The New Money Podcast

In this episode of The New Money Podcast, host Ferdinand Dabitz and guest Przemek Kowalczyk (Co-founder and CEO of Ramp Network) discuss Przemek’s journey into the world of crypto, and the challenges of leading a growing fintech company. They explore Przemek’s historical development of crypto interest, the importance of local currencies, the regulatory landscape in Europe, and the future of consumer experiences in crypto applications. Przemek shares insights on product strategy, the role of stablecoins, and the impact of regulations like MiCA on the industry.Key Chapters00:00 Introduction01:15 Przemek's Crypto Origin: Discovering Bitcoin and entering the space02:58 Monetary Freedom: Why crypto gained traction in former Soviet countries04:01 First Startup: Building a peer-to-peer lending network on Ethereum05:39 Ramp Network: From early days to leading a global on-ramp company08:41 Founder Mode: Building consumer-focused crypto products11:52 Missing Infrastructure: Why local currency integration matters14:17 CBDCs vs Stablecoins: How government digital money could change crypto15:33 MiCA Regulation: Ramp Network securing a CASP license in Ireland17:38 Market Outlook: Consumer UX, Bitcoin price and agentic finance20:41 Quickfire QuestionsThis is NOT financial, tax, or legal adviceMusic by Marcelo Cataldo - http://www.marcelocataldo.com

In this episode of The New Money Podcast, host Ferdinand Dabitz and guest Luuk Strijers discuss the recent acquisition of Deribit by Coinbase – the largest acquisition in crypto history. They discuss the implications for the cryptocurrency options market and the future of trading platforms. They explore the importance of product quality, liquidity, and capital efficiency in derivatives trading, as well as the regulatory landscape in Dubai and Europe. The conversation also touches on the challenges and opportunities presented by decentralized exchanges and the evolving crypto ecosystem.Key Chapters00:00 Introduction01:22 The Largest Acquisition in Crypto History: Coinbase Acquires Deribit03:31 Post-Merger Integration: What Happens to Deribit Now?07:03 Why Coinbase Needs Deribit: Understanding the Crypto Derivatives Market09:51 The Key Difference Between Retail and Institutional: Product Quality Matters13:00 Increasing Customer Expectations: From a Working Website to Yields on Collateral14:29 Decentralized Exchanges (DEX): KYC Challenges & Counterparty Risk19:07 Dubai as a Crypto Hub: VARA License & Known Faces Around23:26 Thoughts on Europe as a Crypto Hub: MiCA & Regulated Growth25:16 Quickfire QuestionsThis is NOT financial, tax, or legal adviceMusic by Marcelo Cataldo - http://www.marcelocataldo.com

This episode of The New Money Podcast features Hong Fang, President of OKX, one of the world’s largest crypto exchanges serving over 60 million users. Hong traces her path from Goldman Sachs into crypto and explains how Bitcoin and open, auditable infrastructure address TradFi’s opacity, credit dependence, and widening inequality. She details OKX’s rebrand and unified CeFi–DeFi strategy, including its expanding self-custody wallet, OKX Pay, and the Brazil-focused OKX Card, alongside licensing progress across key jurisdictions. The conversation explores how OKX builds trust through on-chain proof of reserves, multi-layered controls, and a local–global “team of teams” model, and why hiring for passion and a growth mindset remains central to the company’s culture. Hong concludes by emphasizing that entering crypto requires humility and curiosity in an industry where assumptions must constantly be challenged.Key Chapters01:00 Hong joins to discuss OKX’s strategy02:14 Hong recounts her path to crypto04:52 The discussion examines TradFi’s opacity and incentives12:49 OKX integrates CeFi and DeFi strategies16:28 Product innovation bridges payments and self-custody19:20 Hong outlines priorities and leadership philosophy24:24 Local CEOs operate within global frameworks27:05 Trust is earned through verifiable controls29:50 Quickfire Insights on Fintech and Crypto TrendsThis is NOT financial, tax, or legal adviceMusic by Marcelo Cataldo - http://www.marcelocataldo.com

This episode of The New Money Podcast features Daniel Seifert, Vice President and Regional Managing Director, EMEA, of Coinbase. Daniel shares his journey from traditional finance at McKinsey and UBS to leading one of the world’s largest crypto exchanges through turbulent times, joining just weeks before the FTX collapse. He reflects on stabilizing the organization, motivating teams amid market downturns, and driving Coinbase’s global expansion outside the U.S. The conversation explores Europe’s regulatory landscape, highlighting MiCAR as a global benchmark for crypto clarity while cautioning against stifling innovation. Daniel discusses stablecoins, the future of Euro-denominated assets, and the coexistence of private stablecoins and a digital euro. Other topics include Coinbase’s Crypto-as-a-Service partnership with Citi, the vision to bring one billion people on-chain, and why talent density and a mission-driven culture remain core to Coinbase’s success.Key Chapters01:05 The host previews topics and welcomes Daniel01:54 Joining before FTX and steering turbulence04:55 Coinbase elevates hiring with talent density06:52 MiCA gives Europe a regulatory edge10:41 A career path from UBS to crypto13:35 Digital euro versus private stablecoins15:24 Europe builds euro stablecoins for markets21:03 Institutions adopt crypto through partnerships23:12 Better UX is essential for adoption25:03 Quickfire Insights on Fintech and Crypto TrendsThis is NOT financial, tax, or legal adviceMusic by Marcelo Cataldo - http://www.marcelocataldo.com

This episode of The New Money Podcast features Sanja Kon, Vice President for EMEA at Circle, the company behind USDC and EURC stablecoins. Sanja shares how witnessing the collapse of financial systems during her early years sparked her curiosity about money and technology, leading her to work at PayPal, co-found a crypto-to-fiat payments startup, and ultimately scale stablecoin infrastructure at Circle. The discussion dives into Circle Payments Network, how its OFI/BFI model unlocks near-instant, transparent cross-border settlement, and why the network doesn’t require bilateral partner builds. Sanja also introduces Arc, Circle’s Layer 1 for stablecoin-native finance with predictable USDC gas fees and enterprise-grade functionality. They wrap up with insights on Circle’s partnership with Ivy, MiCA-driven adoption in Europe, and the growing role of EURC in global payments.Key Chapters01:34 Sanja Kon shares her origin story04:53 Early payments faced hurdles, and early adopters emerged06:40 Circle broadens use cases beyond checkout08:06 Circle Payments Network streamlines cross-border settlements10:45 A stablecoin sandwich powers near-instant settlement12:48 One integration unlocks many payout corridors14:10 Arc as a new ‘Economic OS’ for the Internet16:23 Ivy partnership enables seamless bank to USDC18:43 MiCA fuels European adoption and new use cases23:08 Quickfire Insights on Fintech and Crypto TrendsThis is NOT financial, tax, or legal adviceMusic by Marcelo Cataldo - http://www.marcelocataldo.com

This episode of The New Money Podcast features Hoolie Tejwani, Head of Coinbase Ventures, the venture arm of Coinbase, investing in crypto and blockchain startups. Hoolie traces Coinbase Ventures’ origins from a nights-and-weekends experiment to a 500-plus company portfolio, outlining a financial-ROI-first mandate, flexible check sizes, and the strategic flywheel it creates for Coinbase. He maps the team’s current theses across stablecoins, DeFi, on-chain consumer apps, and the frontier of crypto x AI agents. The conversation provides insights on stablecoin issuance models, cross-border payments, and the complex economics of on-chain FX and liquidity, including when local-currency stables and USD preference matter. This episode offers a view into the crypto landscape through a venture capital lens, revealing how one of the industry’s leading investors allocates capital and identifies emerging opportunities.Key Chapters01:14 Coinbase Ventures begins as an internal experiment.06:27 The early team shapes first investments.08:04 The strategy expands and themes crystallize.10:10 AI agents push toward on-chain commerce.13:12 Stablecoin issuance diversifies as demand surges.16:43 Stablecoin payments streamline cross-border flows.17:27 FX economics depend on deep on-chain liquidity.22:56 Quickfire Insights on Fintech and Crypto TrendsThis is NOT financial, tax, or legal adviceMusic by Marcelo Cataldo - http://www.marcelocataldo.com

This episode of The New Money Podcast features Nick van Eck, Co-Founder and CEO of Agora, a stablecoin infrastructure platform and the issuer of AUSD. Nick traces his path from a family of gold investors and a love for classical history to Bitcoin, and explains why non-sovereign money and self-custody matter. He outlines why stablecoins are far more valuable outside the US, what’s broken in today’s stablecoin market, and how Agora aligns economics for builders. The conversation covers white-label stablecoins that share AUSD liquidity, predictions for a dozen large issuers and market‑maker clearing, and why “yield coins” like USDe are not true stablecoins. Nick also shares how Agora will deploy its $50M Series A to build a full-stack, neobank-like experience that brings traditional businesses on-chain. A timely, practical roadmap for how stablecoins can export capital market access globally while fixing incentives for the next wave of crypto payments.Key Chapters00:51 The Origins of Agora’s Name and Vision05:12 A Gold Legacy Leads to Bitcoin Beliefs10:35 Stablecoins Expand Access Beyond the US14:43 Agora Rebuilds Stablecoin Incentives for Builders18:38 White Label Stables Share AUSD Liquidity19:59 Enterprise Segregation Carries Heavy Costs22:53 Market Makers Emerge as Stablecoin Clearers24:24 Yield Coins Are Not Stablecoins27:48 Agora Builds a Full Stablecoin Stack32:05 Quickfire Insights on Fintech and Crypto TrendsThis is NOT financial, tax, or legal adviceMusic by Marcelo Cataldo - http://www.marcelocataldo.com

This episode of The New Money Podcast features Nicolas, CEO of Coinhouse, a French crypto broker offering regulated digital asset services for individuals and businesses. Nicolas retraces Coinhouse’s roots alongside Ledger and its evolution from a Paris storefront to a regulated brokerage that helped shape France’s PSAN regime, later informing MiCA. He lays out why the real value sits with client-facing brokers, not exchanges, and how Coinhouse is building toward a crypto-native bank serving premium clients. The conversation dives into Europe’s regulatory fragmentation under MiCA, why France’s early lead has faded, and why Nicolas believes the travel rule should be scrapped in favor of robust AML/CFT controls. It’s a candid look at building a compliant crypto business in Europe, the missing piece in institutional exchange infrastructure, and the road to tokenized finance at banking scale.Key Chapters00:00 From Ledger roots to Coinhouse spinout03:39 The 2017 crypto market in Europe06:53 Building a regulation‑first strategy11:26 Why broker beats exchange for value16:10 Serving premium high‑touch clients17:16 The missing institutional‑grade exchange20:41 France’s head start fades under MiCA23:59 Best EU jurisdictions for crypto today27:09 Why the travel rule should go29:32 Quickfire Insights on Fintech and Crypto TrendsThis is NOT financial, tax, or legal adviceMusic by Marcelo Cataldo - http://www.marcelocataldo.com

This episode of The New Money Podcast features Armani Ferrante, founder and CEO of Backpack, the regulated crypto exchange and wallet platform unifying access to digital assets across chains and fiat. Armani unpacks Backpack’s brand philosophy, why the company prioritizes custody, security, and global liquidity, and his journey from Apple to Alameda to the early Solana ecosystem. He shares candid lessons from the FTX collapse—after losing 88% of company capital—and how that shaped Backpack’s transparency-first, compliance-led culture. The conversation dives into Backpack’s launch in Europe via the FTX EU acquisition, the emerging regulated perps landscape, and how CeFi front-ends can leverage DeFi back-ends for provable safety, including daily proof-of-reserves and zero-knowledge attestations. A timely look at where the digital asset market is heading and why the next wave of crypto adoption will blend regulation, real liquidity, and verifiable infrastructure.Key Chapters02:03 Backpack’s brand and aesthetic vision05:04 Choosing Backpack’s product scope06:55 From Apple to Backpack09:04 FTX lessons and the survival plan17:56 Why Europe and the regulatory strategy19:54 Inside the FTX EU acquisition22:48 Outlook on regulated market structure24:42 CeFi meets DeFi in exchange design27:01 Auditable infrastructure and daily proofs28:51 Quickfire Insights on Fintech and Crypto TrendsThis is NOT financial, tax, or legal adviceMusic by Marcelo Cataldo - http://www.marcelocataldo.com

This episode of The New Money Podcast features Henri Stern, co-founder and CEO of Privy, the wallet infrastructure enabling embedded wallets and secure key management for modern crypto apps, recently acquired by Stripe. Henri unpacks the hard-won lessons from his first startup, the co-founder dynamics that powered Privy, and why truth-seeking beats ego when navigating pivots. He traces Privy’s shift from data tokenization to embedded wallets, the evolution of wallet UX, and the rise of stablecoins drawing fintechs into crypto. Henri also explains how Privy remains fast inside Stripe, why serving both crypto-native and fintech customers compounds product quality, and how to think about chain fragmentation and interoperability. A timely conversation for builders deciding custody models, developer experience, and product bets in the stablecoin era.Key Chapters00:30 From Shout to Privy lessons learned04:23 Grit versus quit in startups07:41 Pivoting from data to wallets13:14 Staying fast post-acquisition15:13 Wallet UX shifts and embedded wins19:19 Stablecoins, fintechs, and strategy bets24:42 Privy's architecture, TEEs, and 433730:56 Inside the Stripe deal and chain strategy34:59 Quickfire Insights on Fintech and Crypto TrendsThis is NOT financial, tax, or legal adviceMusic by Marcelo Cataldo - http://www.marcelocataldo.com

This episode of The New Money Podcast features Tracy Jin, COO at MEXC, a leading global crypto exchange known for altcoin breadth, deep liquidity, and ultra-low fees. Tracy unpacks MEXC’s M-E-X-C philosophy, why liquidity depth and zero-fee trading matter, and how the business model works at scale. The conversation dives into listing at speed with rigorous diligence and delisting safeguards, the emerging stablecoin war, and MEXC’s partnership with Ethen’s USDE that accelerated volumes. Tracy outlines the $300M ecosystem fund and IgniteX to back top talent and projects, and explains why multiple stablecoin winners make the market healthier. She also previews Dex Plus, which blends CEX and DEX UX, and new AI tools that help traders discover high-potential alts and trusted signals. A timely look at how exchanges will bridge retail and on-chain finance amid rapid product innovation and shifting regulation.Key Chapters00:00 MEXC’s pillars and growth focus03:41 Zero fees and the business model04:34 How MEXC builds deep liquidity06:23 Fast listings with strict safeguards08:10 Stablecoin strategy and USDE momentum09:56 Why multiple stablecoins should win11:00 Ecosystem fund and IgniteX talent bets14:56 Alts Bitcoin and stablecoin roles16:49 Roadmap for Dex Plus and AI features23:48 Quickfire Insights on Fintech and Crypto TrendsThis is NOT financial, tax, or legal adviceMusic by Marcelo Cataldo - http://www.marcelocataldo.com

This episode of The New Money Podcast features Georg Harer, Managing Director and Head of Legal & Compliance at Bybit EU. Georg traces his path from big-law M&A to building Bybit’s Vienna headquarters and securing a MiCA license in under a year. He shares how Bybit’s culture of transparency and fast execution shaped its response to a major security incident and informs its approach to client asset protection and proof of reserves. The conversation dives into localization for European users, navigating Asian–European team dynamics, and the realities of banking access for regulated crypto firms. It also explores why Austria is emerging as a serious crypto hub and how MiCA’s passporting transforms the scale of opportunity. A timely blueprint for compliant expansion in Europe and what it takes to win in the MiCA era.Key Chapters00:00 Inside Bybit’s Vienna crypto hub03:01 From law to crypto operator07:22 Balancing risk and speed11:12 Building a transparent crypto culture14:48 Navigating global team cultures17:54 Localizing Bybit for Europe19:52 Why Vienna is becoming a crypto hub23:37 Licensing, security, and proof of reserves26:53 Austria's path and industry collaboration30:38 Quickfire Insights on Fintech and Crypto TrendsThis is NOT financial, tax, or legal adviceMusic by Marcelo Cataldo - http://www.marcelocataldo.com

This episode of The New Money Podcast features Bryce Ferguson, co-founder and CEO of Turnkey, the infrastructure powering embedded wallets and on-chain automation for teams like Bridge, Moonshot, and Polymarket. Bryce walks us through his journey from art school to Bain to building Coinbase Custody, and now leading Turnkey to scale programmable wallets for the next generation of crypto. They unpack the evolving landscape of crypto wallets and why custody remains a foundational design decision for any crypto product. Bryce also reflects on Coinbase’s culture, the current U.S. regulatory pivot, and how to prepare for an AI-native future of agentic payments. A sharp and technical look into what it takes to build crypto infrastructure that actually scales.Key Chapters 03:00 The Artistic Side of Product Development06:14 Bryce Ferguson's Journey in Tech and Crypto08:56 Evolution of Wallet Infrastructure and Custody11:56 Real-Life Use Cases of Turnkey's Technology14:56 Turnkey's Competitive Edge in the Market18:11 Funding and Future Growth Plans20:59 Navigating the Regulatory Landscape23:51 The Future of Agentic Payments and AI Integration27:00 Quickfire Insights on Fintech and Crypto TrendsThis is NOT financial, tax, or legal adviceMusic by Marcelo Cataldo - http://www.marcelocataldo.com

This episode of The New Money Podcast features Florian Wimmer, Co-founder and CEO of Blockpit - the Austrian crypto tax startup now leading Europe’s compliance infrastructure. Florian shares how Blockpit went from a side project built in Excel to a multi-jurisdiction platform used by individuals, institutions, and tax authorities across the EU. We dive into the 2026 rollout of the Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF), why just 3% of traders currently file taxes, and how Blockpit is positioning itself for a 10–30x market expansion. Florian also speaks candidly about crypto’s libertarian roots, the ethics of taxation, and the challenges of consolidating a fragmented European market. A deep look at crypto’s regulatory maturation - and what it means for builders on both sides of the state-market divide.Key Chapters 02:41 Navigating Tax Regimes in Crypto05:37 Founding Blockbit: A Personal Journey08:48 Surviving Bear Markets and Strategic Growth11:38 Acquisitions and Market Expansion14:48 The Role of Regulation in Crypto17:37 Cultural Perspectives on Crypto Taxes20:51 Future Plans and Strategic Partnerships24:02 Quickfire Insights on Fintech and Crypto TrendsThis is NOT financial, tax, or legal adviceMusic by Marcelo Cataldo - http://www.marcelocataldo.com

This episode of The New Money Podcast features Austin Reid, Global Head of Revenue and Business at FalconX, the institutional crypto prime broker powering over $1.5 trillion in annual trading volume. Austin shares the story of FalconX’s hypergrowth, from five people and a trading desk to a full-stack platform serving the world’s most sophisticated investors. They unpack the rise of U.S.-regulated crypto derivatives, the institutional boom following Bitcoin ETF approval, and the Trump admin, and why stablecoins are quietly becoming crypto’s killer app for emerging markets. Austin also dives into FalconX’s M&A strategy, the firm's brand philosophy, and what it takes to build resilience across market cycles. A wide-ranging conversation on institutional scale, regulatory tailwinds, and the future of crypto’s infrastructure layer.Key Chapters 02:38 The Role of Stablecoins in Financial Freedom05:53 Institutional Adoption and Market Growth09:02 The Impact of Bitcoin ETFs on Institutional Investment11:38 Bipartisan Support for Crypto Regulation15:01 Skepticism Around Consumer Use Cases for Stablecoins17:54 M&A Strategies and Market Consolidation20:41 Falcon X's Growth and Future Plans24:03 Resilience During Market Volatility26:57 Branding and Marketing Strategies for Falcon X29:46 Partnerships and Collaborations in the Crypto Space32:50 Quickfire Insights on Fintech and Crypto TrendsThis is NOT financial, tax, or legal adviceMusic by Marcelo Cataldo - http://www.marcelocataldo.com

This episode of The New Money Podcast features Konstantin Richter, Founder & CEO of Blockdaemon. Konstantin shares what it takes to run crypto infrastructure at scale, powering institutions from Goldman Sachs to Coinbase. He unpacks why the Genius Act signals a regulatory shift and how Blockdaemon’s business is evolving from static nodes to dynamic DeFi APIs. Konstantin also reflects on the fallout of being debanked overnight, what it revealed about the fragility of traditional finance, and why self-custody is no longer optional. A sharp conversation on infrastructure shifts, regulatory momentum, and why stable tokens are fast becoming the new rails for money movement.Key Chapters 02:30 Genius Act & Stable Token Opportunity06:22 Blockdaemon’s Core Products Explained08:22 The Infrastructure is Turning DeFi-Native10:46 The Institutional Flywheel12:31 What's Next: Interoperability & Oracles13:55  The Trump Admin’s Crypto Strategy16:49 Debanked in the US20:25  The Importance of Access to Financial Services27:50 Building in the U.S. vs. Europe32:12 Global Expansion & Strategic Hiring33:55 Relaunching Staking in the U.S.36:21 The Future of StakingThis is NOT financial, tax, or legal adviceMusic by Marcelo Cataldo - http://www.marcelocataldo.com

This episode of The New Money Podcast features Christian Niedermüller, COO of KuCoin EU. Christian shares what it’s like to build KuCoin’s European arm from the ground up - inside one of Asia’s fastest-growing crypto exchanges. He explains why Vienna is becoming a serious regulatory hub, how MiCA will reshape the European landscape, and what it actually costs to launch a compliant exchange in the EU. Christian breaks down why MiCA means consolidation, how KuCoin is shifting away from its “aping casino” image, and why trust, security, and UX now sit at the core of its European brand strategy. A sharp conversation on regulation as opportunity, operator-level execution, and why Europe is crypto’s next big frontier.Key Chapters 01:57 The European Crypto Ecosystem03:58 Shifting Centers of Gravity in Crypto06:51 Building a Regulated Entity in Europe10:02 Challenges of Regulatory Compliance13:00 KuCoin's Strategy and Market Positioning16:01 Localizing the KuCoin Brand in Europe19:01 Competitive Landscape in the Crypto Market22:00 Future Growth Segments for KuCoin24:53 Navigating MiCA Regulations28:35 Quickfire Insights on Fintech and Crypto TrendsThis is NOT financial, tax, or legal adviceMusic by Marcelo Cataldo - http://www.marcelocataldo.com

This episode of The New Money Podcast features Nick Philpott, Co-Founder and Head of Partnerships of Zodia Markets, who shares his unlikely path from historian to banker to crypto entrepreneur. He shares insights into building a crypto and FX platform designed specifically for institutions—one that delivers real-time settlement, operates within deep regulatory frameworks, and aims to make "the unfamiliar familiar." Nick explains how stablecoins solve the 20% of use cases that cause 80% of the operational pain and unpacks the anatomy of Zodia’s “regulatory-first” approach. Nick breaks down the realities of being bank-backed, and why real-time stablecoin FX at scale is still one of crypto’s biggest unlocks. They dive into the lessons from Libra, why most stablecoins today are just money market funds in disguise, and how regulations like MiCA could ironically make euro stablecoins less stable. A rich, wide-ranging conversation covering military dreams, central bank politics, the rise and fall of Facebook’s crypto ambitions.Key Chapters 02:03 Nick's journey from historian to crypto founder08:30 Building Zodia Markets with a regulatory-first mindset11:00 Why stablecoins solve real problems in global trade18:30 How the idea for Zodia Markets emerged inside Standard Chartered28:00 Lessons from working with Facebook's Libra project36:00 Why regulation needs to reuse, not reinvent40:00 The risks hidden in Europe's stablecoin rules44:00 Quickfire insights on fintech and crypto trendsThis is NOT financial, tax, or legal adviceMusic by Marcelo Cataldo - http://www.marcelocataldo.com

This episode of The New Money Podcast features Stephan Lutz, CEO of BitMEX. Stephan shares how he transitioned from traditional finance at PwC and Deutsche Börse to leading BitMEX through one of the most turbulent chapters in crypto history. He recounts why joining BitMEX felt like "winning the lottery," how he moved his family from Germany to Singapore, and what it took to restore the exchange’s reputation post-regulatory action. He explains how BitMEX became the first crypto exchange to fully KYC its user base, what it’s like to work with elite legal teams, and why true regulatory compliance starts with culture - not paperwork. They dive into BitMEX’s “back to roots” strategy, prioritizing deep liquidity and product integrity over flashy expansion. Stephan also previews the next phase of BitMEX: low-latency infrastructure in Tokyo, institutional-grade margining, and third-party custody. A sharp, honest conversation about the inner workings of a crypto OG, surviving reputational risk, and what it really means to play offense in 2025.Key Chapters 02:40 BitMEX Origins & The "Lottery" Moment06:15 Unbanked in Southeast Asia: The Real Use Case for Crypto08:37 From Germany to Singapore: A Family Bet on the Future12:00 Cultural Insights: Singapore vs. Germany16:00 Taking Over BitMEX During a Crisis20:00 The Real Story Behind BitMEX's Legal Case24:45 Playing Defense for Three Years29:00 Going Public Again: BitMEX’s Mindset Shift in 202532:00 FTX, Offshore Regulation & Real Supervision37:11 Back to the Roots: Focusing on Derivatives41:45 The 2025 Playbook: Margining, Latency, Custody, UX46:30 Quickfire Insights on Fintech and Crypto TrendsThis is NOT financial, tax, or legal adviceMusic by Marcelo Cataldo - http://www.marcelocataldo.com

This episode of The New Money Podcast features Vugar Usi Zade, COO of Bitget. Vugar recounts his unconventional path from marketing director at Sony to scaling crypto giant Bitget from 12 million to 100 million users in under two years. Vugar explains the key drivers behind Bitget’s growth, including its strategic $30M partnership with Lionel Messi, the launch of the Bitget Wallet (now one of the most downloaded crypto wallets globally), and investments into Telegram’s TON ecosystem. He shares how Bitget scaled its operations to 1,800 employees across 60 countries, why the company prioritizes local autonomy over centralized control, and how they maintain performance through a rigorous metrics-driven culture. This episode is a masterclass in operating at scale, building trust in a post-FTX world, and thinking contrarian in crypto. A must-listen for builders, investors, and anyone fascinated by the future of money.Key Chapters 03:06 Vugar’s Unconventional Path: From Sony to Crypto08:51 Evaluating Crypto Projects: Red Flags and Due Diligence12:04 The Importance of Founders and Their Backgrounds14:50 The Bitget Story Begins: Why Vugar Joined17:57 Inside Bitget’s 8x Growth Playbook20:50 Strategic Partnerships: The Messi Deal & Beyond23:59 Rebuilding Trust in a Post-FTX Crypto World27:01 Challenges of Rapid Growth and Talent Acquisition28:36 Decentralization at Scale: How Bitget Operates30:32 Culture Without Borders: Managing 1,800 Remotely34:42 Performance Metrics and Accountability35:54 Navigating Employee Performance and Retention39:50 The Vision of a Crypto Super App42:04 Tokenization of Real World Assets46:50 Legislation and Regulatory Challenges in Crypto49:30 Geographical Strategy and Market Focus40:10 Quickfire Insights on Fintech and Crypto Trends*This is NOT financial, tax, or legal advice*Music by Marcelo Cataldo - http://www.marcelocataldo.com

This episode of The New Money Podcast features Peter Stilwell, the former COO of Coinbase UK. Peter unpacks Coinbase’s journey from building a startup within a startup in Europe to navigating the chaos of the FTX collapse. He recounts the early challenges of bringing compliance-first crypto infrastructure to a market lagging years behind the U.S., the behind-the-scenes tension of operating under the FCA’s scrutiny, and how Coinbase balanced rapid growth with regulatory rigor. The conversation dives into the birth of USDC, how a hobby became a billion-dollar revenue stream, and the "Amazon for stablecoins" thesis. He shares insights on leadership during crisis, building high-talent teams, and why being a “stress absorber” beats being a “stress amplifier.” A must-listen for anyone curious about the future of crypto, regulation, and what it takes to lead through the noise.Key Chapters 02:14 Coinbase's Journey in Europe06:10 Challenges in the European Market09:51 Regulatory Relationships and Compliance13:52 The Impact of FTX on the Crypto Industry18:06 Crisis Management and Leadership21:47 Economic Challenges and Team Motivation23:13 Navigating Market Volatility27:35 Building a Resilient Business Model31:06 Talent Acquisition and Company Culture36:14 The Evolution of Stablecoins40:10 Quickfire Insights on Fintech and Crypto Trends*This is NOT financial, tax, or legal advice*Music by Marcelo Cataldo - http://www.marcelocataldo.com

This episode of The New Money Podcast features Chris Maurice, Co-Founder and CEO of Yellow Card, Africa’s leading stablecoin payments infrastructure provider. Chris shares his journey from selling Bitcoin out of Taco Bells in the U.S. to building a pan-African fintech powerhouse that operates in over 20 countries. He unpacks how Yellow Card solved the hardest problem in emerging markets - moving money across borders - by building their own market-making and liquidity infrastructure from scratch. The conversation dives into the rise of stablecoins in the Global South, why traditional finance failed to serve African businesses, and how Yellow Card is abstracting away banking and regulatory complexity with a Stripe-quality API. Chris discusses why Nigeria leads the world in stablecoin adoption, the regulatory revolution happening across the continent, and how stablecoins are not the future - they’re the present. Key Chapters 00:00 The Rise of Stablecoins in Nigeria05:04 Chris's Journey into the Crypto World09:47 Understanding the African Market and Its Challenges15:05 Liquidity and Market Making in Stablecoins20:06 Navigating Regulatory Landscapes in Africa24:50 The Future of Stablecoins and Banking30:11 Traveling for Business: Bridging Markets35:02 Quickfire Insights on Fintech and Crypro Trends*This is NOT financial, tax, or legal advice*Music by Marcelo Cataldo - http://www.marcelocataldo.com

This episode of The New Money Podcast features Joshua Barraclough, Founder and CEO of One Trading. Josh shares his journey from leading fintech strategy at JP Morgan, to joining Bitpanda as CEO of its exchange business, and ultimately spinning it out to launch One Trading as a fully independent, institutional-grade platform. They dive deep into the complexities of the trading stack, the rise of perpetual futures as crypto’s most powerful financial innovation, and how One Trading rebuilt the infrastructure for regulated perps from scratch, eliminating the need for brokers and clearinghouses. Josh breaks down the 3.5-year regulatory journey with ESMA, ECB, and DNB to bring perps onshore, why CFDs are broken, and how regulation is now a competitive edge in Europe. They also unpack the strategy and execution behind the spinout from Bitpanda, and what it really takes to build next-gen trading infrastructure from the ground up.Key Chapters 00:00 Introduction to One Trading and Its Vision04:55 Josh's Career Journey from JP Morgan to the Spinout of One Trading09:54 JP Morgan's Crypto Perspective and Blockchain Innovation14:50 Understanding the Trading Stack20:12 The Evolution of Perpetual Futures24:49 The Future of Derivatives Trading29:54 The Bitpanda Spinout 31:30 Competitive Landscape and Market Positioning37:54 Quickfire Insights on Fintech and Crypto TrendsThis is NOT financial, tax, or legal adviceMusic by Marcelo Cataldo - http://www.marcelocataldo.com

This episode of The New Money Podcast features Ulli Spankowski, Founder of Bison and Chief Digital Officer at Börse Stuttgart. Ulli shares the compelling journey of Bison from startup to its acquisition by Börse Stuttgart, offering insights on entrepreneurial risk-taking and building trust in the volatile crypto space. The conversation explores how Bison's business model evolved and the strategic decision behind partnering with Börse Stuttgart. Ulli reveals valuable lessons from the acquisition process and discusses his vision for digital assets within the traditional financial organization. The discussion also covers the critical role of human resources in cultivating a digital-first culture, with Ulli making a passionate case for in-person collaboration to build strong teams. The episode concludes with an expert analysis of Europe's evolving regulatory landscape, particularly focusing on MiCAR and its implications for the future of cryptocurrency.Key Chapters00:00 Navigating Risks in Entrepreneurship03:05 The Journey of Bison and Börse Stuttgart06:04 The Evolution of Crypto Trading08:59 Strategic Partnerships and Acquisitions11:49 Building Trust in the Crypto Space15:01 The Role of Regulation in Crypto17:45 The Future of Digital Assets21:02 Cultural Shifts in Work Dynamics24:14 The Impact of Leadership on Innovation27:00 The Importance of HR in Transformation29:51 Reflections on the Crypto Landscape32:56 Quickfire Insights on Fintech and Crypto Trends*This is NOT financial, tax, or legal advice*Music by Marcelo Cataldo

This episode of The New Money Podcast features Bobby Zagotta, CEO of Bitstamp USA and Global Chief Commercial Officer. Bobby shares Bitstamp’s origin story, his transition from CME to crypto, and what it takes to scale one of the most enduring exchanges in the industry. He discusses the crucial role of regulation in crypto, how Bitstamp is navigating innovation while maintaining compliance, and the unique challenges of building trust in a volatile market. The conversation explores the future of euro stablecoins, the current U.S. administration’s approach to crypto policy, and the urgent need for a clear regulatory framework. They also dive into the strategic rationale behind Bitstamp’s merger with Robinhood, what it signals about the rise of financial super apps, and how the lines between crypto and traditional finance are blurring.Key Chapters 00:55 The Founding Story of Bitstamp02:56 The Role of Regulation in Crypto05:46 CME's Entry into Crypto Futures09:04 The Ripple Investment and Its Impact12:07 The Evolution of Derivatives in Crypto and the Need for Regulation17:53 Bitstamp's Unique Positioning in the Market and Building Trust in the Crypto Space27:27 Regulatory Landscape and Licensing Developments28:54 The Role of Stablecoins in the Crypto Ecosystem31:05 The Future of Euro Stablecoins and Global Currency Dynamics33:14 Crypto Policy under the Trump Administration37:05 The Strategic Merger with Robinhood40:02 The Race to Become a Financial Super App41:42 Quickfire Insights on Fintech and Crypto Trends*This is NOT financial, tax, or legal advice*Music by Marcelo Cataldo