The Future of Money

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playbook as crypto, starting with cybersecurity and risk management tools - Smart contracts and AI can streamline the outdated insurance process, reducing paperwork and intermediaries - The future may bring customers closer to directly covering risks via blockchain-based pools Powered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

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

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  

- 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  

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 

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

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

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   

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 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   

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 

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 

Powered by Phoenix Group The full interview is also available on my YouTube channel: YouTube: https://bit.ly/3YfcSX4 

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. __

Powered by Phoenix Group The full interview is also available on my YouTube channel: YouTube: https://bit.ly/3YfcSX4 

Powered by Phoenix Group The full interview is also available on my YouTube channel: YouTube: https://bit.ly/3YfcSX4 

Powered by Phoenix Group The full interview is also available on my YouTube channel: YouTube: https://bit.ly/3YfcSX4 

Powered by Phoenix Group The full interview is also available on my YouTube channel. 

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   

Powered by Phoenix Group The full interview is also available on my YouTube channel: YouTube: https://bit.ly/3YfcSX4 

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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  

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  

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  

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  

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

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  

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  

Why the crypto ecosystem is booming in the Middle-East/GCC? Interview with Talal Tabbaa, CEO of CoinMENA. Powered by Phoenix Group  

Is crypto crime increasing globally? Interview with Navin Gupta, CEO of Crystal Intelligence. Powered by Phoenix Group  

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  

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  

What is the biggest challenge facing crypto exchanges in 2025? With Bitget COO, Vugar Usi Zade. Powered by Phoenix Group

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  

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

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  

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

What is the future of crypto custody? Interview with CEO of Hex Trust Alessio Quaglini. Powered by Phoenix Group

What are the latest initiatives from ADGM in crypto?  Why regulators need to listen to industry participants, take a principles based approach and adapt to the latest tech innovations? We discuss this with Dmitry Fedotov from ADGM. Powered by Phoenix Group  

What is the future of crypto options and crypto derivatives?  My interview with Deribit CEO, Luuk Strijers. Powered by Phoenix Group The full interview is also available on my YouTube page and podcast channels: YouTube: bit.ly/3ZGY4k3 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4g7fOvw Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3B0OaRW  

What is the most important factor that crypto VC investors should focus on?  My interview with Tim Grant, CEO at Deus X Capital Powered by Phoenix Group The full interview is also available on my YouTube page and podcast channels:   YouTube: https://bit.ly/4gleHrW   Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4g7fOvw   Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3B0OaRW  

What is the outlook for crypto markets? And what are the main catalysts to watch? An interview with Markus Thielen from 10x Research Powered by Phoenix Group  The full interview is also available on my YouTube page and podcast channels: YouTube: https://bit.ly/4i5glzA Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4g7fOvw Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3B0OaRW

Exclusive interview with His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Member of the UAE Supreme Council and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah. What is His Highness' message to crypto entrepreneurs? What type of leadership is needed in an era dominated by AI and disruption? What are the challenges of running a start-up nation and emirate? What is the digital assets vision for RAK?

What type of crypto verticals are crypto VC investors focused on?  And why is JeHan Chu, Founder of Kenetic Capital is bullish on TON (Telegram), World (Worldcoin) and Mythical Games. Powered by Phoenix Group The full interview is also available on my YouTube page and podcast channels: YouTube: https://bit.ly/4fYPl2S  Spotify: https://spoti.fi/47ZCF8F  Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3PM4eKh 

What is the future of crypto data especially as all the data is public? My interview with Ambre Soubiran, CEO of Kaiko Powered by Phoenix Group The full interview is also available on my YouTube page and podcast channels: YouTube: https://bit.ly/4i02iLS Spotify: https://spoti.fi/47ZCF8F  Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3PM4eKh   

Is blockchain the foundational layer for AI, especially with regards to security and privacy?   Powered by Phoenix Group