Exclusively for Financial Professionals and Accredited Investors
72% of 2024 Attendees Were Allocators
- Registered Investment Advisor (RIA): 45%
- Accredited Investor (as defined by the SEC): 14%
- Broker Dealer Representative: 6%
- Institution (Endowment, Foundation, Pension Fund, Insurance Companies): 4%
- Family Office Professional: 2%
- Bank/Trust Professional: 1%
- Academic, Association, Government, Media: 6%
- Conference Sponsor: 22%
The Only Event of its Kind
Exclusively for Financial Professionals and Accredited Investors
VISION is the longest-running digital assets investment conference specifically for financial professionals and accredited investors. Chaired by Ric Edelman, VISION provides cutting-edge educational content and actionable ideas from leading investors and industry thought leaders. You get the information you need about crypto to attract new clients and AUM.
Designed for maximum learning experience:
- No breakout sessions! All speakers on Main Stage, so you’ll never miss a session
- “PPT-free” sessions – no PowerPoints ensure great audience engagement
- Maximum 3 panelists per session – ensures quality conversations
- Ample opportunity for Q&A
- Private one-on-one meetings and dine-arounds available to you
For inquiries regarding our 2025 program, contact Don Friedman at don@dacfp.com.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
U.S Rep Wiley Nickel
(D-NC, 13th District)
U.S. House, Subcommittee on Digital Assets, Financial Technology, Inclusion
U.S Rep Wiley Nickel (D-NC, 13th District) | U.S. House, Subcommittee on Digital Assets, Financial Technology, Inclusion
Wiley lives in Cary with his wife, Caroline, and their two kids. Wiley earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Tulane University and later graduated from the Pepperdine University School of Law.
Prior to being elected to Congress, Wiley served as a North Carolina State Senator, attorney, small business owner and worked for two White House administrations.
Having served in a divided legislature, Wiley understands the importance of reaching across the aisle and finding common ground while defending fundamental North Carolina values. As a state Senator, Wiley fought for the issues that matter most to North Carolinians: lowering the cost of living, expanding access to affordable health care, protecting voting rights and women’s reproductive health rights.
Wiley is a pragmatic problem solver who is focused on finding solutions and delivering results for the people of North Carolina’s 13th Congressional District. Wiley is committed to representing every constituent in North Carolina’s 13th District and delivering bipartisan results as their voice in Washington.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Michael Saylor
Executive Chairman
MicroStrategy
Michael Saylor, Executive Chairman | MicroStrategy
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
J. Christopher Giancarlo
Senior Counsel
Willkie Farr & Gallagher
13th Chair
U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC)
J. Christopher Giancarlo, Senior Counsel | Willkie Farr & Gallagher, 13th Chair | U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC)
Giancarlo is author of “CryptoDad – The Fight for the Future of Money,” an account of his oversight of the world’s first regulated market for Bitcoin derivatives and the coming digital network transformation of financial services.
Giancarlo is Senior Counsel to the international law firm, Willkie Farr & Gallagher, co-founder and Executive Chairman of the Digital Dollar Project, and also board director, advisor and angel investor in numerous public and private technology and financial services companies.
Among other recent recognitions, Giancarlo was appointed to the rank of Chevalier in the National Order of Merit by French President Macron in recognition of his expertise in “cryptofinance.”
Topics Included:
- Advisor Practice Management in Crypto
- Spot Bitcoin & Ethereum ETFs
- Capturing Alpha in Crypto
- Stablecoins & CBDCs
- Tokenization
- AI, Crypto & DePIN
- Institutional View of Crypto
- Crypto Taxation, Regulation & Compliance
OUR PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOP:
Introduction to Blockchain and Digital Assets
Led by Ric Edelman, it’s the perfect training if you’re new to crypto!
Speakers
Mike Allegue
Investment Strategist
MassMutual
Mike Allegue, Investment Strategist | MassMutual
Prior to joining MassMutual in 2021, Mike was employed by Symmetry Partners as a research associate covering investment analysis for Symmetry’s mutual funds and model portfolios. Mike originally started his career at BNY Mellon in 2015 and has worked in a variety of wealth management roles.
Mike holds an undergraduate degree in Finance from the University of Connecticut, as well as an MBA from the University of Connecticut. Mike is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and member of the CFA Institute, and the CFA Society Hartford.
David Alderman
Research Analyst, Digital Asset Management
Franklin Templeton
David Alderman, Research Analyst, Digital Asset Management | Franklin Templeton
David has 5 years of experience in the financial services industry. Prior to joining Franklin Templeton, David was with Pervalle Global LLC, a discretionary macro hedge fund, covering commodity-based equities and digital assets. And prior to Pervalle, he was an investment banking analyst at Intrepid Financial Partners and Regions Securities, LLC focusing on the energy sector.
He has personally been involved in digital assets since 2017 and has been active investing and researching different decentralized blockchains and projects across DeFi, NFTs, among others.
David holds a bachelor of engineering in Mechanical Engineering from Auburn University, and a master of science in Financial Economics from Columbia Business School.
Paulo Baia
Head of Manager Research
EXPAAM
Paulo Baia, Head of Manager Research | EXPAAM
Paulo is one of the world’s most experienced experts in manager selection, has tremendous knowledge of crypto hedge funds and is truly passionate about the digital asset ecosystem.
Bill Barhydt
CEO
Abra
Bill Barhydt, CEO | Abra
Perianne Boring
Founder & CEO
The Digital Chamber
Perianne Boring, Founder & CEO | The Digital Chamber
Perianne was named one of “America’s Top 50 Women in Tech” by Forbes and one of the “10 Most Influential People in Blockchain” by CoinDesk. She appears regularly in the financial media to share insights on digital asset and blockchain innovations and public policy discussions. Prior to forming The Chamber, Perianne served as a television anchor for an international finance program that ran in more than 100 countries and reached over 650 million viewers. She began her career as a legislative analyst in the U.S. House of Representatives, advising on finance, economics, tax, and healthcare policy.
Lee Bratcher
President
Texas Blockchain Council
Lee Bratcher, President | Texas Blockchain Council
René Chaze
Special Advisor
Digital Assets Council of Financial Professionals
René Chaze, Special Advisor | Digital Assets Council of Financial Professionals
Marguerita Cheng,CFP®, RICP®,CAP®
Founder
Blue Ocean Global Wealth
Marguerita Cheng,CFP, RICP,CAP, Founder | Blue Ocean Global Wealth
Sui Chung
CEO
CF Benchmarks
Sui Chung, CEO | CF Benchmarks
Dennis Cristallo
Head of Wealth Management
Onyx by J.P. Morgan
Dennis Cristallo, Head of Wealth Management | Onyx by J.P. Morgan
Prior to this role, Dennis spent 10 years as an Investment Specialist and the Investment Director for J.P. Morgan Alternative Asset Management. During this time, he built and delivered customized portfolios of hedge funds, private credit funds and co-investments for some of the world’s most sophisticated institutional investors. He also served on the group’s Crypto Research team which sourced and performed due diligence on digital asset hedge funds.
Dennis graduated summa cum laude from Tulane University in 2009 with a B.S.M. He earned a Master of Finance degree from the A.B. Freeman School of Business in 2010, graduating ranked #1 in his class. He also holds the Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA) designation.
Mitchell Dong
CEO
Pythagoras Investments
Mitchell Dong, CEO | Pythagoras Investments
I’m a hedge fund manager, entrepreneur, investor and philanthropist. Today I run cryptocurrency trading hedge funds at Pythagoras Investments, invest through my family office, and give to public health causes.
Michael Durso
CEO/CIO
Shorehaven Wealth Partners
Michael Durso, CEO/CIO | Shorehaven Wealth Partners
Lori Van Dusen, CIMA®
Founder and CEO
LVW Advisors
Lori Van Dusen, CIMA, Founder & CEO | LVW Advisors, Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author
Lori began her investment advisory career in 1987 with Shearson Lehman Brothers, which was later acquired by Citigroup Smith Barney. By 2004, she had achieved the title of Managing Director with Citigroup Smith Barney. She founded LVW Advisors in 2011, leading a team of investment professionals.
A recipient of numerous accolades, in 2019 Lori was named to Barron’s Financial Advisor Hall of Fame, which recognizes advisors who have appeared in more than 10 of Barron’s annual Top Financial Advisor rankings. Additionally, Lori was ranked #1 in New York – NY State on Forbes’ 2024, 2023 and 2022 Best-In-State Wealth Advisors lists and has been ranked for six consecutive years on both Forbes’ America’s Top Wealth Advisors list and Forbes’ America’s Top Women Advisors lists.
In recognition of her involvement in the Rochester community, Lori was recognized in the Rochester Business Journal’s 2024, 2023, 2022, and 2021 Power 100 list and 2020 Women of Excellence distinction with the Circle of Excellence honor. The Circle of Excellence recognizes a small group of women each year with longstanding, notable success in the community who are leading the way for other women. Additionally, Lori was inducted into the 2019 Rochester Business Hall of Fame and joins a prestigious list of Rochester business leaders who have been previously inducted.
Lori is passionate about numerous philanthropic causes, serving on several boards focused on urban education, health and wellness and the fine arts, including the Monroe Community College Foundation Board, the University of Rochester Medical Center Board, and the University of Rochester Thompson Health System Board. Additionally, Lori has been a dedicated sponsor of Breakthrough New York, which supports low-income New York City students on their paths to and through college, and was the organization’s 2024 Breakthrough New York Honoree.
Lori was one of the founders of the Association of Professional Investment Consultants (APIC) and Citigroup Institutional Consulting. She holds the Certified Investment Management Analyst® designation, administered by the Investments and Wealth Institute® (formerly IMCA) in conjunction with The Wharton School. Lori received her undergraduate degree from Ithaca College and a Master of Education from Harvard University.
Lori is the author of the Wall Street Journal bestselling book Running with Grace: A Wall Street Insider’s Path to True Leadership, a Purposeful Life, and Joy in the Face of Adversity, published in 2023.
A native of Rochester, New York, Lori is a long-distance runner and an avid yogi, and enjoys decorating and savoring the area’s local music scene. She regularly cooks and hosts large Italian meals for her family and friends.
Grant Engelbart
Vice President, Investment Strategist
Carson Group
Grant Engelbart, Vice President | Investment Strategist Carson Group
Before joining Carson, Grant was the Deputy CIO of ETFs and SMAs at Brinker Capital Investments (part of Orion Advisor Solutions). At Brinker, Grant was part of the discretionary investment team responsible for many assets across investment vehicles, and managed accounts ranging from individual 401ks to large university endowments. Prior to joining Brinker Capital Investments, Grant held positions at CLS Investments (which has since rebranded to Brinker Capital Investments), TD Ameritrade, and State Street Corporation.
Grant received his Bachelor of Science in finance from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. He is a CFA® Charter holder, holds the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) designation, DACFP Certificate in Blockchain and Digital Assets, Candriam Certificate in Sustainable and Responsible Investing and Series 65 registration. He is a member of the CFA® Society of Nebraska and the CAIA Chicago chapter. He has contributed to numerous publications and is an active contributor to commentary related to the ETF industry.
Cesare Fracassi
Associate Professor of Finance
University of Texas at Austin
Cesare Fracassi, Associate Professor of Finance | University of Texas at Austin
Don Friedman
President
Digital Assets Council of Financial Professionals
Don Friedman - President | Digital Assets Council of Financial Professionals
He was Co-Founder & President of Inside ETFs, the industry’s largest and most successful conference, and Chief Operating Officer, Executive Vice President and Board Member of ETF.com. Don also created Inside ETFs Europe (that continent’s largest ETF event), Inside Commodities (the largest institutional-focused US-based commodities event) and Inside Fixed Income (the world’s largest independently run fixed-income event).
After leaving ETF.com, he founded JV Events Group where he created “institutional investor only” events including the Liquid Alternative Strategy Summit, MLP Strategy Summit, Smart Beta Strategy Summit, ETF Strategy Summit and the Digital Asset Strategy Summit. He sold JVEG to DACFP in 2020 and became its president.
Prior to ETF.com, Don was a Managing Director of Strategic Research Institute, where he created and produced the world’s largest hedge fund conference (Blue Ribbon Hedge Fund), Europe’s largest secondaries conference (Saving Private Equity), and the world’s second largest indexing conference (The Art of Indexing). He also ran SRI’s Alternative Investments Group, which generated 40% of the firm’s revenues.
Don is a lifelong “Wildcat” with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree from the University of Arizona. He’s also an avid runner, with three marathons to his credit. He, his wife and two daughters live near Atlanta.
Ben Harris
VP & Director, Economic Studies Program
Brookings Institution
Ben Harris, VP & Director, Economic Studies Program | Brookings Institution
Earlier in his career, Harris held several other senior positions in government, including chief economist and economic adviser to then-Vice President Joe Biden, senior economist with the White House Council of Economic Advisers, and senior economist with the Budget Committee in the U.S House of Representatives.
Harris also previously worked at Brookings in various roles including policy director of the Hamilton Project, deputy director of the Retirement Security Project, fellow and research economist in Economic Studies, and senior research associate with the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center. Harris has taught as an adjunct professor at the policy schools at the University of Maryland and Georgetown University and was the senior economic adviser to Rokos Capital Management.
Harris’s primary areas of research focus are fiscal policy and retirement policy. He has published papers and policy briefs on a range of topics in public finance and is regularly cited in the media. Along with Brookings Senior Fellow Emeritus Martin Baily, Harris recently published the book The Retirement Challenge that proposes a new paradigm for retirement in the United States.
Harris holds a doctoral degree in economics from George Washington University, a master’s degree in economics from Cornell University, and a master’s degree in quantitative methods from Columbia University. He earned his bachelor’s degree in economics at Tufts University. In 2000, Harris was a Fulbright scholar in Namibia.
Matt Hougan
Chief Investment Officer
Bitwise Asset Management
Matt Hougan, Chief Investment Officer | Bitwise Asset Management
Aaron Kaplan
Co-CEO
Prometheum Inc
Aaron Kaplan, Co-CEO | Prometheum Inc.
Donald Marron
Institute Fellow and Director of Economic Policy Initiatives
Urban Institute
Donald Marron, Institute Fellow and Director of Economic Policy Initiatives | Urban Institute
Before joining Urban, Marron served in senior government positions, including as a member of the President’s Council of Economic Advisers and acting director of the Congressional Budget Office. He has also taught at the University of Maryland School of Public Policy, the Georgetown Public Policy Institute, and the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business, consulted on major antitrust cases, and been chief financial officer of a health care software start-up.
Marron has broad experience in economic policy issues, including America’s fiscal challenges, tax reform, energy and environment, and the financial crisis. He has testified frequently before Congress, appears often at conferences and in the media to discuss economic policy, and works to popularize economics through his blog and writings. He is the editor of 30-Second Economics, which introduces readers to 50 of the most important ideas in economics, and 30-Second Money, which does the same for finance.
Marron currently serves on the boards of FairVote, Pomona College, and the Concord Coalition, advises Fair Observer and YieldStreet, and is a senior research fellow at the Climate Leadership Council. He studied mathematics at Harvard College and received his PhD in economics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Katherine Molnar
Chief Investment Officer
Fairfax County Police Officers Retirement System
Katherine Molnar, CFA, Chief Investment Officer | Fairfax County Police Officers Retirement System
Anthony Pecore
SVP / Director, Digital Asset Management
Franklin Templeton
Anthony Pecore, Senior Vice President | Franklin Templeton
Mr. Pecore has over 19 years of experience in the financial services industry. He has nearly two decades of experience in traditional fixed income portfolio management and research; including multi-sector fixed income, global absolute return, and machine learning driven alternative credit strategies.
He joined Franklin Templeton in 2002 as a research analyst.
Mr. Pecore holds a bachelor of science in aerospace engineering from Boston University, and a master of science in mechanical engineering from Stanford University.
Eric Pollackov
Global Head of ETF Capital Markets
Invesco
Eric M. Pollackov Global Head of ETF Capital Markets | Invesco
Andrew Pratt, CFA, CBDA
Investment Manager
Wiser Wealth Management
Andrew Pratt, CFA, CBDA Investment Manager Wiser | Wealth Management
Andrew is a CFA charter holder, and a member of the CFA Institute and CFA Society of Atlanta. Andrew earned his bachelor’s degree in Business from the Georgia Institute of Technology. He received his MBA in Finance from Georgia State University. Andrew has also completed DACFP’s Advanced Certificate in Blockchain and Digital Assets. Andrew has shared his insights and was featured in C-Suite Quarterly-Advisors publication regarding investment portfolio diversification and quoted in a Barron’s article about how digital assets could potentially play a role in multi-asset portfolios.
Andrew lives in Roswell, GA with his wife and four daughters.
Jake Ryan
CIO
TRADECRAFT Capital
Author, Crypto Investing in the Age of Autonomy
Jake Ryan, CIO | Tradecraft Capital, Author, Crypto Investing in the Age of Autonomy
Jake has been the keynote speaker at top AI conferences and is a frequent speaker on the crypto circuit like CoinAgenda, LA Blockchain Summit (LABS) and HedgeWeek’s Digital Assets Summit in NYC. He’s is a contributor at Bloomberg Radio, Newsweek, and Harvard Business Review (HBR) and is a special contributor to the Digital Assets Council for Financial Professionals (DACFP).
Jake is also an advisor to several VC-backed startups and was an advisor to two VC accelerators and a PE firm. He was a guest lecturer at Pepperdine University where they used his book as the textbook for their MBA in Data Analytics program. Prior to Tradecraft, he ran a specialized software engineering firm for 20 years.
Jake earned a Computer Science degree with a concentration in AI from the University of Texas at Austin. He is the 1st author of published work, applying AI to cybersecurity, which has 750+ Google Scholar citations.
Ariel Seidman
CEO and Co-Founder
Hivemapper
Ariel Seidman, CEO and Co-Founder | Hivemapper
Amanda Wick
Founder & CEO
The Association for Women in Cryptocurrency
Amanda Wick, Founder & CEO | The Association for Women in Cryptocurrency
Lead Sponsor
Sponsors
Fidelity Investments
EXCLUSIVELY FOR FINANCIAL PROFESSIONALS AND ACCREDITED INVESTORS
Conference attendance is exclusively for financial professionals (financial advisors, investment advisors, financial planners, endowments, foundations, family offices, pension funds, bank/trust professionals) and accredited investors. Financial advisors, investment advisors and financial planners must directly serve individuals or institutional clients, and not be a representative of a company that primarily offers products or services to such advisors or planners.
Digital Assets Council of Financial Professionals reserves the right to accept or refuse registration for those not meeting conference qualifications.
For inquiries, contact Don Friedman at don@dacfp.com.