Anndy Lian Podcast Anndy Lian

Web3 privacy emerges as a central theme, often heralded as a fundamental human right yet paradoxically elusive in the digital realm. The DeCC Day panel at Consensus 2024, titled “The Importance of Privacy in Web3,” brought together a diverse group of experts to unravel this complex issue.

Adryenn Ashley, a venture capitalist and founder of Slay Ventures, opened the discussion with a provocative introduction, highlighting her background in creating a dating app that prioritized privacy and consent, leveraging blockchain technology. Her energetic tone set the stage for a dynamic exchange of ideas.

Anndy Lian, a book author and fund manager from Singapore, expressed his passion for privacy, emphasizing its significance in various conferences he attends. His perspective as an author and investor provided a unique lens through which to view the privacy debate.
Seth, known in the crypto community as ‘MineyourBiz,’ identified himself as a privacy advocate to the point of affliction. His commitment to evaluating technologies for market viability and technological soundness has led him to monitor major waves in privacy tech, interviewing many privacy-oriented founders.

Sandy Carter, COO of Unstoppable Domains and founder of Unstoppable Women of Web3 in AI, shared her company’s efforts in creating a digital identity platform that empowers users to control their personal information. She underscored the importance of allowing individuals to decide what they disclose, framing privacy as a choice rather than a given.

The panellists engaged in a spirited debate over the nature of privacy and its perception among individuals and governments. Seth argued that privacy is a universal human desire, transcending cultural and political boundaries. However, Adryenn countered that while individuals crave privacy, they are equally curious about others’ lives, driven by a systematic craving for information.

The conversation took a turn when Anndy brought up the consumer’s role in the privacy equation. He posited that consumers must care about their privacy for it to be effectively protected, citing the use of Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs) in blockchain applications to preserve user anonymity while enhancing user experience.

Sandy expanded on this by discussing the role of digital identities in managing privacy settings, allowing users to selectively share information with applications. This approach, she argued, respects the individual’s right to privacy while acknowledging the varying degrees of openness each person is comfortable with.

The panelists also tackled the thorny issue of government surveillance and regulation. Seth highlighted the lack of consideration for privacy in government discussions, often viewed as an inconvenience rather than a necessity. Andy shared insights from his direct advisory role with governments, revealing that while on-chain activities might be challenging to trace, off-chain actions, particularly cashing out to fiat, are transparent and traceable.

As the discussion drew to a close, the panelists agreed on the importance of trust in the relationship between privacy, governments, and the public. Austin Arnold, Co-founder of Altcoin Daily closed the panel by emphasizing that privacy builds confidence and trust, which are crucial for market movement and engagement.

The DeCC Day panel at Consensus 2024 illuminated the intricate dance between personal discretion and societal transparency. The discourse traversed the spectrum of privacy—from a fundamental human yearning to a nuanced societal construct, challenging the audience to reconsider their own stances.

At the forefront of the Web3 revolution, DeCC @ NFT.NYC convened a panel of visionaries to unravel the complexities of privacy in a blockchain-powered world. Moderated by the influential Wendy O, the panel featured Gav Blaxberg of Wolf Financial, Tor Bair of Stashh, and Anndy Lian, a best-selling author and thought leader.

The event underscored the attendees’ commitment to privacy, with many overcoming significant obstacles to join the conversation. The introduction of “Decentralized Confidential Computing” (DCC) marked a pivotal moment, signaling a shift towards a narrative that champions confidentiality in the transparent realm of blockchain.

Panelists shared their diverse experiences, from advising on crypto regulations to pioneering encrypted NFTs, all converging on the consensus that privacy and security are the bedrock of a sustainable Web3 ecosystem. The dialogue navigated through the evolution from Web2 to Web3, highlighting the persistent challenges and the urgent need for technological alternatives that empower users with control over their data.

A key distinction emerged between privacy and security. While privacy is often viewed as a luxury, security is a fundamental necessity. The irreversible nature of lost privacy was a sobering reminder of the stakes involved. Personal stories from the panelists brought to life the real-world consequences of security breaches, emphasizing the importance of vigilance in the digital age.

The session concluded with an engaging Q&A, where a question about AI’s role in privacy and security sparked a nuanced debate. AI’s dual potential to both compromise and enhance privacy was acknowledged, with a call for responsible AI development that aligns with public interest.

DeCC @ NFT.NYC was not just an event; it was a clarion call for collective action towards a future where privacy is a standard, not an afterthought. The insights and passion of the panelists inspired attendees to advocate for privacy and champion security in the digital domain.

As the narrative around DCC unfolds, the event stands as a testament to the ongoing efforts to protect our digital lives. The journey towards a more private and secure digital world is just beginning, and every step taken is a step towards a better future for all.

The Evolution of NFTs: From Skepticism to Mainstream Adoption

Lian’s journey with NFTs has been marked by early skepticism, which has now turned into widespread acceptance. His books, “Blockchain Revolution 2030” and “NFT: From Zero to Hero,” have become essential reads for understanding the potential of NFTs. He urged the audience to “think bigger” in 2023, and the market has responded with a significant increase in value from $737 million in April 2023 to over $1.2 billion in February 2024.

Decoding the Trends: The Future Predicted at NFT.NYC 2024

Lian outlined six key trends that are expected to drive the NFT revolution:


ERC 404: A new standard that merges the features of fungible (ERC-20) and non-fungible tokens (ERC-721), offering a hybrid solution for digital assets.


RWA NFT: Transforming real-world assets like real estate, intellectual property, and fine art into tradable digital formats, enhancing liquidity and accessibility.


NFT ETFs: Providing investors with exposure to a diversified portfolio of NFTs, akin to institutional-grade assets, and backed by credible entities.


AI NFTs: Making NFTs more accessible through AI, adding trading products to NFTs for exclusive market insights and trades.


Meme with a Twist - The Squid Bros: A collection of 10K PFPs by Marvel/DC/Game of Thrones artist Mike S. Miller, demonstrating the power of community and IP in elevating NFTs.


Photographs as NFTs: Seed.Photo’s selective process has led to a curated collection of photographs minted as NFTs, appealing to major brands for their authenticity and artistic value.

The the dynamic landscape of finance, the discussion around tokenized asset classes has gained significant traction. From private to public markets, the concept of digitizing assets is reshaping traditional investment paradigms. In a recent panel discussion, industry experts delved into the nuances of this transformative trend, shedding light on its opportunities and challenges.

The panel titled "Public Markets - Where are the Biggest Institutional Opportunities? ETF, Mutual Funds, Stocks, Bonds" is moderated by Julien Bahurel, Partner, Deep Blue/Definer Fund. With the following panelists:

- Anndy Lian, Senior Advisor, Peach Income Fund
- Tony Wong, Managing Director, CSOP Asset Management
- Nicholas Studholme Wilson, Chief Operating Officer - Asia, GFO-X

In the ever-evolving world of blockchain and cryptocurrencies, the concept of real-world tokenization has been gaining significant traction. To delve deeper into this topic, we recently had the pleasure of hosting a fireside chat with Anndy Lian, an intergovernmental blockchain expert and book author.

The discussion was led by Faraj, the Chief Commercial Officer of Venom Foundation, a layer one chain out of Abu Dhabi focusing on stable coins and real-world asset organization globally. Faraj is also the founder of a large community of crypto executives, boasting around 2,000 members.

The guest speaker, Anndy Lian, is based in Singapore but often travels around the globe. He embarked on his journey in the crypto world in 2013 when he bought his first Bitcoin. By 2017, he had fully immersed himself in the blockchain space and has never left since. Lian advises different governments. At one point, he served as a blockchain advisor to an intergovernmental group.

The State of Real-World Tokenization
When asked about his views on real-world tokenization, Lian acknowledged the obvious traction the concept has gained over the years. He recalled how governments were skeptical when he first started discussing the idea around 2017-2018. However, the narrative has since changed. Today, governments and companies are more open to the idea, recognizing the straightforwardness of real-world asset (RWA) tokenization.

Lian believes that the technology for tokenizing assets is 100% ready. He sees big banks and governments pushing the RWA wave, indicating a promising future for the concept. However, he also highlighted a key issue: the revenue model behind some of these RWA projects. He questioned how these companies would sustain themselves and make money, especially given the liquidity problem associated with tokenizing certain assets like mid-level properties.

The Future of Stable Coins and Carbon Credit Tokenization
Discussing the future of stablecoins and carbon credit tokenization, Lian expressed that most government bodies he interacts with recognize that stablecoins are here to stay. He sees a future where more governments will embrace stable coins within a certain framework, which could lead to the acceleration of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs).

As for carbon credit tokenization, Lian sees it as a valid use case. He has interacted with several carbon credit exchanges and believes that the traceability of the credit itself would be very interesting.

The Impact of Tokenization on the Financial Industry
If tokenization is taken seriously and adopted on a large scale, Lian believes it could have a long-lasting impact on the financial industry. He envisions a future where transactions become more effective, with money moving from point A to B in a much faster and cheaper manner. He also sees the potential for 24/7 clearance and money transfers, leading to a more effective financial system.

The Next Driver of Mass Adoption
When asked about the next driver of mass adoption, Lian expressed his hope for more people to start talking about how they can spend their crypto. He believes that the next “wow” moment would be seeing more adoption, leading to a larger community and driving crypto to the next level.

Conclusion
The fireside chat with Anndy Lian provided valuable insights into the world of real-world tokenization, stablecoins, and carbon credit tokenization. As the blockchain and crypto space continues to evolve, these discussions play a crucial role in shaping the future of the industry. As Lian aptly put it, the key is to read, learn, and explore for oneself, rather than relying solely on influencers or hype.

World Tokenization Summit was held on 21st of November 2023 at Melia Desert Palm, Al Awir Road, Warsan 2, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Fast forward to the year 2030, and we find ourselves in a world dramatically altered over the past decade, especially in finance. What was once a niche and speculative asset class, cryptocurrencies have now transitioned into the mainstream, embraced by millions across the globe. What factors have propelled this astonishing growth and widespread adoption of crypto, and what challenges and opportunities lie ahead for the crypto industry and its users?

The Swift Expansion of Cryptocurrencies

At the core of the crypto revolution is the innovation and evolution of blockchain technology. Blockchain, a distributed ledger system, records transactions in a secure, transparent, and immutable manner. It facilitates peer-to-peer transactions without intermediaries, reducing costs, minimizing friction, and enhancing efficiency and trust.

Blockchain's transformative power has paved the way for the emergence of various crypto assets, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, stablecoins, utility tokens, security tokens, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and more. These digital assets serve diverse purposes, ranging from acting as a store of value and medium of exchange to representing real-world assets digitally, offering access to decentralized applications (DApps), and enabling the ownership of digital collectibles.

A study by Grand View Research, Inc. forecasts the global cryptocurrency market to reach USD 11.71 billion by 2030, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.1% from 2021 to 2030. This growth is attributed to the surging demand for crypto assets among both retail and institutional investors, the increasing integration of blockchain technology in various sectors, and the favorable regulatory climate in some countries.

Rising Popularity and Mainstream Acceptance

Another driving force behind crypto adoption is the growing awareness and education among the general public. More individuals are becoming acquainted with the benefits and potential of cryptocurrencies, such as financial inclusion, empowerment, privacy, and sovereignty. The availability and accessibility of various platforms and services, including exchanges, wallets, payment processors, lending platforms, and more, further facilitate this adoption.

A report on Github estimates that the number of crypto users will surpass one billion by 2030, based on a historical growth rate of 63.2% per year. The report identifies key drivers of crypto adoption, including the expansion of Bitcoin and Ethereum, the advent of DeFi and NFTs, the introduction of institutional products and services, and endorsements from celebrities and influencers.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite the remarkable progress and potential of crypto, several challenges and uncertainties demand attention:

- Regulation and Compliance
- Security and Scalability
- Education and Adoption

On the flip side, numerous opportunities await exploration within the crypto space:

- Innovation and Development
- Inclusion and Empowerment
- Transformation and Disruption

Conclusion

Crypto transcends being merely a technology, currency, or asset—it represents a movement, a culture, and a vision. It is a movement that strives to build a more open, fair, and democratic world. It is a culture that values innovation, collaboration, and diversity. It is a vision that foresees a future where everyone can participate, contribute, and reap the benefits of the digital economy.

Looking ahead to 2030, we can anticipate the continued growth, evolution, and maturation of crypto, with new challenges and opportunities on the horizon. Crypto's impact extends beyond being the future of money; it encompasses the future of the web and, indeed, the future of the world.

The BCH Meet up was held in South Korea on 28 October 2023. The closing speech is made by Anndy Lian.

The full write-up will be found at https://anndy.com.