Navigating Frontier Tech – Episode 12 | Bitcoin Spot ETF | Binance.US Halts Withdrawals

In this episode

Jay Steinback, yWhales CEO & Co-Founder, brings together a panel of experts to delve into the world of emerging technology and cryptocurrencies. Our guests for today's episode are Lucia Gallardo, Founder & CEO of Emerge, and Siva Avvaru, Managing Director at yWhales Solutions. The episode kicks off with a deep dive into the Bitcoin spot ETF and its impact on BTC prices, with a special focus on Siva's insights regarding the compatibility of traditional finance (tradfi) and decentralized finance (defi). The episode also covers Morgan Stanley's optimistic call signaling the end of the crypto bear market, as well as the letter from Senator Warren and legislators concerning cryptocurrency's potential link to funding terrorism. The show further explores the temporary halt of direct dollar withdrawals by Binance.US and Palau's mission to become a "Crypto Island" in the Western Pacific Ocean. The episode concludes by examining Reddit's decision to discontinue Crypto Community Points Tokens. This episode promises to be a thought-provoking exploration of the latest developments in the world of cryptocurrencies and emerging tech. 

About Guests

Lucia Gallardo is an accomplished visionary and a dedicated advocate for impactful and innovative endeavors with a strong focus on financial viability. Her remarkable journey encompasses an array of pivotal roles in various pioneering initiatives.

As the Founder and CEO of Emerge, a groundbreaking impact innovation lab, Lucia operates at the intersection of sustainable development, technological innovation, and reimagined socio-economics. Through Emerge, she is at the forefront of driving change in these critical domains.

In addition to her role at Emerge, Lucia is also recognized as the Co-Founder of The Æternals, a regenerative collection of digital collectibles that transcend traditional boundaries, connecting their intrinsic value to collectors' proof-of-impact contributions towards rainforest preservation. This innovative concept bridges the worlds of finance and environmental conservation.

Furthermore, Lucia is the Co-Founder of "Dona un Libro, Cambia una Mente," a non-profit organization that pioneers original education content and programs for corporate social responsibility departments. Her commitment to education and social responsibility is both impactful and commendable.

Beyond her professional commitments, Lucia generously dedicates her time and expertise to several organizations that align with her core values. She serves on the boards of Rainforest Partnership, a non-profit organization devoted to safeguarding the world's tropical rainforests; the Caribbean Blockchain Alliance, which champions decentralized technologies across the region; and WE Global Studio, an innovation studio that empowers female entrepreneurs on a global scale.

Lucia's extensive experience spans both the public and private sectors, where she has been involved in diplomatic missions, trade relations, AI-enabled mobile technology, and early-stage innovation investments. Her multifaceted background equips her with a unique perspective on the intersection of innovation and impact.

A notable member of the World Economic Forum working groups, Lucia actively contributes to discussions on Stablecoins, DAOs, and Digital Identity. She is also an integral part of the Crypto Impact and Sustainability Accelerator and the Crypto Sustainability Coalition, where her insights are valued and respected.

Lucia's achievements and contributions have garnered significant recognition. As a 2017 Venture for Canada Fellow and a 2018 RBC Future Launch Fellow, she has consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation. She is the only individual to have received both the Money 20/20 2018 Rise Up and 2021 Amplify Cohorts awards, a testament to her exceptional contributions.

Her commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is affirmed by her certification as a UN SDG Advocate. In 2020, she was distinguished as one of MIT Technology Review's Innovators under 35, a testament to her groundbreaking work.

Lucia's influence extends to the corporate world, where she has been recognized as a Royal Bank of Canada Women of Influence and nominated for prestigious awards, including the Royal Bank of Canada's Entrepreneur of the Year, Future of Good's Founders to Watch, and the Cartier Science and Technology Pioneer Award.

In her role as a dynamic speaker, advisor, and consultant, Lucia is accessible for engagements that seek to harness her exceptional expertise and visionary leadership.

Siva Avvaru is the Managing Director of yWhales solutions, a boutique management consultancy focused on helping businesses harness the power of emerging technologies as a strategy to unlock their next level of growth. Our clients are Fortune 500s, mid-market companies, PE/VC-backed portfolio companies, Investment Syndicates, and HNW family offices that are looking to get a technology competitive edge within their markets. 

Guest Social Links

Lucia’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luciagallardo/

Lucia’s WEF Profile: https://www.weforum.org/people/lucia-gallardo

Lucia’s Website: https://www.luciagallardo.com/

Emerge’s Website: https://www.emergetechlab.com/

The Aeternals’ Website: https://www.aeternals.io/

Siva’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sivaavvaru/ 

Timestamps

0:00 Jay’s intro

1:15 Guests intro

4:08 Bitcoin Spot ETF & Bitcoin price

13:02 Morgan Stanley Calls End of Crypto Bear Market, Pointing to Bullish Spring

20:07 Sen. Warren, 100+ legislators write White House, Treasury about crypto and terrorism

31:05 Binance.US Halts Direct Dollar Withdrawals

39:00 Palau, a country in the Western Pacific Ocean is on a mission to become “Crypto Island”

54:06 Reddit Is Killing Crypto Community Points Tokens—And Holders Are Dumping Their Bags

1:03:32 Contact

Watch more: https://www.ywhales.com/podcasts/

DISCLAIMER: yWhales is not affiliated with YPO. Support and production for today’s episode was done by Truth Work Media. Nothing in the podcast constitutes professional and/or financial advice, nor does any information on the podcast constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto.