At the “Blockchain and Economy: Trust, Transparency, and Growth in the Digital Age” panel hosted by Metaterra at Near East University, leading global figures in the blockchain sector came together. The panel, which was also attended by President Ersin Tatar of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, focused on the transformative impact of blockchain technology on economic systems and the future of digital trust.
In his opening remarks, President Ersin Tatar emphasized the strategic importance of digital transformation for the national economy. He highlighted how the panel strengthens the island’s position within the global financial system, expressing gratitude to Hakan Törehan and commending Metaterra’s international vision for bringing together participants from three continents and showcasing the country’s potential in digital transformation.
“Northern Cyprus Has the Potential to Become One of the Centers of This Transformation”
Hakan Törehan, a pioneer of numerous innovations across Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean through projects launched with Metaterra and Miracle Group, also delivered a speech at the panel. Leading the development of the regional blockchain ecosystem, Törehan emphasized that blockchain is not only a technological revolution but also a redefinition of trust and financial independence.
He concluded his speech by stating, “Northern Cyprus has the potential to become one of the centers of this transformation.”
Among other notable speakers—Douglas Anderson, Stephen Moore, Paul Randall, John Beyer, and Fernando Vildósola—participants discussed the opportunities blockchain presents for emerging markets and shared insights on the future of next-generation financial systems, reaffirming Northern Cyprus’s commitment to becoming a regional hub for digital finance and blockchain innovation.
Who Is Hakan Törehan?
Born in London to a Turkish Cypriot family, Hakan Törehan has devoted his career to bridging traditional finance and the digital future. He has been at the forefront of innovations that transformed how people and businesses transfer money—from smart POS systems to contactless payments and digital wallets.
Törehan’s work aims to make payments faster, safer, and more inclusive, while exploring the intersection between cryptocurrencies and traditional currencies. Through strategic partnerships with leading technology providers, he has helped retailers, restaurants, and service-sector businesses modernize their payment infrastructures.
As Chairman of the Board at Miracle Group, Törehan has also extended his vision to sports and media, reshaping football broadcasting in Northern Cyprus and introducing innovative payment and viewing experiences for fans.
At the core of Törehan’s mission lies a clear purpose: to simplify payments, create new opportunities for businesses, and merge advanced technology with the experiences people value most.