Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan said at the 2025 Consensus conference that the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain is exciting. Decentralized AI can unlock many new applications and opportunities. Blockchain technology not only reduces transaction costs, but also improves market transparency, efficiency and access to financial services. Chan warned that rapid technological innovation is not without challenges. When the speed of innovation exceeds the regulatory response, it may create loopholes that lead to significant risks. The consequences of the failure of several cryptocurrency exchanges in recent years remind the need to pay attention to market integrity, investor protection, money laundering and cyber security risks.