Public Key

The world of international payments has been innovating over the last few years and many think it’s because of the increased usage of cryptocurrency and stablecoins. In this episode, Ian Andrews (CMO, Chainalysis) speaks to Arnold Lee (Co-founder & CEO, Sphere Labs), who brings an intriguing backstory, having ventured from IoT to the world of fintech, and illustrates the complex issues surrounding cross-border payments.  He talks about Sphere's journey from its inception following the FTX debacle to its significant impact in regions like the Caribbean, LATAM, and Asia Pacific, using innovative solutions that tackle the major pain points faced by fintechs and crypto payment service providers in the complex banking landscapes. Arnold also introduces Spherenet, a closed-loop ledger facilitating fintech connections and explains a new concept of auction mechanism and how it completely changes how cross-border payments will be done in the future.  Minute-by-minute episode breakdown 2 | Arnold’s unexpected journey from IoT and tinkering on-chain to crypto payments 5 | Solving cross-border payments with blockchain and stablecoins at Sphere 9 | The biggest challenges with cross border payments involving crypto 15 | How to compete in a saturated crypto and innovative payment ecosystem 19 | Introduction of Spherenet and providing crypto payment systems to LATAM, USA and Asia Pacific 22 | Optimizing trust and data sharing in private blockchain networks 26 | Spherenet's auction mechanism and how it complete changes how cross-border payments are made 31 | The path towards onboarding decentralization in 2025 and beyond Related resources Check out more resources provided by Chainalysis that perfectly complement this episode of the Public Key. Website: Spherepay: Send Money Anywhere: From dollars and euros to pesos and beyond Website: Spherenet: A credibly neutral, privacy preserving, and natively compliant shared account ledger Press Release: Sphere Announces Key Leadership Addition: Dan Briere as Head of Operations Podcast: Money Movement Podcast (w/Jeremy Allaire)- Ep 99 | A New Era for Cross-Border Payments | A Conversation with Arnold Lee Blog: Introduction to Cryptocurrency Exchange Compliance Blog: Crypto Money Laundering in Japan: Global Problem, Local Perspectives Reports: The 2024 Geography of Crypto Report (Download now!) Reports: The 2024 Crypto Maturity Journey: How Traditional Finance Can Adopt Cryptocurrency in Stages (Just Released - Download now!) YouTube: Chainalysis YouTube page Twitter: Chainalysis Twitter: Building trust in blockchain Speakers on today’s episode Ian Andrews *Host* (Chief Marketing Officer, Chainalysis)  Arnold Lee (Co-founder & CEO, Sphere Labs) This website may contain links to third-party sites that are not under the control of Chainalysis, Inc. or its affiliates (collectively “Chainalysis”). Access to such information does not imply association with, endorsement of, approval of, or recommendation by Chainalysis of the site or its operators, and Chainalysis is not responsible for the products, services, or other content hosted therein. Our podcasts are for informational purposes only, and are not intended to provide legal, tax, financial, or investment advice. Listeners should consult their own advisors before making these types of decisions. Chainalysis has no responsibility or liability for any decision made or any other acts or omissions in connection with your use of this material. Chainalysis does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, suitability or validity of the information in any particular podcast and will not be responsible for any claim attributable to errors, omissions, or other inaccuracies of any part of such material.  Unless stated otherwise, reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Chainalysis. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Chainalysis employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the views of the company.   

“Lack of faith in local economic policies, it's political instability, it's depreciating currency, it's runaway inflation. So it's all these economic factors that play into a person not willing to hold their local currency and would much rather hold this digital dollar.” - Chris Harmse  Two-thirds (⅔) of every crypto transaction is conducted using stablecoins and there is no doubt the future of digital dollars is happening today. In this episode, Ian Andrews (CMO, Chainalysis) speaks with Chris Harmse, the Co-founder and Chief Business Officer of BVNK, whose company just released an industry leading report, The Decade of Digital Dollars.  Chris shares insights on the rapid developments in cryptocurrency, the stablecoin market, and how BVNK is facilitating smoother transactions across traditional and digital financial systems, while acknowledging the regulatory challenges and the ongoing wars between Layer 1 and Layer 2 blockchains. He discusses the evolution of financial systems in South Africa, LATAM and other emerging markets, where stablecoins meet the demand for accessible cross-border payments and solve for the instability of local currencies.   Minute-by-minute episode breakdown 2 | How Chris got into crypto working at an FX desk in an investment firm  4 | BVNK's Journey from South African crypto pioneers to global innovators 7 | Bridging traditional and blockchain payments with stablecoin solutions integrating with SWIFT 9 | Introduction of PayPal’s stablecoin, PYUSD into the BVNK stablecoin infrastructure 11 | Stablecoin listing process and Solana leading Layer 1 payments race 13 | MiCA regulations and stablecoin opportunities in Europe 16 | Key findings from the BVNK’s Stablecoin Report on the Decade of Digital Dollars 18 | The cost of holding a local fiat currency that is losing value over time  22 | Case Study: Visa's blockchain integration for faster stablecoin settlements 25 | The rise of non-USD stablecoins in global trade and CBDC popularity 28 | The future of payments: Blockchain, stablecoins, and global expansion Related resources Check out more resources provided by Chainalysis that perfectly complement this episode of the Public Key. Website: BVNK: Accelerating global money movement Report: The decade of digital dollars: Unlocking economic efficiency with stablecoins Press Release: We’re partnering with Circle to streamline global business payments Video: Currency LDN 2024: Bridging the compliance gap Customer Story: Calgary Police Service pioneers innovation to keep citizens safe in a digital world Reports: The 2024 Geography of Crypto Report (Download now!) Reports: The 2024 Crypto Maturity Journey: How Traditional Finance Can Adopt Cryptocurrency in Stages (Just Released - Download now!) YouTube: Chainalysis YouTube page Twitter: Chainalysis Twitter: Building trust in blockchain Speakers on today’s episode Ian Andrews *Host* (Chief Marketing Officer, Chainalysis)  Chris Harmse (Co-founder, Chief Business Officer, BVNK)  This website may contain links to third-party sites that are not under the control of Chainalysis, Inc. or its affiliates (collectively “Chainalysis”). Access to such information does not imply association with, endorsement of, approval of, or recommendation by Chainalysis of the site or its operators, and Chainalysis is not responsible for the products, services, or other content hosted therein. Our podcasts are for informational purposes only, and are not intended to provide legal, tax, financial, or investment advice. Listeners should consult their own advisors before making these types of decisions. Chainalysis has no responsibility or liability for any decision made or any other acts or omissions in connection with your use of this material. Chainalysis does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, suitability or validity of the information in any particular podcast and will not be responsible for any claim attributable to errors, omissions, or other inaccuracies of any part of such material.  Unless stated otherwise, reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Chainalysis. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Chainalysis employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the views of the company. 

Traditional financial crime has evolved from robbing banks to now draining crypto wallets and law enforcement is expected to keep up with this lightning quick and cutting edge technology to combat transnational criminals. In this episode, Ian Andrews (CMO, Chainalysis) speaks with Jason Conboy, a Special Agent for the Cyber Investigations Liaison team of Homeland Security Investigations. Jason was on stage to accept a Chainalysis customer award for his team’s collaboration with the RCMP in Canada for their efforts to take down a drug trafficking operation involving crypto and darknet markets, as part of Operation Hackstone. Jason illustrates the critical role HSI plays alongside agencies like the FBI and CIA in tackling crimes that span borders and explains the nuances of fighting modern crimes in a digital era, spotlighting the hurdles and triumphs in using advanced technology to combat cybercriminal activities. He also emphasizes the indispensable nature of public private partnerships as well as multi-agency collaborations in building effective defenses against evolving criminal strategies.  Minute-by-minute episode breakdown 2 | Jason’s experience working in law enforcement battling cyber crime and darknet markets 4 | Exploring the role of Homeland Security Investigations in combating cybercrime and transnational organized crime  7 | Evolving criminal tactics and law enforcement's technological adaptation 9 | Cross-border collaboration in combating transnational crime and protecting USA/Canada border 14 | Challenges for investigators, judges and juries when it comes to crypto based investigations 17 | Recruiting Technologically Skilled Agents for Homeland Security Investigations 20 | Public-Private Partnerships and the role they have in fighting cyber crime and money laundering  23 | Multi-agency initiatives to take down crypto and transnational organized crime 26 | HSI’s expansion of the cybercrime center and portfolios in the network intrusion and darknet market space Related resources Check out more resources provided by Chainalysis that perfectly complement this episode of the Public Key. Website: HSI: We shield our nation from global threats to ensure Americans are safe and secure Website: HSI Cyber Crimes Center (C3): Forensic, intelligence and investigative support services Press Release: Operation Hackstone: Federal RCMP and Homeland Security Investigations disrupt international drug trafficker who was using the dark-web Report: Homeland Security Investigations and ACAMS Alert: Pig Butchering  Newsletter: HSI Cornerstone: Spreading awareness to detect and close vulnerabilities within U.S. financial, trade and transportation sectors  Blog: Announcing Chainalysis’ 2024 U.S. Public Sector Customer Awards Program Reports: The 2024 Crypto Maturity Journey: How Traditional Finance Can Adopt Cryptocurrency in Stages (Just Released - Download now!) Reports: The 2024 Geography of Crypto Report (Download now!) YouTube: Chainalysis YouTube page Twitter: Chainalysis Twitter: Building trust in blockchain Speakers on today’s episode Ian Andrews *Host* (Chief Marketing Officer, Chainalysis)  Jason Conboy (Special Agent - Cyber Investigations Liaison, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)) This website may contain links to third-party sites that are not under the control of Chainalysis, Inc. or its affiliates (collectively “Chainalysis”). Access to such information does not imply association with, endorsement of, approval of, or recommendation by Chainalysis of the site or its operators, and Chainalysis is not responsible for the products, services, or other content hosted therein. Our podcasts are for informational purposes only, and are not intended to provide legal, tax, financial, or investment advice. Listeners should consult their own advisors before making these types of decisions. Chainalysis has no responsibility or liability for any decision made or any other acts or omissions in connection with your use of this material. Chainalysis does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, suitability or validity of the information in any particular podcast and will not be responsible for any claim attributable to errors, omissions, or other inaccuracies of any part of such material.  Unless stated otherwise, reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Chainalysis. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Chainalysis employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the views of the company.  

“We don't look at ourselves as a compliance company or an audit company or accounting company. We look at ourselves as a data company, first. Because you can not  analyze any of the data for back office operations, if you don't have a complete 100 percent view coverage of all your assets” In this episode, Ian Andrews (CMO, Chainalysis) speaks with Tal Zackon (CEO & Co-founder, TRES Finance) about the complexities of treasury, accounting and back office operations in crypto. Tal shares how TRES Finance is revolutionizing data handling for digital assets by providing 100% coverage across multiple blockchains and their exploration into providing the same services for traditional assets like derivatives and bonds. He also talks about their cutting-edge Proof of Funds feature and the strategic use of AI to streamline operations, while making waves with key partnerships, including Fireblocks and how they are navigating the evolving regulatory landscape. Minute-by-minute episode breakdown 2 | Tal goes from the VC world to crypto and NFT adventures 7 | Strategic fundraising amid crypto market uncertainty and exponential growth 13 | Overcoming blockchain data challenges with innovative network models 18 | Building synergies with Fireblocks to provide customers with financial data integration 24 | Revolutionizing crypto exchange transparency with Proof of Funds solution  29 | Navigating regulatory compliance challenges in digital asset accounting 34 | The future of innovative solutions for digital asset accounting and compliance Related resources Check out more resources provided by Chainalysis that perfectly complement this episode of the Public Key. Website: TRES Finance: Get total clarity over your full web3 financial activity Press Release: Revolutionizing Web3 Financial Reporting: TRES Finance Partners with Fireblocks Announcement: TRES Raises $11M in Series A Funding Round Blog: TRES Proof of Funds: Setting a New Standard in Web3 Transparency Blog: TRES Achieves SOC 1 Compliance: A Milestone in Web3 Financial Security and Trust Reports: The 2024 Geography of Crypto Report (Download now!) YouTube: Chainalysis YouTube page Twitter: Chainalysis Twitter: Building trust in blockchain Speakers on today’s episode Ian Andrews *Host* (Chief Marketing Officer, Chainalysis)  Tal Zackon (Tal Zackon, CEO & Co-founder, TRES Finance) This website may contain links to third-party sites that are not under the control of Chainalysis, Inc. or its affiliates (collectively “Chainalysis”). Access to such information does not imply association with, endorsement of, approval of, or recommendation by Chainalysis of the site or its operators, and Chainalysis is not responsible for the products, services, or other content hosted therein. Our podcasts are for informational purposes only, and are not intended to provide legal, tax, financial, or investment advice. Listeners should consult their own advisors before making these types of decisions. Chainalysis has no responsibility or liability for any decision made or any other acts or omissions in connection with your use of this material. Chainalysis does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, suitability or validity of the information in any particular podcast and will not be responsible for any claim attributable to errors, omissions, or other inaccuracies of any part of such material.  Unless stated otherwise, reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Chainalysis. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Chainalysis employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the views of the company.