Our Partner at DWF Labs, Lingling Jiang, recently participated in an engaging interview with Foresight News on 16th January 2024. During the discussion, she shared valuable insights into the company’s journey, its strategies as a market maker, and its vision for the future of crypto.

Here are the key takeaways from the discussion.

The Journey: From Traditional Finance to Crypto

Lingling Jiang shared her career trajectory, beginning in traditional finance as a trader. Her interest in cryptocurrency was sparked in 2019 when she explored Bitcoin’s potential and the opportunities within the crypto ecosystem. After working with firms like OSL and a brief stint at Three Arrows Capital's subsidiary TPS, Jiang joined DWF Labs.

Reflecting on the early days at DWF Labs, Jiang described how the company started with fewer than ten employees, each taking on multiple roles. In just two and a half years, the team grew to over 60 members, collaborating with more than 800 partners globally. This growth was driven by their ability to adapt to the dynamism of the industry and their commitment to building a global world-class team.

2024: Milestones and Challenges

Jiang highlighted DWF Labs’ significant accomplishments in 2024, including:

• Awards: Receiving Liquidity Provider of the Year from Bybit and Binance’s Longest Standing OG Award.
• Academic Recognition: Featuring in UCLA’s “STO Financial Revolution” as a case study.
• New Initiatives: The launch of the $20 million AI Agent Fund and the KOL WaveMaker Program, both of which were well-received by the market.

However, 2024 was not without its challenges. The growing number of crypto market makers has definitely intensified competition, with Jiang noting that projects now expect market makers to not only provide crypto liquidity but additional services, such as exchange listings, marketing support, and ecosystem development.

To address these demands, DWF Labs has established a dedicated Ecosystem Support Team to deliver customised solutions, ensuring they stay ahead in this competitive landscape.

The Vision for 2025: Expanding Horizons

Harnessing AI Technology

DWF Labs is doubling down on AI x Crypto innovations. Their AI Agent Fund aims to support projects that integrate AI into DeFi, automating wallet interactions, multi-step transactions, and cross-chain operations. Jiang emphasised that such advancements will enhance efficiency and intelligence within the crypto space.

Falcon Finance: A Multi-Collateral Stablecoin

DWF Labs is also set to launch Falcon Finance, a stablecoin that accepts various collateral types, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and niche altcoins. Designed to offer competitive yields, this project reflects their commitment to creating versatile and accessible financial products.

Geographic Expansion

With a strategic focus on the Middle East, particularly Dubai, DWF Labs aims to leverage the region’s growing prominence in the crypto sector. Their global footprint continues to expand, reinforcing their leadership in the industry.

Industry Trends: Institutional Adoption and Regulatory Clarity

Jiang provided insights into broader industry trends:

• Institutional Growth: Increased interest from institutional investors, driven by regulatory clarity and the approval of Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs, has legitimised crypto as an asset class.
• Regulatory Evolution: Clearer regulations are expected to boost confidence among retail and institutional participants, creating a more robust market environment.

Advice for Aspiring Professionals

When asked about career advice for those interested in market-making, Jiang emphasised:

• Perseverance: The fast-paced nature of the crypto industry requires resilience.
• Time Management: Efficiently prioritising tasks is essential for staying productive.
• Industry Knowledge: Understanding the market and building strong networks are key, whether in business development, marketing, or trading.

For those looking to enter trading roles, she advised developing strong mathematical and analytical skills, as these are critical for success in this highly specialised field.

A Glimpse Into the Future

The AMA provided an in-depth look at the journey of DWF Labs, achievements, and future vision. With the recent success of initiatives like the AI Agent Fund and Falcon Finance, alongside a focus on global expansion, we look forward to leading the way in shaping the future of crypto.

Catch the original replay of discussion here.