MezFi Meets

MezFi

MezFi Meets is a podcast series where Jerome, the CEO of MezFi meets with interesting and prominent figures in the Crypto, Blockchain and Financial Services worlds to discuss what they're doing and what's happening in our industry.

  1. 10/06/2024

    MezFi Minis Episode #1 - Headlines in Blockchain, AI, Financial Services, Property and Tech.

    MezFi, crypto, blockchain, financial services, Australia, CBDC, Commonwealth Bank, regulation, events This week we're launching a new content series called MezFi Minis.In MezFi Minis, we go through the news headlines from the last week (according to the MezFi Morning Brief on Fridays) and discuss current topics in Australian and Pacific Blockchain, AI, Financial Services, Property and Tech. Last week's headlines taken from the brief were: ASIC Says All Crypto Start-Ups Must Have Financial Services License Commonwealth Bank of Australia Interested in Crypto, but “Long Way to Go” in Australia RBA Shifts Focus, Drops Retail CBDC, Prioritises Wholesale in New Roadmap AFSL regulation for all crypto businesses is a potential double-edged sword, one where innovation and regulation need to be extremely carefully balanced. Go the wrong way and it could be rack and ruin for the Australian Crypto Scene. I'm broadly in favour of the consumer protections that this kind of licencing will afford retail users, for all of the potential pitfalls that ensue. Links from today's episode: MezFi Meets Episode #11 - John Bassilios - https://youtu.be/v8UuXlbE2iM MezFi on X - https://www.X.com/_mezfi/ MezFi on Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/mezfi/ To find out more about MezFi go to: https://www.mezfi.com Chapter Summary 00:00 Introduction to MezFi Minis and Headlines Overview 02:45 Insights from the AFR Crypto Summit 05:29 Commonwealth Bank's Crypto Initiatives 08:43 RBA's Shift in CBDC Focus 11:23 Upcoming Events and Future Plans

  2. 09/08/2024

    MezFi Meets Episode #19 - John O'Loghlen (Coinbase)

    In Episode #19, MezFi Meets John O'Loghlen, Managing Director of Coinbase Asia and Pacific. John discusses his career move from Chinese behemoths Ant Group and Alibaba to Crypto powerhouse Coinbase, exploring the differences in culture and approach between these Eastern and Western tech and fintech giants. John and Jerome discuss the potential for crypto in the APAC region, particularly in Australia, and the advantages and challenges of operating in different markets. They also touch on the post-FTX era and the importance of trust in the crypto industry. John shares insights on the adoption of crypto in Australia, including the target demographics and opportunities for growth. They also discuss the role of stablecoins, specifically Coinbase's USDC, and the plans for its future development. The conversation covers various topics related to stablecoins, the role of Coinbase in the decentralisation of the internet, and the barriers to mainstream crypto adoption. Key takeaways include the opportunities in stablecoin adoption in different regions, the need for a rebranding of crypto, the importance of faster regulation, the potential of blockchain technology in various sectors, and the importance of learning by doing for those interested in entering the crypto space. If you'd like to find out more about John O'Loghlen and Coinbase: https://www.coinbase.com/en-au Follow Coinbase on Linkedin Follow Coinbase on X Follow John on LinkedIn Follow John on X Find out more about MezFi Chapter Summary 00:00 Introduction and Background 07:34 The Potential of Crypto in the APAC Region 12:21 Targeting Different Demographics in Australia 13:58 Building Trust in the Crypto Space 17:15 Navigating the Post-FTX Era 21:34 The Future of USDC and Stablecoins 24:31 The Impact of Cryptocurrency on Traditional Finance and Non-Traditional Banking 26:43 Coinbase's Role in the Decentralization of the Internet 31:29 The Potential of Blockchain Technology to Revolutionize Industries 37:24 Challenges and Barriers to Mainstream Crypto Adoption 44:22 Tips for Transitioning into the Crypto Space

  3. 09/08/2024

    MezFi Meets Episode #20 - Simone Leonelli

    Design, AI, Ethics, Metaverse, Art, Crypto, Podcasts, Video Podcasts, Mezzanine Finance, Finance, Financial Services, Investments, Blockchain. For Episode #20, MezFi Meets Simone Leonelli, an expert in Metaverse, the founder of Studio W230, and a successful industrial designer, having worked with Porsche, Fendi and LVMH. Simone and Jerome discuss his journey into web3 and metaverse design, charting his course through Covid, a time during which Simone says that Metaverse saved his life. During a broad-ranging discussion on technology, ethics in AI and practical applications of Metaverse, Simone and Jerome touch on ways novices in the space can get started, as well how businesses can tap into the potential of Metaverse to create captivating experiences for their customers. If you enjoyed today's discussion, please follow the links below to take a step into the Metaverse World that won Simone a prize in the 2021 Monaverse hackathon, discover his award winning design that won him a recent Hennessy web3 LVMH compition, and enjoy the art from his collaborative NFT collection AGO Art, designed to bring attention to mental health issues which are unfortunately increasingly prominent in our world today. AGO Art - https://quixotic-decade-e6a.notion.site/AGO-ART-6796f4c175994f69a6d97ce20172557f?pvs=25 Hennessy web3 LVMH - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/simoleonelli_h3nsy-avatar-designinnovation-activity-7133624924887252992-whsq MONAverse Finalist Prize - https://monaverse.com/collections/1/0x2249b5a319af5dfae7fcc8004a99e59dba285c21/41 More of Simone's Metaverse Works - https://www.w230.net/metaverse Studio W230 - https://www.w230.net Follow Simone on Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/simoleonelli/ To find out more about MezFi go to: https://www.mezfi.com 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:46 NFTs and Art in the Metaverse 08:24 The Evolution of the Metaverse 11:20 Limitations in Technology for the Metaverse 13:50 Advancements in Hardware for the Metaverse 19:44 Education and Accessibility in the Metaverse 25:18 The Future of the Metaverse 30:27 Apple's Development and Technological Advancements 42:01 The Ethical Implications of AI 51:51 Opportunities in the Metaverse

  4. 09/01/2024

    MezFi Meets Episode #18 - Yuvraj Singh (DigitalX)

    All views expressed in today's episode by Yuvraj Singh are his own and not representative of DigitalX Limited. In Episode #18, MezFi Meets Yuvraj Singh, product owner of DigitalX Limited's Tokenised fund. Jerome and Yuvraj discuss his journey into the crypto space and his role at DigitalX. They discuss tokenisation, including what's next for the space, the as well as the tokenised fund, its properties and dual model structure. They also discuss the potential impact of regulations on DigitalX's business model and the company's plans to expand into other jurisdictions. The conversation concludes with a mention of the recently approved Bitcoin ETF, DigitalX's plans for future tokenisation projects and Yuvraj gives his advice to university students looking to get into a role in the crypto space. To find out more about DigitalX and to follow Yuvraj Singh and DigitalX Limited, go to: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yuvrajsingh1/ https://www.linkein.com/company/digitalx/ https://www.x.com/yuvisinghie/ https://www.digitalx.com To find out more about MezFi go to: https://www.mezfi.com 00:00 Intro to Today's Episode 00:36 Journey into the Crypto Space and Landing at DigitalX 04:54 The Development and Focus of the Tokenised Fund 06:46 Trends in Tokenisation and Institutional Interest 13:15 The Impact of Regulation on DigitalX's Business Model 14:36 Expansion into Other Jurisdictions 18:43 The DigitalX Bitcoin ETF and its Structure 19:31 Exploring Tokenisation of Other Assets 20:17 Tokenisation: Unlocking the Potential 21:04 The DMV in California: Tokenising Everything 22:23 Tokenisation and Real Estate 24:23 The Future of Tokenisation 27:55 Understanding Tokenisation 30:06 The Need for Secondary Markets 36:02 Distributions and Capital Appreciation 38:51 Tips for Transitioning into the Crypto Space

  5. 08/18/2024

    MezFi Meets Episode #17 - Ross Phillipson (A&O Shearman)

    In Episode #17, MezFi Meets Ross Phillipson, a partner from A&O Shearman who specialises in digital operational risk and law. Today's discussion centres around digital privacy, digital identity, cyber security, blockchain technology and regulation. Ross and Jerome discuss a couple of high profile digital identity failings, the current state of regulation in Australia and internationally in the digital security space, as well as the role blockchain can potentially play in securing digital identity. Ross also has great insights for business owners looking to decrease their digital operational risks, identifying the points where they should focus most in order to operate more securely. To find out more about Ross Phillipson's work as well as A&O Shearman, and to follow him go to: https://www.aoshearman.com/en/people/ross-phillipson https://www.linkedin.com/in/ross-phillipson-norton-rose-fulbright-risk-advisory-digital-cybersecurity-privacy-australia/ To find out more about MezFi, go to: https://www.mezfi.com/ 00:00 Career Journey and Interest in Cryptocurrency 03:38 Improving Legal and Regulatory Frameworks 06:39 The Continuous Improvement Cycle 12:06 The Role of Blockchain in Data Protection 16:05 Challenges and Opportunities in Tokenising Identity 20:06 The Importance of Trust in the Digital Ecosystem 22:11 Valuing Bitcoin and the Potential of Decentralised Autonomous Organisations 28:11 Facilitating Trust through Good Regulation 31:23 The Importance of Cyber Risk Awareness for Business Leaders 40:47 Securing the Onboarding and Off-boarding Stages of Blockchain Applications

  6. 08/11/2024

    MezFi Meets Episode #15 - Alyse Sue (Transhuman Coin)

    In Episode #16, MezFi Meets Alyse Sue, former director of Metaverse at KPMG and co-founder of Transhuman Coin and Transhumanism Australia. Alyse and Jerome discuss topics such as transhumanism, blockchain, and the development of artificial general intelligence (AGI).  Alyse explains how Transhumanism Australia started as a small meetup group and grew into a global community of over 20,000 people. She also touches on the concept of effective accelerationism and the potential risks and benefits of AGI.  Transhuman Coin supports projects in the field of transhumanism, including brain-computer interfaces, autonomous electric wheelchairs, and peer-reviewed research. They aim to support underdog projects that may not receive traditional funding.  Alyse also appeared on the TV show Killer Whales to pitch Transhuman Coin and highlight her work, she talks about her experience on the show.  To find out more about Alyse and Transhuman Coin/Transhumanism Australia: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alysesue https://www.linkedin.com/company/transhuman-coin/ https://www.transhumancoin.finance https://transhuman.com.au To find out more about MezFi got to: https://www.mezfi.com 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:30 Exploring Transhumanism Australia and Transhuman Coin 12:15 Effective Accelerationism (EAC) 14:52 The Risks and Benefits of Artificial General Intelligence 20:48 Using Technology for the Betterment of Humanity 26:05 Projects Supported by Transhuman Coin 31:07 Supporting Innovative Projects 37:25 Killer Whales TV Show 45:21 Techno Optimism 48:54 Three Tips for Using Blockchain to make a difference.

About

MezFi Meets is a podcast series where Jerome, the CEO of MezFi meets with interesting and prominent figures in the Crypto, Blockchain and Financial Services worlds to discuss what they're doing and what's happening in our industry.