Arthur Hayes, speaking at the Consensus 2026 conference, emphasized that cryptocurrency does not require regulation, as its value inherently exists outside traditional systems. According to Bitalk News, Hayes argued that regardless of whether regulation is beneficial or detrimental, it is not significantly related to the value proposition of what is being done in the cryptocurrency space. Over the past 15 years, Bitcoin's price performance has been the best in human history, challenging the notion that more banks and asset managers need to be involved. Hayes stated that the sole reason customers seek cryptocurrency is due to its existence outside the conventional system, allowing it to perform useful functions.