352: From Antarctica to Crypto Cards: Georgy's 11-Year Journey with guest speaker Georgy Sokolov from Wirex

How do you build a crypto company that lasts 11 years—and survives three brutal bear markets?In this episode, I chat with Georgy from Wirex, a pioneering Web3 payment platform that's been quietly shaping the future of crypto usability since before Ethereum even existed. From air-dropping supplies in Antarctica to building one of the first crypto cards accepted by Visa and Mastercard, Georgy’s story is as unique as it is inspiring.We dive into:What it took to build WirexThe explosion of stablecoinsHow to build user trust in cryptoThe future of self-custody vs custodial productsWhat’s next on Wirex’s roadmap for 2026If you’re in crypto, Web3, fintech—or just want to know how to build something that lasts—this episode is for you.⏱️ Key Learnings & Timestamps(01:51) Georgy's aviation background & entry into crypto(03:25) The problem Wirex set out to solve: making Bitcoin usable(05:23) What makes Wirex unique in a crowded stablecoin space(06:57) Why their crypto card remains the most loved feature(10:59) How Wirex offers up to 8% cashback and 16% on stablecoins(14:03) Custodial vs self-custodial: what users really want(16:50) Country restrictions & realistic global expansion strategy(20:03) The unstoppable rise of stablecoins(22:11) How Wirex chooses features and avoids building the wrong thing(24:45) Their scrappy early marketing tactics and building community trust(28:26) Why trust is the real product in fintech(29:24) Georgy’s pick for the next crypto killer app: stablecoin payments(32:54) What’s on Wirex's 2026 roadmap: B2B, banking-as-a-service & more(34:39) Wirex's ask: partnerships, private banking clients & infra adoptersConnect with Wirex1) General appWebsite: https://www.wirexapp.com/X: https://x.com/wirexappFB: https://www.facebook.com/wirexapp/IG: https://www.instagram.com/wirexapp/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wirex-limited/YT: https://www.youtube.com/@WirexappcomTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wirexapp.com2) Wirex Busines:Website: https://www.wirexapp.com/businessX: https://x.com/wirex_business3) Wirex BaaSWebsite: https://www.wirexapp.com/developersX: https://x.com/wirexdevelopers4) Wirex PrivateWebsite: https://www.wirexapp.com/private-banking📌 DisclaimerNothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research.It would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/