Crypto for Advisers

Andrew McPhee

Designed for Australian accountants, financial planners and advisers who want to educate themselves about crypto. Learn what you need to know to decide whether investing in crypto is right for you or your clients, and the best way to invest. Synergist brings an independent voice to the market, interviewing experts who bring insight from investing, legal, compliance, market and industry perspectives. If you want to be interviewed or have a recommendation, please contact andrew@synergist.com.au

  1. Mar 16

    Episode 20: Jason Entwistle | Empowering Advisors in a Changing Landscape

    Join Swyftx today: https://trade.swyftx.com/register/?ref=TTSZ1X9SS5PM0360 Summary This conversation delves into the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency and financial advice, focusing on the transition from speculation to utility. It highlights the growth of Hub24 and the challenges faced by financial advisors in Australia, including regulatory constraints and the need for technological investment. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding the audience and the value of financial advice beyond mere product recommendations, while also addressing the future of crypto and its regulatory implications. This conversation delves into the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency advisory, highlighting the regulatory changes that will enable advisors to engage with clients about crypto investments. It discusses the significant gap between client demand for crypto advice and the hesitance of many advisors to provide it. The role of platforms as gatekeepers in assessing crypto investments is emphasized, along with the emergence of stablecoins as a practical use case. The discussion also touches on the institutionalization of crypto and the balance between sovereignty and institutional control, ultimately exploring the future of financial advice in a crypto-centric world. The conversation explores the evolving landscape of investment, focusing on the importance of sovereignty and custody in financial assets, the rise of ETFs, and the impact of technology, particularly AI, on financial advisory services. It emphasizes the need for education and understanding in the wealth management industry as digital assets become more integrated into traditional financial frameworks. Takeaways - The conversation explores the shift in crypto from speculation to utility. - Understanding the audience is crucial for effective communication. - Hub24 is experiencing significant growth and aims to empower advisors. - There is a supply gap in the financial advisory sector in Australia. - The value of advice extends beyond just product recommendations. - Regulatory settings are limiting the types of advice that can be offered. - The industry has been trained to under-invest in technology. - Advisors are seeing fewer clients due to regulatory compliance burdens. - The future of financial advice may involve more digital solutions. - Regulatory changes are expected to impact the cryptocurrency landscape. - Regulatory changes will allow advisors to discuss crypto more openly. - There is a significant gap between client demand for crypto advice and what advisors provide. - Platforms act as gatekeepers, assessing the appropriateness of crypto investments. - The technology behind crypto is evolving and has potential beyond speculation. - Stablecoins are emerging as a practical use case for crypto in global payments. - Consumer demand for crypto is high, but many advisors are hesitant to engage. - The institutionalization of crypto is changing its landscape and acceptance. - Advisors need to build guardrails to protect clients from misinformation. - The future of crypto may involve more direct investment options for clients. - The balance between sovereignty and institutional control is a key discussion in crypto. Sovereignty over assets is crucial for investors. Keywords crypto, financial advice, Hub24, digital assets, regulatory challenges, financial planning, technology in finance, investment strategies, advisor productivity, Australian financial market, crypto, advisory, regulation, investment, technology, consumer demand, institutionalization, utility, financial advice, market trends, Sovereignty, Custody, ETFs, Market Dynamics, Latent Demand, Regulatory Environment, AI, Financial Advice, Change Management, Digital Assets

    50 min
  2. Mar 12

    Episode 19: Clayton Daniel | Navigating the Crypto Landscape for Financial Advisors

    Summary In this conversation, Andrew McPhee and Clayton Daniel discuss the intersection of financial planning and cryptocurrency, exploring the evolution of Bitcoin, the challenges of adoption, and the role of financial planners in navigating this new landscape. They delve into the regulatory environment, the impact of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), and the future of crypto in financial portfolios, emphasizing the need for education and adaptation within the financial advisory community. Takeaways - Building a community in financial planning is essential for growth. - Bitcoin's evolution has been complex and multifaceted. - The challenges in cryptocurrency adoption are significant and require attention. - Understanding Bitcoin's value proposition is crucial for financial advisors. - Financial planners must adapt to the changing landscape of crypto assets. - The future of crypto in financial portfolios looks promising as adoption increases. - Regulatory changes will significantly shape the financial advice landscape. - CBDCs could revolutionize how financial systems operate. - The path forward for financial advisors includes embracing new technologies and assets. - Future directions in crypto are exciting and full of potential. Sound bites "Bitcoin's evolution is a complex journey." "The path forward for advisors is evolving." "Future directions in crypto are exciting." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Ensemble and Clayton Daniel 03:10 The Evolution of Bitcoin and Community Building 06:02 The Financial Planning Industry's Relationship with Bitcoin 08:32 Bitcoin's Value Proposition and Market Dynamics 11:15 The Dichotomy of Cryptocurrency Adoption 14:00 Bitcoin as a Store of Value vs. Traditional Assets 16:54 The Future of Bitcoin in Financial Planning 19:48 Challenges in Articulating Bitcoin's Value 22:16 Conclusion and Future Perspectives 23:40 The Case for Cryptocurrency in Financial Planning 27:17 Navigating Regulatory Challenges in Crypto Investments 29:29 Education and Pathways for Financial Advisors 32:46 The Financialization of Cryptocurrencies 36:04 Regulatory Developments and Their Implications 39:00 Central Bank Digital Currencies: A Double-Edged Sword 42:51 Future of Crypto Education in Financial Services Keywords Crypto, Bitcoin, Financial Planning, Digital Assets, Ensemble, Clayton Daniel, Cryptocurrency Adoption, Financial Advisors, Regulatory Landscape, CBDC

    47 min
  3. Episode 18: Gabriel Carey | Helping Advisers Access Digital Assets

    10/13/2025

    Episode 18: Gabriel Carey | Helping Advisers Access Digital Assets

    In this episode of "Crypto for Advisors," host Andrew McPhee sits down with Gabriel Carey from Cadre Capital to explore the evolving landscape of digital asset investments in Australia. Gabriel shares his journey from traditional funds management to embracing digital assets, highlighting the challenges and opportunities in making these investments accessible to retail investors. Discover how Gabriel navigates the complexities of portfolio construction, risk management, and the growing adoption of digital assets, offering valuable insights for advisors looking to enhance their clients' portfolios. Tune in to learn how digital assets can provide diversification and improved returns while managing risk effectively.Takeaways- Digital assets offer diversification benefits similar to early internet adoption.- Gabriel Carey emphasizes the importance of professional management in digital asset investments.- Bitcoin has been the best performing asset in 11 of the last 14 years.- The biggest issue with digital assets is managing business risk.- Merkle Tree Capital provides safe exposure to digital assets for retail investors.- Digital assets are outpacing internet adoption in growth trajectory.- Advisors should consider a small allocation to digital assets for improved returns.- The advised industry in Australia is not mature enough in digital asset adoption.- Education is crucial for advisors to understand and integrate digital assets.- Stablecoins are solving real-world problems and increasing in adoption.Chapters- 00:00 Introduction to Digital Assets- 03:00 Gabriel's Journey to Digital Assets- 09:00 Portfolio Construction and Risk Management- 15:00 Adoption and Growth of Digital Assets- 21:00 Challenges in the Advised Industry- 27:00 Future of Digital Assets and EducationKeywordsCrypto, Digital Assets, Investment, Portfolio Management, Risk Management, Retail Investors, Cadre Capital, Australia, Bitcoin, Diversification

    36 min
  4. Episode 17: Ryan McMillin | Taking an Tradtional approach to Crypto Investing

    10/13/2025

    Episode 17: Ryan McMillin | Taking an Tradtional approach to Crypto Investing

    In this conversation, Andrew McPhee and Ryan McMillan discuss the intersection of traditional finance and cryptocurrency, exploring how traditional investment principles can be applied to digital assets. They delve into portfolio construction, the role of volatility, and the importance of Bitcoin as a hedge against inflation. The discussion also covers the impact of institutional investors on the crypto market, the investment philosophy of Merkle Tree Capital, and the regulatory landscape affecting the industry. Finally, they provide insights for financial advisors on how to approach cryptocurrency investments with their clients.Takeaways- Ryan McMillan applies traditional investment principles to digital assets.- Volatility in crypto can be a positive driver for returns.- A small allocation to crypto can enhance risk-adjusted returns.- Bitcoin is increasingly viewed as a hedge against inflation.- Institutional investors are playing a significant role in the crypto market.- Education is crucial for financial advisors regarding crypto.- The regulatory landscape is evolving to support crypto adoption.- Merkle Tree Capital focuses on conservative investment strategies.- Yield generation is possible even with assets in cold storage.- Market dynamics are shifting with the potential for an alt season.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Crypto for Advisors03:02 Transitioning from Traditional Finance to Crypto05:15 Portfolio Construction in a New Asset Class09:08 Understanding Volatility in Bitcoin11:12 Bitcoin as a Hedge Against Inflation14:13 The Role of Institutional Investors17:19 Merkle Tree Capital's Investment Philosophy22:01 Market Dynamics and Portfolio Adjustments26:47 The Future of Altcoins and Market Sentiment29:53 Regulatory Clarity and Its Impact on Crypto35:07 Advice for Financial Advisors37:06 Conclusion and Future Outlook38:30 riverside_c4a_outro_270225.mp4Keywordscryptocurrency, digital assets, portfolio construction, Bitcoin, inflation hedge, volatility, institutional investors, Merkle Tree Capital, financial advisors, market dynamics

    39 min
  5. Episode 16: Toby Potter | Investing in digital assets, Stablecoins, Blockchain innovations

    10/13/2025

    Episode 16: Toby Potter | Investing in digital assets, Stablecoins, Blockchain innovations

    In this conversation, Andrew McPhee and Toby Potter discuss the evolving landscape of digital assets, focusing on the challenges and opportunities for financial advisors. They explore the current sentiment towards cryptocurrencies, the role of stable coins, and the potential impact of blockchain technology on the managed account industry. The discussion highlights the need for advisors to understand these new asset classes and the importance of aligning them with client goals.Takeaways- Advisors are cautious about integrating crypto into portfolios.- Stable coins are gaining traction as a payment method.- The lack of historical data makes crypto a challenging asset class.- Clients are increasingly interested in digital assets.- Blockchain technology has the potential to revolutionize finance.- Regulatory clarity is essential for the growth of crypto products.- Understanding tokenomics is crucial for evaluating investments.- The market is evolving with institutional adoption of Bitcoin.- Digital assets are seen as speculative investments by many advisors.- The managed account industry must adapt to include digital assets.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Digital Assets and Advisors' Sentiment03:16 Challenges in Incorporating Crypto into Portfolios05:19 The Complexity of Crypto as an Asset Class07:33 Understanding the Value of Digital Assets09:48 The Misconceptions Around Cryptocurrency12:20 Constructing a Portfolio with Digital Assets15:12 The Future of Stable Coins17:55 The Role of Blockchain in Financial Services20:29 The Evolution of Digital Assets and Regulation23:00 The Impact of Distributed Ledger Technology25:17 Conclusion and Future Outlook32:34 riverside_c4a_outro_270225.mp4Keywordscrypto, digital assets, stable coins, blockchain, financial advice, investment strategies, managed accounts, portfolio management, asset class, financial technology

    33 min
  6. Episode 15: Prof Chris Berg | Crypto, Freedom and the Future

    10/13/2025

    Episode 15: Prof Chris Berg | Crypto, Freedom and the Future

    In this conversation, Andrew McPhee speaks with Professor Chris Berg about the significance of blockchain technology and cryptocurrency in the financial sector. They discuss the role of financial advisors in guiding clients through the complexities of cryptocurrency, the importance of education in understanding these technologies, and the regulatory challenges faced by the financial advice industry. The conversation also touches on the contrasting approaches to regulation in AI and cryptocurrency, the future of cryptocurrency regulation in Australia, and the potential for mainstream banks to adopt cryptocurrency services. Ultimately, they explore the balance between freedom and regulation in the evolving landscape of financial technology.Takeaways- Blockchain is a critical part of the future of finance.- Financial advisors need to understand cryptocurrency complexities.- Education is essential for navigating cryptocurrency investments.- Regulatory burdens are hindering financial advice accessibility.- The best interest test for advisors needs to be relaxed.- AI can enhance the quality of financial advice.- Many investors rely on social media for financial guidance.- Australia's regulatory approach to cryptocurrency is lagging behind other countries.- Regulatory clarity will encourage banks to offer crypto services.- Blockchain technology has the potential to democratize financial services. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Blockchain and Its Importance01:20 The Role of Blockchain in Financial Advisory04:28 Consumer Choices and Trust in Financial Institutions06:41 Education and Understanding Blockchain Technology09:45 Regulatory Challenges in Financial Advice11:30 Proposed Changes to Financial Regulations18:40 Comparing Global Regulatory Approaches to Crypto and AI22:09 The Crypto Landscape: Opportunities and Challenges23:46 Regulatory Clarity: The Path Forward for Crypto26:57 The Role of Government in Crypto Regulation29:25 Perceptions of Crypto: Scams vs. Opportunities33:33 Freedom and Financial Surveillance in the Crypto Era37:54 Navigating Financial Advice in a Crypto WorldKeywordsblockchain, cryptocurrency, financial advisors, regulation, education, digital rights, financial technology, AI, public policy, investment

    45 min
  7. Episode 14: Lee Eaton | Stablecoins, Institutions racing to market, Regulatory Clarity

    08/11/2025

    Episode 14: Lee Eaton | Stablecoins, Institutions racing to market, Regulatory Clarity

    In this episode, Andrew McPhee speaks with Lee Eaton from Independent Reserve about the evolution of the crypto market, particularly focusing on stablecoins and their adoption by institutional players. They discuss the transformative impact of blockchain technology on financial services, the regulatory landscape, and the importance of education for financial advisors in navigating this rapidly changing environment. The conversation highlights the need for clear regulations and the potential for crypto to reshape traditional banking and investment practices. Takeaways The crypto market has evolved significantly over the past five years.Stablecoins have become a major player in the global payment system.Institutional adoption of crypto is accelerating, with banks developing their own stablecoins.Blockchain technology is revolutionizing financial services beyond just crypto trading.Regulatory clarity is essential for the growth of the crypto industry.Education is crucial for financial advisors to engage with crypto responsibly.The demand for US dollars and stablecoins is growing globally.Advisors need secure environments to manage client crypto investments.The integration of crypto into traditional banking is inevitable.The rapid pace of change in the crypto space mirrors the early days of the internet. Keywords crypto, blockchain, stablecoins, financial services, institutional adoption, regulation, education, financial advisors, market evolution, digital assets Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Crypto Landscape 03:21 Evolution of Stablecoins and Institutional Adoption 06:03 The Role of Blockchain Technology in Financial Services 09:04 The Impact of Regulatory Changes on Crypto Adoption 11:46 The Future of Banking and Crypto Integration 14:52 The Importance of Education in the Crypto Space 17:27 Bridging the Gap for Financial Advisors 20:20 Conclusion and Future Outlook 48:12 riverside_c4a_outro_270225.mp4

    49 min
  8. Episode 13: Amy-Rose Goodey | DECA and Bridging the Crypto Gap

    08/11/2025

    Episode 13: Amy-Rose Goodey | DECA and Bridging the Crypto Gap

    In this episode of the Crypto for Advisors podcast, Andrew McPhee speaks with Amy-Rose Goodey, CEO of DECA, about the evolution of the digital economy in Australia, the growing appetite for crypto and blockchain, and the importance of regulation and education in the industry. They discuss the shift towards real-world assets and tokenization, the collaborative nature of the crypto community, and the political engagement necessary for industry growth. Amy-Rose emphasizes the need for clear regulation to attract international interest and the importance of bridging the knowledge gap for financial advisors and other stakeholders. Takeaways Amy-Rose Goodey has been in the crypto industry since 2016, providing her with a unique perspective.The Digital Economy Council of Australia (DECA) represents a diverse membership base across various verticals.The appetite for crypto and blockchain is growing, with increased attendance at industry events.Real-world assets and tokenization are becoming central topics in the crypto conversation.Education is crucial for bridging the knowledge gap in the industry.Political engagement is improving, with more politicians recognizing the importance of crypto.Regulation clarity is essential for attracting international businesses to Australia.The younger demographic is shifting their investment preferences towards digital assets.Collaboration within the crypto community is vital for industry growth.The future of crypto in Australia looks promising with potential regulatory advancements. Keywords Crypto, Blockchain, Digital Economy, Australia, Regulation, Tokenization, Real World Assets, Industry Growth, Political Engagement, Financial Advisors Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Crypto Landscape 02:30 Evolution of the Crypto Industry 04:46 The Growth of the Digital Economy 07:39 Collaboration in the Crypto Community 08:52 Real World Applications of Crypto 11:54 Education and Understanding in the Industry 14:19 The Role of Regulators and Industry Bodies 18:17 Political Engagement and Industry Representation 20:44 The Future of Crypto in Australia 34:21 riverside_c4a_outro_270225.mp4

    35 min

About

Designed for Australian accountants, financial planners and advisers who want to educate themselves about crypto. Learn what you need to know to decide whether investing in crypto is right for you or your clients, and the best way to invest. Synergist brings an independent voice to the market, interviewing experts who bring insight from investing, legal, compliance, market and industry perspectives. If you want to be interviewed or have a recommendation, please contact andrew@synergist.com.au