The Future of Money
107 episodes — Page 2 of 3
Inside Dubai's Crypto Regulator. My Interview with Sean McHugh, Head of Market Assurance at VARA
Excited to launch The Future of Crypto compliance — a new podcast series dedicated to unpacking the latest trends, innovations, and regulatory shifts shaping the world of digital assets. Each episode brings together leading voices in crypto compliance to explore where the industry is headed, what challenges lie ahead, and how professionals can stay ahead of the latest evolving global trends. By crypto compliance professionals. For crypto compliance professionals. Topics discussed in this episode: - The future of #crypto regulation - How VARA approaches supervision and licensing - Blockchain analytics and live transaction monitoring - Market manipulation and insider trading in digital assets - Why #DeFi and zero knowledge proofs are on regulators' radar - AI in compliance: hype or revolution? Powered by ACX Compliance - the world's largest crypto compliance specialised managed services provider. The full interview is also available on my YouTube channel: YouTube: http://bit.ly/3KXC68H
Tokenizing Real Estate: How Dubai Is Leading the Proptech Revolution
My Interview with Amira Sajwani, Founder and CEO of PRYPCO. - Transforming #realestate through tokenization and fractional ownership - How Proptech is making real estate investing faster, simpler, and more transparent - Dubai Land Department puts property titles on-chain for the first time - Why fractional ownership opens global access to premium assets - The growing investor demand for yield-backed real-world assets - Education as the key to safe tokenized investing - The rise of younger, tech-savvy property investors in the #MENA region Powered by Phoenix Group The full interview is also available on my YouTube channel: YouTube: http://bit.ly/3WkeyNK
Bitcoin, ETFs, and the Next Altcoin Season.
My interview with Nic Puckrin, CEO and Founder of The Coin Bureau. - The largest crypto liquidation of the year — $1.7 billion wiped out in hours - Bitcoin's next move before the altcoin season begins - How ETFs are accelerating retail and institutional adoption - Why digital asset treasury companies may face consolidation - The impact of U.S. regulation — from the Clarity Act to new policy shifts - How education remains the best defense against scams - NFTs vs. meme coins — what's next for retail attention Powered by Phoenix Group The full interview is also available on my YouTube channel: YouTube: http://bit.ly/3WhTyHi
How digital asset treasuries are fuelling a new wave of altcoin demand
My interview with Taran Sabharwal, Founder and CEO of Stix. - How private OTC #crypto markets are handling over $1B in monthly volume - The cyclical nature of secondaries and locked token trading - Who's selling: VC funds and foundations - Who's buying: prop trading firms, family offices, and private wealth - Case study: #Solana secondaries moving from 50% to 15% discount - How digital asset treasury firms are enabling access for traditional capital - The arbitrage opportunity between discounted tokens and liquid futures - Why #ETFs can't compete with token treasuries on flexibility and yield - The growing role of market-neutral strategies in altcoin investments - Long-term outlook on institutional access to crypto via equity structures Powered by Phoenix Group Powered by Phoenix Group The full interview is also available on my YouTube channel: YouTube: http://bit.ly/42Ue7gK
200 Million + Users and Counting: Trust Wallet's Global Crypto Mission as a Self-Custody Wallet.
My interview with Eowyn Chen, CEO of Trust Wallet. - Trust Wallet surpasses 210M users globally - Growing adoption of stablecoins for remittances - Balancing ease of use and full control in self-custody - The future of data ownership and digital identity - Why self-custody is a fundamental right in the U.S. - How blockchain, not wallets, may become banks' true competitor Powered by Phoenix Group The full interview is also available on my YouTube channel: YouTube: http://bit.ly/3LmwUuU
How UAE banks are embracing stablecoins and blockchain?
My interview with Michael Chan, CEO of Zand Bank. - How stablecoins are reshaping global banking - The role of U.S. regulatory shifts in driving adoption - Why Zand is betting big on digital assets - How AI and blockchain are enhancing compliance and efficiency - Why banks launching their own stablecoins could be a game changer - The biggest risk keeping crypto-bank CEOs up at night Powered by Phoenix Group The full interview is also available on my YouTube channel: YouTube: http://bit.ly/4q9StyM
Why the Asia-Middle East corridor could be the next big opportunity and how stablecoins may reshape it.
My interview with Ben El-Baz, Managing Director of HashKey MENA. - The Asia–Middle East crypto corridor is expanding fast, driven by stablecoin-powered B2B payments. - Hong Kong's regulatory clarity has fostered a "financial-grade" crypto ecosystem across banks, brokers, and asset managers. - Dubai and the UAE are emerging as key partners in bridging East–West crypto flows. - Real estate tokenisation and cross-border stablecoin use are transforming how individuals and corporates transact. - Southeast Asia is becoming a vital region for institutional crypto adoption, especially in stablecoin settlements. - Education and regulated infrastructure remain key challenges for scaling adoption securely. Powered by Phoenix Group The full interview is also available on my YouTube channel: YouTube: http://bit.ly/4n1z00D
If the future of finance is autonomous and invisible finance, what role will crypto play?
My interview with Brett King, futurist and author of Branch Tomorrow. - How fintechs have overtaken traditional banks in customer reach - The rise of autonomous banking and tokenized assets - Why legacy systems can't support real-time, AI-driven finance - The critical role of stablecoins and digital payments networks in this transformation - What bankers must do to stay relevant in the next decade Powered by Phoenix Group Powered by Phoenix Group The full interview is also available on my YouTube channel: YouTube: http://bit.ly/3WtDKRI
What are the technical challenges in underwriting crypto insurance?
My interview with Robin Scott, General Manager of Middle East at AIFT. - Insurance for digital assets has grown rapidly, with coverage now exceeding $1 billion - Centralized exchanges and custodians are meeting higher technical standards, making policies viable - DeFi remains challenging due to frequent hacks, leading to high premiums - Legacy insurers and reinsurers are warming up to crypto as a diversifier from climate risk exposures - AI risk is following the same playbook as crypto, starting with cybersecurity and risk management tools - Smart contracts and AI can streamline the outdated insurance process, reducing paperwork and intermediaries - The future may bring customers closer to directly covering risks via blockchain-based pools Powered by Phoenix Group The full interview is also available on my YouTube channel: YouTube: http://bit.ly/4nvx01v
Is enterprise blockchain making a comeback? My interview with Sunny Lu, Co-Founder and CEO of VeChain
My interview with Sunny Lu, Co-Founder and CEO of VeChain, on enterprise blockchain, sustainability, and why adoption is accelerating. - VeChain has focused on enterprise blockchain since 2015, with use cases from anti-counterfeiting to sustainability - Regulation and better infrastructure are lowering barriers for corporate adoption of blockchain - Blockchain is not just about productivity but about relationships between enterprises and individuals - Enterprises are moving beyond track-and-trace to user engagement and shared sustainability missions - More than 90% of enterprise blockchain conversations now focus on public chains rather than private ones - ESG remains a key driver, with VeChain working on carbon credits, food safety, and sustainability management - Despite China's cautious stance on crypto, blockchain development remains strong, with Hong Kong acting as a testing ground Powered by Phoenix Group The full interview is also available on my YouTube channel: YouTube: http://bit.ly/46RaXwk
Institutional DeFi adoption and the future of on-chain finance with Michael Bentley, CEO of Euler Labs
My interview with Michael Bentley, CEO of Euler Labs. - DeFi adoption surged from zero to $3 billion on Euler in just nine months - Institutional players such as BlackRock and Apollo are tokenising money market funds on-chain - Stablecoin growth is driving new lending and borrowing markets in DeFi - Traditional fintechs are starting to use DeFi rails as back-end infrastructure - Retail adoption still faces UX and UI hurdles, but fintech integrations may bridge the gap - Michael predicts explosive growth if even a fraction of traditional finance moves on-chain - Despite risks like hacks and smart contract bugs, DeFi offers transparency and antifragility compared to traditional finance Powered by Phoenix Group The full interview is also available on my YouTube channel: YouTube: http://bit.ly/42iIc9r
Inside Bitcoin Mining: My interview with Munaf Ali, Founder and CEO at Phoenix Group
- The UAE emerges as one of the world's largest sovereign Bitcoin holders - How Phoenix Group built the first and largest mining firm in the Middle East and Africa - The intersection of Bitcoin mining, AI, and data infrastructure - Why sovereign Bitcoin reserves are legitimising the mining industry worldwide - The rise of Digital Asset Treasuries (DATs) and their role in corporate balance sheets - Why Asia–Middle East corridors and first-mover advantage matter in the next mining cycle Powered by Phoenix Group The full interview is also available on my YouTube channel: YouTube: http://bit.ly/46RaXwk
What do VARA applicants need to know about the Dubai crypto regulations?
My interview with Sean McHugh, Head of Market Assurance at VARA. - VARA has grown from 14 to 36 licensed firms in just over a year - Biggest applicant mistakes: unclear business plans and shifting models - How VARA uses AI and blockchain analytics to supervise licensees - Four regulatory priorities: customer protection, AML/KYC, financial soundness, cybersecurity - Path toward global harmonisation and passporting of crypto regulation - The importance of marketing rules and enforcement in Dubai's ecosystem - Sean's personal reflections on moving from Wall Street to regulation Powered by Phoenix Group The full interview is also available on my YouTube channel: YouTube: http://bit.ly/3K9qM8W
My interview with Alex Manson, CEO at SC Ventures by Standard Chartered on how Standard Chartered is trying to build the rails for digital assets, tokenisation, and institutional adoption
Digital banking, supply chain, and tokenised finance are converging faster than expected Bitcoin, stablecoins, and tokenised instruments are here to stay Institutional adoption needs robust, trustworthy infrastructure From lonely beginnings to a maturing, bank-grade digital asset ecosystem Partnerships, patience, and discipline are key to building lasting ventures Powered by Phoenix Group The full interview is also available on my YouTube channel: YouTube: http://bit.ly/3ImJ71I
Inside World Liberty Financial: My interview with CEO Zach Witkoff on USD1 and WLFI
The next frontier of stablecoins: My interview with Zach Witkoff, CEO and Co-Founder of World Liberty Financial - Why World Liberty Financial believes it can rival Tether and Circle with USD1 - How a $2B transaction with Binance was settled in under two seconds, with zero fees - The Trump family's direct involvement in the project and its focus on institutional markets - Why real-world asset tokenisation could be their edge in the coming wave of adoption - How compliance and governance are being positioned as core strengths Powered by Phoenix Group The full interview is also available on my YouTube channel: YouTube: http://bit.ly/4pk5oy1
Why are stablecoins and crypto infrastructure such areas of focus by investors? My interview with Haseeb Qureshi of Dragonfly.
Crypto is still in its early days, less than 10 years since Ethereum launched Regulation is finally opening the door for corporates to build in crypto Most value creation still comes from startups, not big banks or asset managers Adoption is global: built in the US, used across Asia, LATAM, and beyond Biggest founder mistake: chasing hype instead of solving real problems Stablecoins set for explosive growth with new regulation under Fed oversight Infrastructure scaling remains critical if crypto is to reach billions of users Powered by Phoenix Group The full interview is also available on my YouTube channel: YouTube: https://bit.ly/3YfcSX4
Institutional investors are looking at crypto. But what products or strategies are they focused on? My interview with Kelvin Koh of The Spartan Group on where institutional crypto is heading next.
Why institutional and family office investors are driving demand in crypto asset management The rise of strategies beyond ETFs: altcoins, market-neutral plays, and venture capital How fundamental analysis and on-chain data are applied to evaluate crypto tokens Why venture funds still play a critical role in early-stage crypto projects The sectors to watch: DeFi, gaming, AI, and decentralised physical infrastructure Powered by Phoenix Group The full interview is also available on my YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/4fKk8Sn
Why is Ripple launching their own stablecoin? My interview with Monica Long, President of Ripple on making stablecoins work for real-world payments.
Why Ripple launched its own US dollar stablecoin amid a rapidly growing market Stablecoins' expanding role beyond speculative crypto trading How Ripple uses stablecoins to make cross-border payments faster and cheaper The two big challenges to global stablecoin adoption: blockchain-to-domestic system connections and liquidity Ripple's focus on building liquidity across key currency pairs and innovating on its core ledger Powered by Phoenix Group The full interview is also available on my YouTube channel: YouTube: https://bit.ly/3YfcSX4
Bridging the gap between DLT and real enterprise use cases. My interview with Kamal Youssefi, President of the Hashgraph Association.
How Hedera's journey moved from education to enablement to funding for startups Why understanding DLT vs blockchain is key to adoption The $100M venture fund driving Hedera's startup ecosystem How "cross-pollination" between startups and enterprises accelerates solutions The biggest challenges for enterprise blockchain adoption—and how to overcome them Want your kids to learn about crypto? Order my latest kids book "Decoding Crypto with Henri and Hodler" here: https://bit.ly/44Ns69T Powered by Phoenix Group The full interview is also available on my YouTube channel: YouTube: https://bit.ly/3YfcSX4
Why Bitcoin yield could unlock billions in idle value? My interview with Fisher Yu, Co-Founder of Babylon.
Can Bitcoin finally generate yield without compromising self-custody? My interview with Fisher Yu, Co-Founder of Babylon, on unlocking Bitcoin staking. Babylon enables BTC holders to earn staking rewards by securing other networks. The future of Bitcoin DeFi could unlock trillions in idle value. Regulation and technology must align to ensure secure, yield-generating BTC protocols. Want your kids to learn about crypto? Order my latest kids book "Decoding Crypto with Henri and Hodler" here: https://bit.ly/44Ns69T Powered by Phoenix Group The full interview is also available on my YouTube channel: YouTube: https://bit.ly/3YfcSX4
Brand building matters in crypto — OKX bets on trust, design and culture with Haider Rafique
My Interview with Haider Rafique, CMO, OKX at #token2049 Why the crypto industry must call out bad behaviour to move from the wild wild West to the middle mile West OKX's pivot from centralised exchange to Web3 wallet and why product design and self-custody matter The role of storytelling in rebuilding crypto's reputation after scandals like FTX Why brand building, trust, and user experience are now central to client acquisition in crypto How sports partnerships build distribution and reinforce values like perseverance and discipline The importance of taking risks in marketing and standing for something—even when it's controversial Powered by Phoenix Group The full interview is also available on my YouTube channel. YouTube: https://bit.ly/3YfcSX4
Can DeFi's transparency and 20% yields attract institutional capital?
Powered by Phoenix Group The full interview is also available on my YouTube channel: YouTube: https://bit.ly/3YfcSX4
Deribit CEO on Coinbase's $2.9B Buyout and the Next Era for Crypto Options
In this episode of the Future of Money podcast, I sat down with Luuk Strijers, CEO of Deribit, to discuss their landmark $2.9 billion acquisition by Coinbase. We explore what this means for crypto options, institutional adoption, the evolving landscape of collateral in crypto derivatives, and how regulatory clarity is reshaping the market. A must-watch for anyone tracking the future of digital asset infrastructure and institutional crypto growth. __ This episode is sponsored by Deribit – the #1 platform for trading crypto options. Trade crypto options with Deribit - a VARA regulated, centralized, and institutional-grade crypto derivatives exchange for options and futures. Experience low latency, deep liquidity, and advanced risk management tools at your fingertips. Start trading with Deribit today. Also, remember that Virtual Assets may lose their value in full or in part, and are subject to extreme volatility. __
To scale DeFi, we need better education, stronger security, and clear risk ratings. My interview with Vikram Arun, CEO of Superform.
Powered by Phoenix Group The full interview is also available on my YouTube channel: YouTube: https://bit.ly/3YfcSX4
The future of DeFi includes tokenised real-world assets and hedge fund vaults built on chain. My interview with Cindy Leow, Co-Founder of Drift
Powered by Phoenix Group The full interview is also available on my YouTube channel: YouTube: https://bit.ly/3YfcSX4
AI is transforming crypto quant trading, but institutional capital won't move without robust infrastructure. My interview with Michael Ashby, CEO of ALGOQUANT
Powered by Phoenix Group The full interview is also available on my YouTube channel: YouTube: https://bit.ly/3YfcSX4
How fintech and crypto are reshaping global banking. My interview with Phil Sham, CEO of Aquanow
Powered by Phoenix Group The full interview is also available on my YouTube channel.
The next evolution of stablecoins: yield, utility, and compliance. My interview with Bundeep Rangar, CEO of Pi Protocol
Powered by Phoenix Group The full interview is also available on my YouTube channel: YouTube: https://bit.ly/3YfcSX4
Is Solana the backbone of tomorrow's internet capital markets? My interview with Lily Liu, President, Solana Foundation
Powered by Phoenix Group The full interview is also available on my YouTube page and podcast channels: YouTube: https://bit.ly/3GAnQAd Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4g7fOvw Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3B0OaRW
Why younger investors are choosing Bitcoin over gold. Insights from Dr. Ryan Lemand of Neovision Wealth Management
The full interview is also available on my YouTube page and podcast channels: YouTube: https://bit.ly/3RIywz4 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4g7fOvw Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3B0OaRW
Marcus Thielen, Founder of 10x Research, Breaks Down Trump's Bitcoin Reserve Strategy
Could Trump's Bitcoin strategic reserve plan trigger a major Bitcoin buying spree? My interview with Marcus Thielen, Founder of 10x Research. Powered by Phoenix Group
Binance's Tigran Gambaryan's Near-Death Detention in Nigeria: An Exclusive Interview
Tigran Gambaryan endured eight harrowing months in detention in Nigeria. In this exclusive interview, he reveals the dramatic series of events — from discovering his fellow Binance detainee's escape to his near-death experience in prison and the extraordinary rescue that followed.
Why Web3 startups are thriving in the MENA region? My interview with Noor Sweid, Founder of Global Ventures
How the MENA region's young population and rapid tech adoption are fueling Web3 growth. My interview with Noor Sweid, Founder of Global Ventures. Powered by Phoenix Group
Interview with Jose Perez Aguinaga, CEO of Tungsten
Why crypto custodians are no longer just about secure storage — and how emerging tech like AI and smart contracts could shape their future. My interview with Jose Perez Aguinaga, CEO of Tungsten. Powered by Phoenix Group The full interview is also available on my YouTube page and podcast channels: YouTube: https://youtu.be/PvxPOtO-Fd0 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4g7fOvw Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3B0OaRW
Interview with Jack Inglis, CEO of AIMA
Why half of traditional hedge funds are now adding crypto to their strategies. My interview with Jack Inglis, CEO of AIMA. Powered by Phoenix Group The full interview is also available on my YouTube page and podcast channels: YouTube: https://youtu.be/Vcwau396vRU Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4g7fOvw Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3B0OaRW
Interview with Steve Yun, Founder of TVM Ventures
How will TON leverage Telegram's 950 million users to make crypto accessible to the masses? My interview with Steve Yun, Founder of TVM Ventures. Powered by Phoenix Group The full interview is available on my YouTube and podcast channels: YouTube:https://bit.ly/3F9iEms Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4g7fOvwApple Podcast: https://apple.co/3B0OaRW
Interview with Jordi Alexander, CEO, Selini Capital
What are the latest trends with crypto market makers? My interview with Selini Capital CEO, Jordi Alexander. Powered by Phoenix Group The full interview is available on my YouTube and podcast channels: YouTube:https://bit.ly/4i7q0oT Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4g7fOvwApple Podcast: https://apple.co/3B0OaRW
Interview with Antoine Blondeau, Managing Partner at Alpha Intelligence Capital
How will blockchain shape the future of AI—and could crypto play a role in monetizing AI agents? Antoine Blondeau, Managing Partner at Alpha Intelligence Capital, shares his insights on Crypto Weekly. Powered by Phoenix Group The full interview is also available on my YouTube page and podcast channels: YouTube: https://bit.ly/40ZHYCy Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4g7fOvwApple Podcast: https://apple.co/3B0OaRW
Interview with Vincent Chok, Founder & Group CEO of First Digital
Will stablecoins reshape global finance? Vincent Chok, CEO of First Digital, shares insights on regulation, competition, and the future of the $200B stablecoin market. Powered by Phoenix Group The full interview is also available on my YouTube page and podcast channels: YouTube: https://bit.ly/4b3Z72F Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4g7fOvwApple Podcast: https://apple.co/3B0OaRW
Interview with Head of Research, Coinshares, James Butterfill
What is the outlook for crypto markets in 2025 following these game changing developments in January? My interview with James Butterfill, Head of Research, Coinshares. Powered by Phoenix Group
Interview with Scott Thiel, CEO of Tokinvest
Why the ability to offer tokenized assets to retail investors is a game changer. My interview with the CEO of Tokinvest, Scott Thiel. Powered by Phoenix Group
Interview with CEO of CoinMENA, Talal Tabbaa
Why the crypto ecosystem is booming in the Middle-East/GCC? Interview with Talal Tabbaa, CEO of CoinMENA. Powered by Phoenix Group
Interview with Navin Gupta, CEO of Crystal Intelligence
Is crypto crime increasing globally? Interview with Navin Gupta, CEO of Crystal Intelligence. Powered by Phoenix Group
Interview with Fasset CEO, Mohammad Raafi Hossain
Is the future of RWAs (real world assets) in emerging markets vs developed markets? My interview with Mohammad Raafi Hossain, CEO, Fasset. Powered by Phoenix Group
Interview with best-selling author, Chris Skinner
Will banks and traditional finance firms be able to innovate fast enough to embrace crypto? A chat with best-selling author Chris Skinner Powered by Phoenix Group
Interview with Bitget COO, Vugar Usi Zade
What is the biggest challenge facing crypto exchanges in 2025? With Bitget COO, Vugar Usi Zade. Powered by Phoenix Group
Interview with Coinbase Head of Strategy, John Dagostino
How US agencies (and unelected officials) illegally tried to stop crypto firms from opening bank accounts and ran a whisper campaign threatening banks that were happy to do so. My interview with John Dagostino, head of strategy at Coinbase. Powered by Phoenix Group
Interview with Paxos CEO, Charles Cascarilla
How yield bearing stable coins may democratize the risk free rate in the same way that stable coins democratised access to the US Dollar? With Charles Cascarilla, CEO of Paxos. Powered by Phoenix Group
Interview with Securitize CEO, Carlos Domingo
What is the future of the tokenization of real world assets (RWAs)? My interview with Securitize CEO, Carlos Domingo. Powered by Phoenix Group The full interview is also available on my YouTube page and podcast channels: YouTube: https://bit.ly/3Dw5hvE Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4g7fOvw Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3B0OaRW
Interview with Helius CEO, Mert Mumtaz
What is driving the growth of the Solana ecosystem? My interview with Mert Mumtaz, CEO of Helius. Powered by Phoenix Group The full interview is also available on my YouTube page and podcast channels: YouTube: https://bit.ly/3VNMNgj Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4g7fOvw Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3B0OaRW