Spotlight on the DAS London 2025 Agenda

If you've been following the crypto space, you know hedge funds have been dipping their toes in digital assets for years. But now, they're ready to jump in with both feet. That's the vibe from a recent tweet by Blockworks' Digital Asset Summit (@blockworksDAS), highlighting an upcoming panel at their London event on October 13-15, 2025.

The panel, titled "The Evolution of Digital Asset Hedge Funds," is set to feature some heavy hitters under Chatham House Rules—meaning attendees can share the ideas discussed but not attribute them to specific speakers. This setup encourages open, candid conversations about where the industry is headed. For those new to the term, Chatham House Rules are a protocol from the UK's Chatham House think tank, designed to foster free-flowing discussions without fear of direct quotes being used against participants.

The event itself, DAS London 2025, is a big deal for institutional crypto. Hosted by Blockworks, it brings together builders, allocators, and policymakers to shape the future of digital assets. If you're in the blockchain world, this is where you get the inside scoop on macro trends, ETFs, and institutional investments. Check out the official site for more details: blockworks.co/event/digital-asset-summit-2025-london.

Meet the Panelists: Top Minds in Crypto Hedge Funds

The tweet shouts out a stellar lineup of managers from leading firms. Here's a quick rundown on each, based on their public profiles and roles in the space:

• William Benattar from Marshall Wace LLP: As the lead for fintech and digital assets investments in their MW Digital Finance Fund, Benattar joined the firm in 2022 to focus on blockchain-related opportunities. With a background in tech investing, he's at the forefront of bridging traditional finance with crypto. Learn more about his work at Marshall Wace.

• Barnali Biswal from Hilbert Group: A Goldman Sachs veteran, Biswal serves as CEO of Hilbert Group AB and previously as CIO of their asset management arm, Hilbert Capital. She brings quantitative expertise to digital assets, helping the firm navigate complex strategies in crypto markets. Her profile highlights a shift from traditional finance to blockchain innovation—details available on Hilbert Group's site.

• Nikita Fadeev from Fasanara Capital: As Co-Head of Digital at Fasanara, Fadeev is a portfolio manager specializing in market-neutral hedge funds in crypto. He founded The Quant Group during his university days and later partnered with Fasanara to build out their digital arm. His podcasts feature chats with top investors, offering deep dives into strategies. Follow him on X at @NikitaAFadeev.

• Matteo Dante Perruccio from 3iQ: With over 35 years in finance, Perruccio is an Executive Advisor at 3iQ, a pioneer in digital asset management since 2012. He's focused on global strategies, including beyond traditional 60/40 portfolios, and has been vocal about high-conviction capital in crypto. Explore 3iQ's offerings at 3iq.io.

• Felix Stratmann from Outerlands Capital: Heading research at this data-driven digital asset manager, Stratmann specializes in systematic strategies and factor investing in Web3. His background includes roles at Horizen Labs, making him a key voice in quantitative approaches to crypto, including potential meme token integrations. More on Outerlands at outerlands.io.

These experts represent a mix of traditional hedge fund prowess and cutting-edge crypto innovation, making this panel a must-watch for anyone tracking institutional adoption.

Why This Matters for Meme Tokens and Blockchain Practitioners

Hedge funds evolving their strategies in digital assets isn't just big news—it's a signal for the entire ecosystem, including the wild world of meme tokens. Traditionally, hedge funds stick to blue-chip assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum, but as they "dive in head first," we're seeing more interest in high-volatility plays like memecoins. Think about it: meme tokens, driven by community hype and viral trends, offer massive upside potential, but they come with risks that quant-driven funds like these are equipped to manage.

For blockchain practitioners, this panel could reveal how funds are incorporating memes into portfolios—perhaps through factor research (like Stratmann's work) or market-neutral strategies (Fadeev's specialty). It's a chance to learn about hedging techniques, liquidity management, and regulatory navigation in a space that's still maturing.

If meme tokens are your jam, keep an eye on how institutional money flows in. Funds like these could stabilize prices or spark new bull runs, turning niche jokes into serious investments. And with events like DAS pushing the conversation forward, it's an exciting time to build your knowledge base.

Wrapping Up: Get Ready for October 13th

The tweet from Blockworks DAS is more than a promo—it's a teaser for real insights into crypto's institutional future. Whether you're a trader, developer, or just curious about where hedge funds are headed, mark your calendar for October 13th in London. Tickets and more info are available on the event page.

Stay tuned to Meme Insider for more breakdowns on how these trends impact meme tokens and the broader blockchain landscape. What's your take on hedge funds going all-in on crypto? Drop your thoughts in the comments!