Why Financial Crime Investigations Fail: The Digital Asset Angle

Dive into the hidden reasons why chasing digital cash can make financial crime cases go sideways. ​Join CAT Investigators and Finoverse for an exclusive cocktail evening during Hong Kong FinTech Week x StartmeupHK 2026 to tackle a pressing industry challenge: digital asset investigations that stall. ​While tracing the blockchain trail is rarely the issue, cases often break down in the aftermath due to unclear fund ownership, fragmented intelligence, and slow cross-border escalation. Over drinks, short keynotes, and a practitioner-led panel, we will explore why tracing is not the same as attribution and how institutions can accelerate the move from suspicion to evidence. ​You will leave with practical takeaways from senior leaders across the FSI, regulatory, and consulting sectors, guaranteeing an evening of real conversation in an intimate setting. • ​Event Date: Tuesday 3rd of November • ​Event Time: 17:00 - 20:00 • ​Location: Soho House, Hong Kong ​Exclusive Fireside Conversations | Leadership, Innovation & the Future of Financial Services ​We’re delighted to host two fireside conversations with industry leaders on innovation, leadership, emerging opportunities and the future of financial services. ​Fireside Chat 1: Industry Evolution, Leadership & Career Growth ​Devendra Verma – Global Business Lead of Digital Assets, Swift | Formerly HSBC Afia Sengupta – Founder & Managing Partner, CAT Investigators ​Drawing on Devendra’s extensive industry experience, this conversation will explore how financial services have evolved, emerging opportunities, leadership perspectives and career development for professionals navigating an increasingly dynamic industry. ​Devendra will be speaking in his personal capacity. ​Fireside Chat 2: Innovation, Trust & the Future of Finance ​Serena Yu – Director, Head of Digital Assets Product, GCNA | Securities Services, Corporate & Investment Banking, Standard Chartered Bank Afia Sengupta – Founder & Managing Partner, CAT Investigators ​As digital assets, tokenisation and AI become increasingly embedded in financial services, this conversation will explore how industry leaders can balance innovation with trust, navigate emerging challenges and opportunities, and prepare for the next chapter of financial services. ​Panel Discussion: • ​Anna Gates from AlixPartners and former Head of Compliance, APAC at Galaxy • ​Ying Yi Liew, Head of the Financial Services Regulatory Practice at CMS Holborn and Co-Chair of the Digital Assets Subcommittee at the Blockchain Association of Singapore • ​Brent Sellors, Associate Director of Financial Crimes Advisory and Forensic Services at PwC Hong Kong • ​Jonathan Gropper, Founder of The Synthetic Outlaw and former Fulbright Scholar • ​Devon J. Euring (moderator), Senior Advisor and Partner at CAT Investigators and former Head of Risk and Operations at iHeartRadio. ​Above all, we hope these conversations bring together different perspectives, shared experiences and meaningful connections among people who are equally passionate about the future of our industry. ​This cocktail reception is for decision-makers in financial crime, investigations, compliance and cyber at banks, financial institutions, exchanges and professional services firms, alongside regulators and law enforcement.