Beyond Bitcoin

In this episode of Beyond Bitcoin, Deryck Graham and Nitin Guar delve into the ongoing battle between the traditional banking system and the world of digital assets and currencies. They examine how the SEC is suppressing the creativity of cryptocurrency and digital assets with an 89-year-old act, and discuss how embracing the realm of digital assets could empower the next generation of finance in the USA. They also explore the possibility that this battle could be about the US dollar's status as the reserve currency. Join the conversation and learn more about the future of finance in this thought-provoking episode.   #BeyondBitcoin #DigitalAssets #Cryptocurrency #Finance #Banking #SEC #Innovation #FinancialFreedom #Disruption #DavidVsGoliath #USdollar #FutureOfFinance #CryptoRevolution #FinancialEmpowerment #Regulation #FinancialSovereignty #BraveNewWorld #FinancialDisruption #TraditionalBanks #Challengers  

In this episode of Beyond Bitcoin, Deryck Graham and Nitin Guar delve into the ongoing battle between the traditional banking system and the world of digital assets and currencies. They examine how the SEC is suppressing the creativity of cryptocurrency and digital assets with an 89-year-old act, and discuss how embracing the realm of digital assets could empower the next generation of finance in the USA. They also explore the possibility that this battle could be about the US dollar's status as the reserve currency. Join the conversation and learn more about the future of finance in this thought-provoking episode. #BeyondBitcoin #DigitalAssets #Cryptocurrency #Finance #Banking #SEC #Innovation #FinancialFreedom #Disruption #DavidVsGoliath #USdollar #FutureOfFinance #CryptoRevolution #FinancialEmpowerment #Regulation #FinancialSovereignty #BraveNewWorld #FinancialDisruption #TraditionalBanks #Challengers  

Discover how Bitcoin, born in the 2009 banking crisis, has become a safe harbor for investors during times of uncertainty. Join us for a deep dive into the world of crypto assets and their resilience against a threatened US Government. With decentralization and global migration, is the US losing ground to more crypto-friendly regions? Tune in to find out.   #ChokePoint2.0 #BankingCrisis #Bitcoin #CryptoAssets #SafeHaven #USGovernment #Decentralization #Investing #Finance #Technology #Asia #Europe  

Discover how Bitcoin, born in the 2009 banking crisis, has become a safe harbor for investors during times of uncertainty. Join us for a deep dive into the world of crypto assets and their resilience against a threatened US Government. With decentralization and global migration, is the US losing ground to more crypto-friendly regions? Tune in to find out.   #ChokePoint2.0 #BankingCrisis #Bitcoin #CryptoAssets #SafeHaven #USGovernment #Decentralization #Investing #Finance #Technology #Asia #Europe  

In this episode of Beyond Bitcoin, we're joined by Kristen Ragusin, SVP of Wealth Management at Raymond James and author of "The End of Scarcity: The Dawn of the New Abundant World." Kristen discusses the flaws in the current fiat-based financial system, which creates dependence on borrowers and results in asset bubbles and rising debt. She differentiates between wealth and money, noting that money should equal people's productive value. Kristen highlights the historical evolution of money, with asset-backed and producer-backed systems offering stability but being prone to inflation and control. The debate between Central Bank Digital Currencies and cryptocurrencies leaves the future of money uncertain. The ideal form of money should maintain stable value, represent some value, and be flexible. Blockchain technology may offer solutions for a more balanced monetary system, but the way forward is unclear.  

In this episode of Beyond Bitcoin, we're joined by Kristen Ragusin, SVP of Wealth Management at Raymond James and author of "The End of Scarcity: The Dawn of the New Abundant World." Kristen discusses the flaws in the current fiat-based financial system, which creates dependence on borrowers and results in asset bubbles and rising debt. She differentiates between wealth and money, noting that money should equal people's productive value. Kristen highlights the historical evolution of money, with asset-backed and producer-backed systems offering stability but being prone to inflation and control. The debate between Central Bank Digital Currencies and cryptocurrencies leaves the future of money uncertain. The ideal form of money should maintain stable value, represent some value, and be flexible. Blockchain technology may offer solutions for a more balanced monetary system, but the way forward is unclear.  

Seeking regulation direction from the 89-year-old US Security Exchange Act for DEX's DAO's DLT's and highly fungible global digital currencies may leave the US well behind.   Since the first SEC action in July 2013, the SEC has brought a total of 127 cryptocurrency-related enforcement actions as of December 31, 2022.  In 2023 the SEC appear to be trying to set legal precedents to enact variations to the law using these outdated regulations.  Where to from here for the USA and what opportunities will arise in other more progressive jurisdictions like Switzerland and Singapore?  

Seeking regulation direction from the 89-year-old US Security Exchange Act for DEX's DAO's DLT's and highly fungible global digital currencies may leave the US well behind.   Since the first SEC action in July 2013, the SEC has brought a total of 127 cryptocurrency-related enforcement actions as of December 31, 2022.  In 2023 the SEC appear to be trying to set legal precedents to enact variations to the law using these outdated regulations.  Where to from here for the USA and what opportunities will arise in other more progressive jurisdictions like Switzerland and Singapore?  

Join us as we learn from Sam Ten Cate, Managing Director at State Street Digital focused on Governance and Controls and learn about the implications of US regulation in the crypto industry. Sam discusses the challenge of dealing with a principle-based regulation in the US, as opposed to a more prescriptive regulation in Europe, the importance of investor and consumer protection and the role of the US in the global financial system. Sam sees the existing regulatory framework as sufficient, but believes there is still a need for more clarity going forward.  Bullish on DLT and a little Bearish on public blockchains this is an opportunity to hear the views of someone engaged in the world of regulation.  

Join us as we learn from Sam Ten Cate, Director at State Street Digital focused on Governance and Controls and learn about the implications of US regulation in the crypto industry. Sam discusses the challenge of dealing with a principle-based regulation in the US, as opposed to a more prescriptive regulation in Europe, the importance of investor and consumer protection and the role of the US in the global financial system. Sam sees the existing regulatory framework as sufficient, but believes there is still a need for more clarity going forward.  Bullish on DLT and a little Bearish on public blockchains this is an opportunity to hear the views of someone engaged in the world of regulation.  

The cryptocurrency industry has seen some positive developments in recent times, despite the ongoing debate on the SEC versus crypto issue. One of the bright spots is the industry's resiliency, with Bitcoin leading the growth in the market. The Bitcoin protocol, which allows users to inscribe references to digital art or other items, has sparked a lot of debate on whether Bitcoin should be purely a payment system or not. The inscription protocol, called Ordinance, was launched a month ago and has enabled the creation of non-fungible tokens (NFTs), which give rise to a massive ecosystem that was previously untouched by the Bitcoin system. NFTs on Bitcoin have brought utility into the system, expanding its use cases beyond being a payment instrument or a store of value. However, Bitcoin maximalists still see NFTs as controversial and against the pureness of Bitcoin. Other positive developments in the industry include Solana's resurgence, with over 400 projects popping up on the layer one protocol. Helium is also decentralizing telecom networks with HMD tokens, allowing people to host low range, wide area networks and monetize them. The developments in the cryptocurrency industry have shown the industry's resilience and innovative capabilities.

The cryptocurrency industry has seen some positive developments in recent times, despite the ongoing debate on the SEC versus crypto issue. One of the bright spots is the industry's resiliency, with Bitcoin leading the growth in the market. The Bitcoin protocol, which allows users to inscribe references to digital art or other items, has sparked a lot of debate on whether Bitcoin should be purely a payment system or not. The inscription protocol, called Ordinance, was launched a month ago and has enabled the creation of non-fungible tokens (NFTs), which give rise to a massive ecosystem that was previously untouched by the Bitcoin system. NFTs on Bitcoin have brought utility into the system, expanding its use cases beyond being a payment instrument or a store of value. However, Bitcoin maximalists still see NFTs as controversial and against the pureness of Bitcoin. Other positive developments in the industry include Solana's resurgence, with over 400 projects popping up on the layer one protocol. Helium is also decentralizing telecom networks with HMD tokens, allowing people to host low range, wide area networks and monetize them. The developments in the cryptocurrency industry have shown the industry's resilience and innovative capabilities.

 President Biden's Executive Order on March 9 2022 appears to be the beginning of a new phase in the USA. In short, it states   (a) We must protect consumers, investors, and businesses in the United States. (b) We must protect United States and global financial stability and mitigate systemic risk. (c) We must mitigate the illicit finance and national security risks posed by the misuse of digital assets.  (d) We must reinforce United States leadership in the global financial system and in technological and economic competitiveness, (e) We must promote access to safe and affordable financial services.   From Secretary of Treasury to the SEC no less than 17 departments were ordered to review and provide recommendations   The outcome so far - In February the SEC heightened its wave of attacks on the industry on Staking, then stable coins and now suggesting it will put restrictions on Hedge Fund Investment into the industry. Maybe Mahatma Gandhi's great statement is applicable.  "First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win. Enjoy the first of our series on US Regulations friend or foe. Featuring our guest speaker, Lou Kerner.

 President Biden's Executive Order on March 9 2022 appears to be the beginning of a new phase in the USA. In short, it states   (a) We must protect consumers, investors, and businesses in the United States. (b) We must protect United States and global financial stability and mitigate systemic risk. (c) We must mitigate the illicit finance and national security risks posed by the misuse of digital assets.  (d) We must reinforce United States leadership in the global financial system and in technological and economic competitiveness, (e) We must promote access to safe and affordable financial services. From Secretary of Treasury to the SEC no less than 17 departments were ordered to review and provide recommendations The outcome so far - In February the SEC heightened its wave of attacks on the industry on Staking, then stable coins and now suggesting it will put restrictions on Hedge Fund Investment into the industry. Maybe Mahatma Gandhi's great statement is applicable.  "First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win. Enjoy the first of our series on US Regulations friend or foe. Featuring our guest speaker, Lou Kerner.

Regulatory changes, liquidity coming alive, market subsectors getting their time in the sun and inflation not considered as problematic as believed earlier.  There points are setting the investment strategy into crypto for 2023. Recently regulators are pressuring banks not to deal with crypto and Binance US just halted US dollar transfers. These are important on-ramps to the space.  This is balanced by non-bank entities providing solutions in many market sectors and currencies is expected to create a mix of opportunities for global citizens.   Correlation: Crypto was once considered uncorrelated with traditional markets but now we are seeing more correlation.  Observation - it is all about the time frame.  Over a few months it may be correlated but over 5 years it has not proven to have a high level of correlation. Correlated or not, both funds look at what drives blockchain solutions that generate value.  Looking at NFT projects the need to store value, provide statistics and transfer digital assets is seen as important for the future of NFT's. Crypto assets have a lot of subsectors within the broader crypto umbrella.  The first use case of smart contracts was DeFi and Apollo considers the next major use cases to be NFT's so the Apollo team thinks there is going to be an intersection between NFT's and Defi such as NFT derivatives.   Much of this knowledge is not understood by the professional or sophisticated traditional investor which is where the value add comes from specialist fund manages such as Apollo Crypto Fund and Portal. These types of funds attract UHNW and Family offices investors not superannuation and institutions in the Australian market at least. Surprise – institutional investors are still driven by FUD and FOMO despite their size and sophistication, they are humans and reacting accordingly. Despite the volatility both Apollo and Portal have had very few redemptions so those that have invested have a much better understanding and therefore tolerance to the volatility of the crypto asset class.   We continue to believe that “Fortune Favours the Informed”. #crypto #apollocrypto #crypto2023predictions #portaldigitalfund

Regulatory changes, liquidity coming alive, market subsectors getting their time in the sun and inflation not considered as problematic as believed earlier.  There points are setting the investment strategy into crypto for 2023. Recently regulators are pressuring banks not to deal with crypto and Binance US just halted US dollar transfers. These are important on-ramps to the space.  This is balanced by non-bank entities providing solutions in many market sectors and currencies is expected to create a mix of opportunities for global citizens.   Correlation: Crypto was once considered uncorrelated with traditional markets but now we are seeing more correlation.  Observation - it is all about the time frame.  Over a few months it may be correlated but over 5 years it has not proven to have a high level of correlation. Correlated or not, both funds look at what drives blockchain solutions that generate value.  Looking at NFT projects the need to store value, provide statistics and transfer digital assets is seen as important for the future of NFT's. Crypto assets have a lot of subsectors within the broader crypto umbrella.  The first use case of smart contracts was DeFi and Apollo considers the next major use cases to be NFT's so the Apollo team thinks there is going to be an intersection between NFT's and Defi such as NFT derivatives.   Much of this knowledge is not understood by the professional or sophisticated traditional investor which is where the value add comes from specialist fund manages such as Apollo Crypto Fund and Portal. These types of funds attract UHNW and Family offices investors not superannuation and institutions in the Australian market at least. Surprise – institutional investors are still driven by FUD and FOMO despite their size and sophistication, they are humans and reacting accordingly. Despite the volatility both Apollo and Portal have had very few redemptions so those that have invested have a much better understanding and therefore tolerance to the volatility of the crypto asset class.   We continue to believe that “Fortune Favours the Informed”. #crypto #apollocrypto #crypto2023predictions #portaldigitalfund

2022 - What a year it was.  If there was a party in 2021, 2022 was the hangover. We all know what happen with the large Cefi frauds and contagions and the damage to the industry's reputation but in January the CCI 30 rose 35% and correlation to NASDAQ dropped to just 0.29 its lowest since 12/21. The year ahead is starting to look exciting.

2022 - What a year it was.  If there was a party in 2021, 2022 was the hangover. We all know what happen with the large Cefi frauds and contagions and the damage to the industry's reputation but in January the CCI 30 rose 35% and correlation to NASDAQ dropped to just 0.29 its lowest since 12/21. The year ahead is starting to look exciting.

Nitin Gaur is back and reports on his experience in Davos where crypto assets were viewed positively, challenges considered surmountable with focus on Stable Coins, CBDC and infrastructure.   Nitin Gaur has returned from Davos where he met and presented to government and crypto industry leaders. The view was positive, constructive and focused on industry infrastructure with less focus on Metaverse and gaming. Listen to what will be part 1 of a discourse on crypto 2023 according to Davos leaders. Remember - Fortune Favours the Informed.

Nitin Gaur is back and reports on his experience in Davos where crypto assets were viewed positively, challenges considered surmountable with focus on Stable Coins, CBDC and infrastructure.   Nitin Gaur has returned from Davos where he met and presented to government and crypto industry leaders. The view was positive, constructive and focused on industry infrastructure with less focus on Metaverse and gaming. Listen to what will be part 1 of a discourse on crypto 2023 according to Davos leaders. Remember - Fortune Favours the Informed.

Many people have lost faith in cryptocurrencies due to high profile theft, fraud, and bankruptcies within the industry, which has caused pricing to implode. We remind ourselves that the industry is still in its infancy and will continue to experience tremendous innovation, evolution, and exponential growth.  Individual investors who can effectively evaluate the landscape, understand how the marketplace is evolving, and determine who will be the future leaders in the industry will be highly successful. Hedge funds will play a much larger role in the industry once security and operational issues improve and as future markets are expanded to other blockchain opportunities.  “Fortune Favours the Informed”.

Many people have lost faith in cryptocurrencies due to high profile theft, fraud, and bankruptcies within the industry, which has caused pricing to implode. We remind ourselves that the industry is still in its infancy and will continue to experience tremendous innovation, evolution, and exponential growth.  Individual investors who can effectively evaluate the landscape, understand how the marketplace is evolving, and determine who will be the future leaders in the industry will be highly successful. Hedge funds will play a much larger role in the industry once security and operational issues improve and as future markets are expanded to other blockchain opportunities.  “Fortune Favours the Informed”.

We began with macroeconomic slowdowns then 3 Arrows, Celcius & Voyager & finished with FTX.  Meanwhile, Eth completed the Merge, new blockchains appeared & the user base grew globally.  2023 could be the year the institutional investors move in.   As we have often said Crypto grows in dog years and what happened this year could well have taken 9 years in traditional finance.  The takeaways for 2022 were that Central Finance "CeFi" fraud smashed the reputation of an asset class based on trustless decentralized solutions - ironic hey.  This has resulted in movements to cold wallets and custodians and to the increased use of DEX'S or decentralised exchanges.  This will be little comfort for the 1 million+ investors who had their money and tokens rehypothecated, lent out, and frankly stolen by the likes of FTX and Celcius.  More robust regulations and penalties are welcomed and now expected!  On the brighter side, we see 2023 being led by the professional class of investors and institutions first with the acquisition of distressed exchanges and funds and then infrastructure projects. Emotion does not tend to dominate insto's so "while all around are losing their heads" they are calculating entry strategies.     Finally a big thank you to our listeners who have listened to or viewed Beyond Bitcoin 35,000+ times in 2022.  Have a great holiday break and see you in 2023!

We began with macroeconomic slowdowns then 3 Arrows, Celcius & Voyager & finished with FTX.  Meanwhile, Eth completed the Merge, new blockchains appeared & the user base grew globally.  2023 could be the year the institutional investors move in.   As we have often said Crypto grows in dog years and what happened this year could well have taken 9 years in traditional finance.  The takeaways for 2022 were that Central Finance "CeFi" fraud smashed the reputation of an asset class based on trustless decentralized solutions - ironic hey.  This has resulted in movements to cold wallets and custodians and to the increased use of DEX'S or decentralised exchanges.  This will be little comfort for the 1 million+ investors who had their money and tokens rehypothecated, lent out, and frankly stolen by the likes of FTX and Celcius.  More robust regulations and penalties are welcomed and now expected!  On the brighter side, we see 2023 being led by the professional class of investors and institutions first with the acquisition of distressed exchanges and funds and then infrastructure projects. Emotion does not tend to dominate insto's so "while all around are losing their heads" they are calculating entry strategies.     Finally a big thank you to our listeners who have listened to or viewed Beyond Bitcoin 35,000+ times in 2022.  Have a great holiday break and see you in 2023!

Join Jamie Coutts Senior Market Analyst from Bloomberg Intelligence and Mark Witten CIO and Co-Founder of Portal Asset Management to discuss the year in review and the welcome arrival of 2023.   On a show called Beyond Bitcoin we discuss Bitcoin as the bell weather to the sector and consider the technicals driving it.  Right now many of these are pointing to BTC being oversold and comparing it to the same signals in early 2019 when it was just US$5,000.  However, BTC's correlation to NASDAQ and macroeconomic conditions still plays a major role in its price direction.  Join us today to discuss the somewhat more positive views for BTC investment and consider the advanced movements of institutional investment in an asset class still in its embryonic years.

Join Jamie Coutts Senior Market Analyst from Bloomberg Intelligence and Mark Witten CIO and Co-Founder of Portal Asset Management to discuss the year in review and the welcome arrival of 2023.   On a show called Beyond Bitcoin we discuss Bitcoin as the bell weather to the sector and consider the technicals driving it.  Right now many of these are pointing to BTC being oversold and comparing it to the same signals in early 2019 when it was just US$5,000.  However, BTC's correlation to NASDAQ and macroeconomic conditions still plays a major role in its price direction.  Join us today to discuss the somewhat more positive views for BTC investment and consider the advanced movements of institutional investment in an asset class still in its embryonic years.

The need for regulation of centralised finance exchanges and funds is now obvious.  The irony is they do not need to exist in a truely decentralised world.  We discuss what might be needed to support this "transitional technology" and start protecting the assets of investors in centralised exchanges and funds.  Join Nitin Gaur and me discussion the need for a purge and what might come next.  

The need for regulation of centralised finance exchanges and funds is now obvious.  The irony is they do not need to exist in a truely decentralised world.  We discuss what might be needed to support this "transitional technology" and start protecting the assets of investors in centralised exchanges and funds.  Join Nitin Gaur and me discussion the need for a purge and what might come next.

With The Economist headlining – “Is this the death of Crypto?” and the New York Times opinion piece citing Tulip Fever – again – we wonder if these commentators of traditional finance may well be telling us that we are now at the bottom of the market.  The reasons for the SBF / FTX failure are due to fraud, misappropriation of customer assets, over leverage, poor accounting, lack of transparency, etc none of which are cryptocurrency or decentralisation failures.

With The Economist headlining – “Is this the death of Crypto?” and the New York Times opinion piece citing Tulip Fever – again – we wonder if these commentators of traditional finance may well be telling us that we are now at the bottom of the market.  The reasons for the SBF / FTX failure are due to fraud, misappropriation of customer assets, over leverage, poor accounting, lack of transparency, etc none of which are cryptocurrency or decentralisation failures.

Our special guest today, Chris Molloy, Founder of Digital Infrastructure Associates, often refers to Bitcoin miners as the Dung Beetles of the energy market crawling around looking for unused power or power wastage.  With the ability to turn on or off 60-100 megawatts of power (the equivalent of an aluminium smelter) to moderate the power consumption on the grid. Power companies and energy suppliers are starting to see a symbiotic relationship with miners and how it could form part of their business models.  Join us for a discussion of how an isolated island like Tasmania off the south coast of Australia can play a role in the global decentralised world of bitcoin mining.  

Our special guest today, Chris Molloy, Founder of Digital Infrastructure Associates, often refers to Bitcoin miners as the Dung Beetles of the energy market crawling around looking for unused power or power wastage.  With the ability to turn on or off 60-100 megawatts of power (the equivalent of an aluminium smelter) to moderate the power consumption on the grid. Power companies and energy suppliers are starting to see a symbiotic relationship with miners and how it could form part of their business models.  Join us for a discussion of how an isolated island like Tasmania off the south coast of Australia can play a role in the global decentralised world of bitcoin mining.  

As the credibility of the crypto asset class takes another hit prices are down and we ask the question; is this about disclosure or corporate opportunity?  Alameda a wholly owned subsidiary of FTX with what was considered a robust balance sheet turns out to hold mostly digital assets either created by FTX or funded by FTX.  Tradfi is likely to dine on this for weeks but for the world's newest asset class it is likely to be another case of growing pains.     

As the credibility of the crypto asset class takes another hit prices are down and we ask the question; is this about disclosure or corporate opportunity?  Alameda a wholly owned subsidiary of FTX with what was considered a robust balance sheet turns out to hold mostly digital assets either created by FTX or funded by FTX.  Tradfi is likely to dine on this for weeks but for the world's newest asset class it is likely to be another case of growing pains.     

Great Conversation with Sagar Barvaliya  - a Investor, where he shared his perspective on builders and projects. Sagar has an interesting journey  he shared with us, he was trained as an engineer and previously worked for Porsche and start-up accelerators before deciding to go "all-in" into the crypto space. As an Engineer, He was always close to building something and the actual job of a civil engineer is to build bridges and Houses, Now he is building the bridges in Web3. He is a Chief Networking officer/Principal at Blockrocket and helps portfolio startups with 360 degree advisory. We dissected into VC investment and projects trends, where Out of all the overarching sectors in the blockchain industry in decentralized finance (DeFi,) centralized finance (CeFi,) blockchain infrastructure, Web3 and nonfungible tokens (NFT,) DeFi was basically always king for VC capital inflows. That all changed in Q2, when Web3 garnered around 42% of all the individual deals, leaving DeFi in a far distant second at 16%. This trend was highlighted further when analyzing the most active investors, who made around 42% of all deal activity for Q2, a drop from 65% in Q1. Our discussion focused on what is shaping the industry and a Venture perspective.

Great Conversation with Sagar Barvaliya  - a Investor, where he shared his perspective on builders and projects Sagar has an interesting journey  he shared with us, he was trained as an engineer and previously worked for Porsche and start-up accelerators before deciding to go "all-in" into the crypto space. As an Engineer, He was always close to building something and the actual job of a civil engineer is to build bridges and Houses, Now he is building the bridges in Web3. He is a Chief Networking officer/Principal at Blockrocket and helps portfolio startups with 360 degree advisory. We dissected into VC investment and projects trends, where Out of all the overarching sectors in the blockchain industry in decentralized finance (DeFi,) centralized finance (CeFi,) blockchain infrastructure, Web3 and nonfungible tokens (NFT,) DeFi was basically always king for VC capital inflows. That all changed in Q2, when Web3 garnered around 42% of all the individual deals, leaving DeFi in a far distant second at 16%. This trend was highlighted further when analyzing the most active investors, who made around 42% of all deal activity for Q2, a drop from 65% in Q1. Our discussion focused on what is shaping the industry and a Venture perspective.

Listen to Paul Goldman, Country Manager OKCoin Australia on his perspective on industry differentiator of  OKCoin one of the fastest growing global cryptocurrency exchange. He shared his perspectives on Institutionalization of crypto, and opportunity that lies ahead for financial professionals. Paul draws on his Trading and finance background and discussed the difference in market structure and dynamic around Crypto assets as a new asset class. Certainly interesting perspectives as the industry evolves.  Take a listen.

Listen to Paul Goldman, Country Manager OKCoin Australia on his perspective on industry differentiator of  OKCoin one of the fastest growing global cryptocurrency exchange. He shared his perspectives on Institutionalization of crypto, and opportunity that lies ahead for financial professionals. Paul draws on his Trading and finance background and discussed the difference in market structure and dynamic around Crypto assets as a new asset class. Certainly interesting perspectives as the industry evolves.  Take a listen.

Every Quarter Mark Witten, CIO of Portal Asset Management, provides a review of macroeconomics and the crypto markets and an update on the performance of Portal's 3 multistrategy funds. This quarter he shares this on Beyond Bitcoin.   

Every Quarter Mark Witten, CIO of Portal Asset Management, provides a review of macroeconomics and the crypto markets and an update on the performance of Portal's 3 multistrategy funds. This quarter he shares this on Beyond Bitcoin.   

He is Hyperledger India Co-Chair contributing to the Climate Action & Accounting SIG, Trade Finance SIG, and Hyperledger Global Forum Committee member. He talks about the rapid adoption of crypto as a currency, the use of blockchain in enterprise as a validation mechanism, crypto in a cash society and the development of CBDC along with the vibrant Indian blockchain community. 

He is Hyperledger India Co-Chair contributing to the Climate Action & Accounting SIG, Trade Finance SIG, and Hyperledger Global Forum Committee member. He talks about the rapid adoption of crypto as a currency, the use of blockchain in enterprise as a validation mechanism, crypto in a cash society and the development of CBDC along with the vibrant Indian blockchain community. 

The rise and rise of blockchain in Dubai and the UAE.  With the government of Dubai investing over US$1.5 billion annually Dubai has become an epicentre of all things blockchain.    The Dubai Blockchain Strategy is designed to help Dubai achieve the vision of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum by making "Dubai the first city fully powered by Blockchain" and making Dubai the happiest city on earth. The strategy uses 3 strategic pillars - Government Efficiency, Industry Creation, and International Leadership.

The rise and rise of blockchain in Dubai and the UAE.  With the government of Dubai investing over US$1.5 billion annually Dubai has become an epicentre of all things blockchain.    The Dubai Blockchain Strategy is designed to help Dubai achieve the vision of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum by making "Dubai the first city fully powered by Blockchain" and making Dubai the happiest city on earth. The strategy uses 3 strategic pillars - Government Efficiency, Industry Creation, and International Leadership.  

Blockchain is a truly decentralised and distributed technology and so are the components that make a blockchain project work.  Maybe the best legal system could be Switzerland, the best fundraising nation the USA, the best development capability AND capacity, Eastern Bloc Countries and the best tax and lifestyle country could be Portugal.  Have a listen and see how distributed blockchain tech projects can be.    Checkout Anthony Day's Podcast here - Blockchain Won't Save the World

Blockchain is a truly decentralised and distributed technology and so are the components that make a blockchain project work.  Maybe the best legal system could be Switzerland, the best fundraising nation the USA, the best development capability AND capacity, Eastern Bloc Countries and the best tax and lifestyle country could be Portugal.  Have a listen and see how distributed blockchain tech projects can be.    Checkout Anthony Day's Podcast here - Blockchain Won't Save the World  

Big investment, banking and administrative institutions see digital assets as both threat and opportunity and are seeking to be central and relevant in a space which is largely decentralised.  Will this work in the long term?   Resistance is Futile, you will be assimilated. Words from the Borg to the small Star Ship "Blockchain" but will institutions try to assimilate blockchain solutions or will the technology ultimately be too efficient for them to compete?  This week we discussed the entry of the big institutional exchanges, fund managers and administrators and see if their engagement in the DLT world is part of the legacy transition of the technology and the generations that are using it or a long-term claim to maintain the relevance of the giants in the digital realm.

Big investment, banking and administrative institutions see digital assets as both threat and opportunity and are seeking to be central and relevant in a space which is largely decentralised.  Will this work in the long term?   Resistance is Futile, you will be assimilated. Words from the Borg to the small Star Ship "Blockchian" but will institutions try to assimilate blockchain solutions or will the technology ultimately be too efficient for them to compete?  This week we discussed the entry of the big institutional exchanges, fund managers and administrators and see if their engagement in the DLT world is part of the legacy transition of the technology and the generations that are using it or a long-term claim to maintain the relevance of the giants in the digital realm.

The Eth Merge, and the arrival of intuitional grade “equities-like” trading platforms for crypto.  Are these tipping points for large amounts of liquidity to enter the realm of crypto assets?   At just US$1trillion capitalisation crypto-assets are the smallest asset class of the big 5, so small that the challenge will be absorbing large volumes of investment when it comes.  Today we discuss both the merge and what impact big inflows might cause.  Join Deryck Graham and Nitin Gaur for a quick tech discussion on Eth Merge and a thesis on what could it mean when too many trillions chase crypto.

The Eth Merge, and the arrival of intuitional grade “equities-like” trading platforms for crypto.  Are these tipping points for large amounts of liquidity to enter the realm of crypto assets?   At just US$1trillion capitalisation crypto-assets are the smallest asset class of the big 5, so small that the challenge will be absorbing large volumes of investment when it comes.  Today we discuss both the merge and what impact big inflows might cause.  Join Deryck Graham and Nitin Gaur for a quick tech discussion on Eth Merge and a thesis on what could it mean when too many trillions chase crypto.

As the Merge Block arrives (7days from publication) we ask ourselves is ETH a security now, are centralised companies going to dominate transactions and what does this mean to investors and users?   The Ethereum 2.0 upgrade will bring with it a switch from Proof of Work to Proof of Stake. Already $21 billion of Eth is locked up and returning validators at 4.56%.  JPMorgan Chase estimates that by 2025 Ethereum 2.0 could create a $40-billion staking industry.  But OFAC sanctions, the threat of censorship and MAV inefficiencies lay waiting to be exploited or resolved.