currencies.

Pan noted that many listed companies are now exploring the inclusion of crypto assets in their portfolios, and Noah ARK is actively developing related products to meet client demand. He observed two distinct client profiles: one group of clients have already engaged in crypto investments within compliant frameworks, while the other group overlook these opportunities due to limited understanding, potentially missing significant future gains.

Pan highlighted that Bitcoin's fixed supply inherently provides scarcity and anti-inflationary attributes.

"From shells to gold, physical currencies have relied on consensus," Pan explained. "Similarly, the value of digital currencies stems from collective agreement." He illustrated Bitcoin's growth trajectory: "From 10,000 Bitcoins for two pizzas in 2010 to a single Bitcoin nearing US$120,000 in July 2025, this exponential leap in consensus underscores its growth potential."

Balancing Risks and Opportunities: Compliance as a Filter for True Value

Risk mitigation in digital asset investments emerged as a central theme during the panel discussion.

Bo Bai, Executive Chairman and Co-Founder of Alpha Ladder Group in Singapore, emphasized that digital asset investments carry high entry barriers and inherent risks, necessitating robust technical tools and compliance frameworks to identify genuine opportunities.

"Investing in digital assets involves risks, requiring investors to sift through market noise to uncover true value," Bai stated.

He highlighted the growing advantage of stablecoins in cross-border payments, noting that their use in trade between Chinese enterprises and markets in Asia, Africa, and Latin America reduces costs to 50% of traditional methods while enabling settlements within an hour, signaling substantial future potential.

Oisin Lee, Chairman of BGIN Blockchain Limited, shared insights from his enterprise experience, noting that digital currencies have evolved from commodities to recognized assets.

Lee predicted that as institutional investors and listed companies increasingly participate, the pool of long-term holders will expand, stabilizing price volatility. For example, Standard Chartered analysts project Bitcoin reaching US$250,000 by next year.

"Historically, Bitcoin holders were primarily short-term retail speculators. Now, with a growing base of long-term holders, particularly from the US capital, significant price pullbacks are less likely," Lee explained.

In Times of Crisis, Gold and Silver Are Safe Havens and "Digital Gold"

When discussing allocation strategies for digital assets, Hassan Ahmed, Singapore CEO of Coinbase, emphasized the market's shift from retail-driven to institution-led dynamics. He noted that some trading platforms now implement rigorous frameworks, including compliance reviews, team background checks, and smart contract audits, to enhance investment safety.

Ahmed recommended that investors begin with a 0% allocation and engage through compliant, well-regulated platforms to capture the long-term value of Bitcoin as "digital gold."

Pan echoed this, advising investors to participate actively to grasp the ecosystem's logic. From a wealth management perspective, he suggested a "low-allocation, high-engagement" approach, allowing even minimal exposure to foster a deeper understanding of the digital asset ecosystem.

In the Web3 era, digital assets are not optional but essential. Embracing technological change, adhering to compliance, and adopting a long-term perspective are critical to capturing genuine opportunities amid market noise.