Boris Johnson to speak at cryptocurrency conference

Boris Johnson will address a cryptocurrency conference in Singapore next month as he kickstarts his speaking career following his three-year tenure as prime minister.  

After being unable to secure a second term at 10 Downing Street, he will feature as a keynote speaker at the International Symposium on Blockchain Advancements on 2 December. Although Johnson no longer has a role in government, he is still the MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip and the event will take place when parliament is sitting.  

Blockchain is a system where records of transactions made in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin are maintained across several computers that are linked to a peer-to-peer network (a network of shared resources across two or more computers).    

The symposium’s website says that it “aims to guide the first step in migrating to the digital economy by provoking meaningful questions and discussions that will enable all of us, builders and consumers alike, to cut through the blockchain hype and grasp a realistic view of the emerging trends and needs, and to provide a technical blueprint for innovative solutions”.    

The event has another former high-ranking politician speaking. Dick Cheney, who was vice-president of the United States between 2001 and 2009 will contribute to the discussion.  

Johnson was reportedly paid $150,000 last month for his first appearance as a speaker since he resigned as prime minister. He gave a 30-minute speech and had a further 45-minute moderated discussion with the Council of Insurance Agents and Brokers in Colorado.