Digital Bytes by Team Blockchain Radio; Powered By Cyber.FM

Cryptohedge funds promise high volatility, deep liquidity and strong risk-adjusted returns, yet most struggle to scale. With 80% managing under $50M in assets under management, limited fees make profitability challenging, especially after operational costs. Institutional investors hesitate due to a lack of in-house blockchain expertise, fund size constraints and weak risk management infrastructure. Whilst the market offers inefficiencies ripe for skilled traders, true institutional adoption requires consolidation, better investor education and operational maturity. The billion-dollar opportunity exists, but only for those who can bridge the gap between crypto’s potential and institutional demands.

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Dive into a fascinating conversation with Paul Ridley, CEO of Old Street Digital, as he unveils the challenges and opportunities at the intersection of traditional finance and cryptocurrency. Discover why institutional investors hesitate to enter the crypto space and how the knowledge gap remains a significant barrier to widespread adoption.

Key highlights:

- The struggle of small crypto funds operating below $50M

- How blockchain technology is reshaping investment landscapes

- The critical role of education in building investor confidence

- Real-time data innovations enhancing market transparency

- Strategies for fund managers to improve communication and marketing

Paul shares valuable insights on bridging the gap between sophisticated investment strategies and effective investor communication, drawing from his journey from traditional fund management to blockchain innovation. Old Street Digital's approach to providing operational support and capital demonstrates a practical solution to help promising managers scale in this evolving market.

Ready to understand the future of institutional crypto investment? Listen to this episode for an insider's perspective on navigating the challenges and opportunities in this dynamic space.

00:00:00 - Background on Old Street Digital

00:02:27 - Challenges for Crypto Investors and Managers

00:05:46 - Challenges for New Fund Managers

00:07:10 - Bitcoin's Dominance in Crypto Market

00:09:58 - Challenges in Crypto Fund Management

00:12:15 - Supporting Crypto Fund Managers' Growth

00:15:16 - Challenges for Small Fund Managers

00:17:49 - Exploring Investment Opportunities

Discover how stablecoins could revolutionize the $2.5 trillion payment market in this fascinating conversation between Johnny Fry and Tony McLaughlin. Drawing from his extensive banking experience, Tony shares insights on why stablecoins might become the next mainstream payment method, potentially growing to a remarkable $5 trillion market.

The episode explores:

- Why stablecoins need to be classified as cash equivalents

- The comparison between stablecoin distribution and traditional banking systems

- How hosted wallets could facilitate stablecoin integration

- The potential for multiple issuers, from banks to corporations

- Parallels with historical payment methods like traveler's checks

A key takeaway is the vision of a diverse ecosystem where various stablecoin issuers coexist, creating a mutualized acceptance network that benefits both the U.S. economy and international relations.

Ready to understand how stablecoins could reshape the future of global payments? Tune in to this thought-provoking episode of Digital Bytes for an expert perspective on the evolution of digital money.

00:00:00 - The Future of Digital Money

00:01:18 - Impact of Stablecoins on Corporate Treasury

00:05:16 - Challenges of Stablecoin Adoption

00:08:00 - Future of Stablecoins and Interoperability

00:10:26 - Understanding Stablecoin Market Dynamics

00:13:00 - Distribution Models in Payment Systems

00:15:31 - Future of Stablecoins and Market Dynamics

00:17:57 - Benefits of a Pluralistic Stablecoin Market

00:20:37 - Traveler's Checks and Stablecoins

00:22:43 - Future of Stablecoins and Trust

00:26:22 - Types of Issuers for Stablecoins

00:28:26 - Programmable Payments and Supply Chains

Agentic AI and large language models are converging with programmable payments to revolutionise finance whereby enabling intelligent wallets that automate decisions and real-time transactions. As legacy systems lag, countries such as the UK have a chance to lead by building secure, AI-powered financial infrastructure.

Discover how the blend of AI and APIs could revolutionize financial systems, as Dan Feaheny shares groundbreaking insights into programmable reasoning and real-time data in the fintech world. Using π as a metaphor for the continuous evolution of financial technology, Dan explains how agentic AI could transform payment processes and cash flow management.

The episode tackles crucial challenges facing traditional banks like Standard Chartered and HSBC, particularly their struggle to support small businesses effectively. Learn why the current SWIFT system is becoming obsolete and how a real-time identity wallet could streamline international transactions.

Key highlights:

- The role of programmable reasoning in finance

- How agentic AI could automate payment workflows

- The critical need for digital identity in financial systems

- Potential solutions for cross-border payment inefficiencies

- Impact of AI on workforce evolution and economic growth

Don't miss this fascinating exploration of how emerging technologies could reshape the future of finance and potentially save trillions in cross-border transactions. Listen now to understand the transformative power of AI in the financial sector.

00:00:00 - Introduction to Programmable Payments

00:01:08 - Moving to Dublin and Fintech Insights

00:02:25 - Banking and Technology Inflection Point

00:03:44 - Challenges in Cash Flow Management

00:05:06 - Impact of Agentic AI on Payments

00:07:20 - Challenges in Supply Chains and Trade Finance

00:09:22 - Challenges in Digital Payment Systems

00:12:20 - CBDCs vs Stablecoins: The Future of Value

00:14:04 - Agentic AI and Cost Effectiveness

00:15:36 - Job Creation and AI Controversies

00:16:24 - Impact of AI on Job Market

Dive into a fascinating discussion with Breige Tinnelly from Archax, the UK's first FCA-regulated digital asset broker, exchange, and custodian. Discover how they're revolutionizing financial markets by creating the world's first global digital central securities depository.

## Key Highlights:

- Archax's groundbreaking role in bridging traditional finance and crypto

- Development of a digital market infrastructure for asset issuance and settlement

- Global expansion initiatives including recent moves in Spain and US

- Challenges in digitizing securities and enabling digital payments

- Progress in tokenized treasuries and digital assets as collateral

The conversation explores how regulated custodians are enabling multi-asset, multi-chain capabilities, while highlighting the evolving regulatory landscape for stablecoins and digital assets. Learn about the UK's potential digital gilt issuance and its implications for financial innovation.

🎧 Ready to understand the future of digital finance? Listen to this episode for an insider's perspective on how traditional finance is being transformed through blockchain technology.
Chapters:
00:00:00 - Stablecoins and the Future of R-Tracks

00:00:42 - Bridging Traditional and Digital Finance

00:03:35 - The Importance of a Digital Central Securities Depository

00:05:45 - Tokenization Ahead of Digital Payments

00:08:15 - The Evolving Landscape of Digital Payments

00:10:17 - Regulatory Uncertainty Hinders UK Digital Currency Adoption

00:12:56 - Exploring Digital Finance Infrastructure in the UK

00:14:42 - Tokenized Money Market Funds: A New Frontier

00:17:38 - Adoption of Treasury and Digital Gilt in the UK

Stablecoins are emerging as a bridge between traditional finance and decentralised finance (with a market cap exceeding $220 billion) and are expected to double in 2025. They are increasingly used for payments, remittances and liquidity management, but regulatory uncertainty remains a key hurdle. As major financial institutions adopt tokenised assets, the battle between stablecoins, CBDCs and deposit tokens will shape the future of digital money. So, will stablecoins become a dominant force in global finance, or will central banks and regulators rein them in?

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Dive into a fascinating exploration of China's shifting cryptocurrency landscape as former Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission experts Angela Wong and Clara Chu share insider perspectives. The episode reveals how China's stance on crypto has evolved from a complete ban in 2021 to a more nuanced approach, with recent court commentary suggesting recognition of digital assets as property.

A key insight emerges: Hong Kong may serve as China's experimental "sandbox" for cryptocurrency innovation, potentially pioneering the digitization of real assets before expansion into mainland China. The discussion highlights Hong Kong's ambitious journey toward becoming Asia's regulated crypto hub, with comprehensive frameworks being developed for exchanges, fund managers, and advisors.

The conversation also explores the intriguing contrast between China's restrictive cryptocurrency policies and its enthusiastic embrace of blockchain technology, exemplified by successful platforms like Alipay and WeChat. This dichotomy offers valuable lessons for both Eastern and Western approaches to digital finance.

🎧 Tune in to understand how these regulatory shifts could reshape the future of digital assets in Asia and beyond!

CHAPTERS:
00:00:00 - Insights from Hong Kong's Crypto Regulatory Pioneers

00:01:55 - Navigating Regulatory Landscapes for Fintech and Crypto Businesses

00:03:45 - China's Shifting Stance on Cryptocurrency Regulation

00:07:12 - Hong Kong as Asia's Crypto Hub

00:10:00 - Tokenization of Financial Instruments in Hong Kong

00:13:11 - Blockchain Adoption in China: Opportunities and Perspectives

00:15:08 - Navigating Nationalization and Trade Challenges

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