Gate.io Founder Dr. Lin Han Discusses Crypto Evolution, Trust, and Future of Exchanges at TOKEN2049 Dubai

Dr. Lin Han, the founder of Gate.io, one of the oldest and most established cryptocurrency exchanges, shared his insights on the evolution of the crypto industry, the importance of trust, and the future of exchanges during an interview at TOKEN2049 Dubai. With over a decade of experience and more than 22 million users worldwide, Dr. Han provided a unique perspective on the lessons learned, the critical role of security, and the balance between centralized and decentralized finance.

Dr. Han emphasized the importance of strategic growth and long-term vision in the highly competitive crypto industry. He highlighted that Gate.io has weathered numerous challenges over the years, attributing its success to a focus on sustainable growth and long-term thinking. This approach has allowed the exchange to build trust with users and navigate regulatory shifts effectively. Dr. Han also discussed the significance of compliance, noting that obtaining licenses and building the necessary infrastructure requires significant investment and patience.

One of the key strategies Gate.io employs to build trust is the implementation of proof of reserves. In 2020, the exchange developed a method using the Merkle Tree system to prove to users that their funds are securely held. This method, which was open-sourced, allows users to verify the transparency of the code, enhancing trust and security. This approach has been particularly important for institutional clients, who expect a high level of trust and security. Gate.io's proof-of-reserve system has contributed to the significant growth in the assets it manages on behalf of users.

Expansion into Dubai has been a significant milestone for Gate.io. The exchange obtained the VARA license, which allows it to operate in a compliant and regulated manner in Dubai and the broader MENA region. Dubai's crypto-friendly environment and high penetration rate of crypto adoption make it an ideal hub for the exchange's growth. Gate.io plans to build a major office and grow a strong team in Dubai, further solidifying its presence in the region.

User security and transparency are paramount for Gate.io. The exchange ensures that user funds are well-protected by demonstrating robust mechanisms to regulators, including how wallets are managed, private keys are secured, and insurance is purchased for users. In regulated markets, these measures provide an additional layer of protection for user funds. Gate.io also provides proof of reserves, further enhancing trust and transparency for its users.

AI integration plays a crucial role in Gate.io's operations and product development. The exchange uses AI for various aspects, including UI and graphic design, product development, branding, marketing, and coding assistance. AI is also instrumental in enhancing security by analyzing security logs faster and more accurately, helping to detect both external and internal threats. On the product side, AI features such as news summaries and financial data analysis provide users with valuable insights and support for their financial decisions.

Looking ahead, Gate.io aims to build the next-generation exchange that can serve billions of users worldwide. The exchange plans to offer both centralized and decentralized finance functionalities, providing users with full flexibility to interact with on-chain and off-chain assets. This approach integrates both experiences under one roof, fostering a seamless transition between traditional and next-generation finance.

Dr. Han's leadership lessons and advice for Web3 founders emphasize the importance of learning from past experiences and prioritizing security from the beginning. He believes that new entrants into the industry should focus on building strong infrastructure and fostering genuine user trust. Gate.io's commitment to transparency, security, and innovation positions it as a leader in the evolving crypto landscape, shaping the path for exchanges worldwide.