ForFin 2025 • Web3 conversation

Web3 is knocking. Will Poland open the door?

In a conversation with Paweł Wizimirski during ForFin - Finance and Investment Forum 2025, Wojciech Kaszycki, Strategic Adviser at BTCS S.A., discusses blockchain fundamentals and the role of validators across Proof of Work and Proof of Stake networks. The discussion also touches on whether the Polish market is ready for broad Web3 adoption and real-world asset tokenization.

What does validation mean in a blockchain network?

Kaszycki emphasizes that a blockchain is a distributed database with predefined rules, without a central entity that can unilaterally change the system (for example, by “printing” money). These fundamentals are why blockchain networks are widely used for secure, verifiable record-keeping and transaction settlement.

Proof of Work vs Proof of Stake

In Proof of Work (e.g., Bitcoin), machines compete to solve computational puzzles - the first to solve earns a reward, and the rest of the network verifies the result. Over time, PoW proved energy-intensive, with increasing resource requirements as networks grow.

Proof of Stake introduced a different security model, where validators confirm transactions by putting value at stake. If a validator authorizes invalid activity, they can be penalized through slashing. This creates strong economic incentives to behave honestly.

What does BTCS S.A. do?

Kaszycki notes that BTCS is the first public company in Poland building Web3 infrastructure. Over the long term, “blockchain” may become as invisible as the word “Internet” is today - present everywhere, but rarely mentioned.

BTCS focuses on building and operating validators across promising blockchain networks. The goal is to help Polish financial institutions build locally, without relying on foreign infrastructure partners, backed by the credibility and disclosure standards associated with a public company.

What’s next?

BTCS signals it will continue to partner with new, high-potential blockchains. In parallel, the company is in talks with Polish financial institutions to address their needs around Web3 infrastructure and tokenization.