Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The Stablecoin Podcast
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Introducing the Stablecoin Podcast | 25 Jul 2025 | 00:00:42 | |
Welcome to the Stablecoin Podcast, from Stablecoin Partners. New episodes will be released every other week, where we'll be joined by industry leaders to uncover the real impact on global financial systems. Discover what's working, what's broken, and the future of digital assets. Join me, Luther Maday, when the first episode launches 29th July by hitting subscribe now. | |||
| Making stablecoins accessible with Ben Milne | Brale | 29 Jul 2025 | 00:33:32 | |
Luther Maday sits down with Ben Milne, CEO and founder of Brale, to discuss the evolving landscape of stablecoins. They delve into the challenges and opportunities in the stablecoin market, the impact of regulatory clarity, and how Brale is making stablecoins more accessible. Ben shares insights on the importance of on-ramps and off-ramps, the role of stablecoins in global finance, and the future of digital currencies. ------------------- Algorand.co Brale.xyzx BenMilne.com | |||
| Stablecoins: The new Global Cash with Nick Philpott | 31 Jul 2025 | 01:01:15 | |
In this episode, we dive deep into the real-world impact of stablecoins with Nick Philpott of Zodia Markets. From FX settlement in Nigeria to oil payments in the Middle East, Nick shares how stablecoins are solving long-standing problems in global finance—especially in emerging markets. We explore how Zodia Markets is bridging traditional banking with digital assets, why stablecoins are more than just a crypto tool, and how local currency stablecoins are reshaping regional trade. ---------------------------- Zodiamarkets.com | |||
| Edward Woodford on How Stablecoins Are Rewiring the World’s Payment Rails | Zero Hash | 12 Aug 2025 | 00:38:43 | |
Edward Woodford, CEO of Zero Hash, joins the Stablecoin Podcast to discuss how stablecoins are driving real-world financial innovation. From powering instant payouts and account funding to enabling global access across 35+ countries, Edward explains how Zero Hash simplifies stablecoin infrastructure for major institutions and why velocity—not just volume—is the key to future growth. --------------------- Algorand.co ZeroHash.com StablecoinPartners.com LinkedIn | Edward Woodford | |||
| Samson Leo on How Stablecoins Power Frictionless Payments Across Southeast Asia | StraitsX | 14 Aug 2025 | 00:38:49 | |
Samson Leo, Co-Founder and Chief Legal Officer at StraitsX, joins the Stablecoin Podcast to discuss how regulated stablecoins like XSGD and XUSD are driving seamless payments, trade finance, and cross-border innovation in Southeast Asia. He also shares insights on global regulatory trends and the future of interoperability. ----------------- Algorand.co StraitsX.com x.com/StraitsX youtube.com/@straitsx.global StablecoinPartners.com | |||
| Daniel Lev on Instant Stablecoin Settlements for Merchants | Coinflow Labs | 09 Sep 2025 | 00:41:43 | |
In Episode 6, Daniel Lev, CEO of Coinflow Labs, joins our hosts to explore how Coinflow is bridging traditional payment rails with blockchain infrastructure. Daniel shares how Coinflow enables merchants to accept familiar payment methods, like credit cards and bank transfers, while settling instantly in stablecoins. From fantasy football smart contracts to global marketplaces, Coinflow’s infrastructure abstracts away crypto complexity and delivers real-world utility. This episode dives into programmable payments, fraud mitigation, and why stablecoins are becoming the backbone of modern commerce. ---------------------------- Stablecoin Partners: https://www.stablecoinpartners.com/ Algorand Foundation: https://algorand.co GMO-Z.com: https://stablecoin.z.com Coinflow Labs: https://coinflow.cash Daniel Lev on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-m-lev/ Subscribe for new episodes every other week and follow us for more insights into the future of stablecoins and digital payments. | |||
| Raj Parekh on How Stablecoins Are Powering Payments on Monad | 26 Aug 2025 | 00:43:05 | |
Raj Parekh, Head of Payments at the Monad Foundation, unpacks his journey from TradFi to DeFi. Raj shares how Portal emerged to simplify stablecoin integration for developers and institutions and why Monad’s high-throughput blockchain is poised to become a foundational layer for global payments. From network effects to tokenised deposits, and the convergence of traditional rails with crypto-native infrastructure, this episode dives deep into the future of programmable money and the infrastructure driving it. -------------------------- | |||
| Aishwary Gupta & Jamal Raees on Polygon’s Payments Roadmap, and the Stablecoin Wars | Polygon Labs | 23 Sep 2025 | 00:56:14 | |
Luther Maday and Ramy Soliman talk with Aishwarya Gupta and Jamal Raees from Polygon Labs about their payments roadmap, the Tempo launch, and the Rio upgrade that boosts scalability to 5,000 TPS. They discuss why interoperability—not fragmentation—will shape the future of stablecoin payments and how Polygon is positioning itself for real-world assets (RWA). The episode also covers the “Stablecoin Wars”, Tether’s USAT move, and global regulation from the Genius Act to MiCA. Aishwarya and Jamal share insights on adoption trends, specialized chains, and advice for traditional finance entering the space, plus real-world use cases like Polymarket. ------------------------------- Stablecoin Partners: https://www.stablecoinpartners.com/ Algorand Foundation: https://algorand.co GMO-Z.com: https://stablecoin.z.com Polygon Labs: https://polygon.technology/ Aishwary LinkedIn: in.linkedin.com/in/aishwary1992 Jamal LinkedIn: in.linkedin.com/in/jamalraees | |||
| Stablecoin Dynamics: Euro Consortiums, Tether's Ambitions, and Cloudflare's Innovations | 07 Oct 2025 | 00:39:24 | |
Luther Maday and Ramy Soliman discuss the latest developments in the stablecoin industry, including Tether's significant raise and the launch of Cloudflare's stablecoin. They explore the implications of these events on the financial services landscape and the evolving role of stablecoins in global commerce. Follow Stablecoin Partners Stablecoin Partners: https://www.stablecoinpartners.com/ Algorand Foundation: https://algorand.co GMO-Z.com: https://stablecoin.z.com Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Stablecoins and Recent Developments 03:44 Tokenized Deposits vs. Stablecoins 11:56 The Evolution of Financial Services and Borderless Banking 19:40 The Impact of Regulatory Changes on Stablecoins 25:00 Tether's Strategic Moves in the Stablecoin Market 31:09 Cloudflare's Innovative Approach to Agentic Payments | |||
| Simon Babakhani on Revolutionizing the $11T Payroll Industry with Stablecoins | 04 Nov 2025 | 00:30:54 | |
Summary Simon Babakhani, CEO of Zebec, discusses the evolution of payroll solutions through real-time programmable money streams. He explains how Zebec is transforming payroll from traditional bi-weekly cycles to real-time payments, leveraging blockchain technology and stablecoins. The conversation covers the challenges faced in selling these innovative solutions, the target markets for Zebec, and the future of stablecoins in the financial ecosystem. Simon emphasizes the importance of adapting to the needs of modern workers and the potential for Zebec to redefine payroll and financial services. Follow Stablecoin Partners Stablecoin Partners: https://www.stablecoinpartners.com/ Algorand Foundation: https://algorand.co GMO-Z.com: https://stablecoin.z.com Zebec Zebec: https://zebec.io/ Simon Babakhani: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/simonbabakhani | |||
| Kevin Lehtiniitty on The Evolution of Stablecoins: Liquidity, Neutrality, and Global Reach | Borderless.xyz | 21 Oct 2025 | 00:51:57 | |
Kevin Lehtiniitty, CEO of Borderless shares his insights on building global liquidity and payments infrastructure, the evolution of stablecoin networks, and the future of cross-border payments. Discover how stablecoins are transforming financial services and what it means for businesses and consumers alike. Don't miss this engaging conversation with one of the industry's leading innovators. Follow Stablecoin Partners Stablecoin Partners: https://www.stablecoinpartners.com/ Algorand Foundation: https://algorand.co GMO-Z.com: https://stablecoin.z.com Borderless Borderless: https://borderless.xyz/ Kevin Lehtiniitty: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinlehtiniitty | |||
| Gwera Kiwana on building real systems for real people using stablecoins | 20 Nov 2025 | 00:48:44 | |
In this episode Gwera Kiwana, Head of Global Partnerships at Sling discusses the evolution and adoption of stablecoins, the importance of global partnerships, and the role of financial inclusion in the fintech space. Gwera shares insights on the challenges and opportunities in the global south, the potential of non-USD stablecoins, and the future of programmable money. Follow Stablecoin Partners Stablecoin Partners: https://www.stablecoinpartners.com/ GMO-Z.com: https://stablecoin.z.com Sling Money Sling Money: https://sling.money/ Erick Schneider: https://x.com/notgwera Email: partnerships@sling.money | |||
| Stablecoins, Regulation & Real‑World Impact: Ahmed Zifzaf & Erick Schneider | 18 Nov 2025 | 01:05:35 | |
In this episode of The Stablecoin Podcast, Erick Schneider (Kraken), and Ahmed Zifzaf (Worldpay) discuss the evolving landscape of stablecoins, the challenges and opportunities in their adoption, and the global impact of digital assets. The conversation delves into the strategic moves by companies like Worldpay and Kraken, the importance of interoperability, and the future of stablecoins in the financial ecosystem. Follow Stablecoin Partners Stablecoin Partners: https://www.stablecoinpartners.com/ GMO-Z.com: https://stablecoin.z.com Kraken Kraken: https://www.kraken.com/ Erick Schneider: https://www.linkedin.com/in/schneidererick Worldpay Worldpay: https://go.worldpay.com/ Ahmed Zifzaf: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahmedzifzaf | |||
| From Lagos to London: Maya Caddle on Stablecoin adoption on Solana | 16 Dec 2025 | 00:46:45 | |
In this episode Maya Caddle discusses the evolving landscape of stablecoins and digital assets, focusing on their impact on global payments. Maya shares her diverse experiences across various markets, highlighting the importance of understanding cross-border payments and the unique challenges faced in different regions. The conversation explores the regulatory landscape, the dichotomy of adoption between the Global North and South, and the future of stablecoins within the Solana ecosystem. Maya emphasizes the need for builders to focus on distribution and the importance of regulatory clarity in driving adoption. Follow Stablecoin Partners Stablecoin Partners: https://www.stablecoinpartners.com/ GMO-Z.com: https://stablecoin.z.com Solana Solana: https://solana.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maya-caddle | |||
| Beth Haddock on setting the standard for Stablecoins with StableCheck | 02 Dec 2025 | 00:53:18 | |
Beth Haddock, Policy Lead at Stablecoin Standard, discusses the evolving landscape of stablecoins and the regulatory frameworks shaping their future. The conversation delves into the convergence of traditional finance and digital assets, the importance of responsible innovation, and the role of Stablecoin Standard in setting global benchmarks for stablecoin governance and compliance. Follow Stablecoin Partners Stablecoin Partners: https://www.stablecoinpartners.com/ GMO-Z.com: https://stablecoin.z.com Stablecoin Standard StablecoinStandard: https://www.stablecoinstandard.com/ StableCheck: https://www.stablecoinstandard.com/stablecheck Beth Haddock: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethhaddock | |||
| Tony McLaughlin (Ubyx): Wallets Replace Banks as the Front Door to Finance | 22 Jan 2026 | 01:04:17 | |
In this episode, Tony McLaughlin, founder and CEO of Ubyx, discusses the evolution of financial systems, the role of wallets, and the future of digital assets. He explores how Ubyx is bridging the gap between fiat currency and digital tokens, and the importance of interoperability in the financial ecosystem. Follow Stablecoin Partners Stablecoin Partners:https://www.stablecoinpartners.com/ StableCheck:https://www.stablecoinstandard.com/stablecheck Ubyx Ubyx: https://www.ubyx.xyz/ Tony McLaughlin: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/tony-mclaughlin-7b627a3 | |||
| Geetha with Tesser: The all-in Stablecoin Solution for Banks and Fintechs | 10 Feb 2026 | 00:47:54 | |
In this episode, we sit down with Geetha Panchapakesan, founder and CEO of Tesser, to explore what stablecoins actually fix in cross‑border payments. Drawing on her experience at MoneyGram, Visa and Circle, Geetha breaks down why working capital, pre‑funding, and fragmented FX infrastructure remain the biggest points of friction for PSPs and banks — and how stablecoin rails unlock faster settlement, better transparency and dramatically lower operational drag. Geetha also shares why Tesser is building a fully‑abstracted, institutional‑grade stablecoin stack, what’s driving demand from emerging‑market FIs, and why off‑ramps, liquidity and regulatory clarity are the real bottlenecks to global adoption. From compliance fears to tokenized deposits, we dig into the myths, the headwinds, and the very real opportunities for enterprises adopting digital asset infrastructure in 2026 and beyond. Follow Stablecoin Partners Stablecoin Partners: https://www.stablecoinpartners.com/ StableCheck: https://www.stablecoinstandard.com/stablecheck
Tessa: https://tesser.xyz/ Email: Geetha@Tesser.xyz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geethapanchapakesan/ Telegram: @gpanchap | |||
| Intersection of Banking and Cryptowith Nicolas Marxer | Bank Frick | 05 Feb 2026 | 00:46:01 | |
We sit down with Nicolas Marxer from Bank Frick, a leader in integrating crypto into traditional finance. Discover how this Liechtenstein bank became a pioneer in stablecoins and tokenized deposits, offering a blueprint for secure and innovative financial services. Learn about the challenges and opportunities in serving crypto businesses, the evolution of internal payment networks, and the importance of compliance and infrastructure in mainstreaming stablecoins. This episode is essential for fintech founders, crypto companies, and banking executives ready to lead the next wave of digital finance. Gain actionable insights from nearly a decade of experience in navigating regulation and building the future of cross-border payments. Follow Stablecoin Partners Stablecoin Partners: https://www.stablecoinpartners.com/ StableCheck: https://www.stablecoinstandard.com/stablecheck Bank Frick Bank Frick: https://www.bankfrick.li/ Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bank-frick | |||
| Alana Levin on what trends shaped the crypto industry in 2025 | 24 Feb 2026 | 00:53:45 | |
In this episode, we sit down with Alana Levin, investment partner at Variant and author of the 2025 Crypto Trends Report, to unpack the three compounding S‑curves: asset creation, accumulation, and utilization, that are defining crypto’s next decade. Alana explains why the pace of asset issuance is exploding, how ETFs unlocked pent‑up institutional demand, and why stablecoins remain the strongest product-market fit across digital assets. Follow Stablecoin Partners Stablecoin Partners: https://www.stablecoinpartners.com/ StableCheck: https://www.stablecoinstandard.com/stablecheck Variant Variant: https://variant.fund/Follow Variant Fund: https://x.com/variantfund Follow Alana: https://x.com/AlanaDLevin 2025 Crypto Trends Report: https://blog.variant.fund/2025-crypto-trends-report | |||
| Tanner Taddeo (Stable Sea) on Solving Stablecoin Liquidity for the Real World | 02 Mar 2026 | 00:51:47 | |
Stable Sea CEO Tanner Taddeo joins us to unpack the “last mile” of stablecoins — turning digital dollars into real‑world fiat across 40+ countries. He explains why B2B payments need deep liquidity, trust, compliance and real‑time visibility, and how partnerships like dLocal are unlocking faster, enterprise‑scale settlement. A must‑listen on the infrastructure powering global stablecoin adoption. Follow Stablecoin Partners Stablecoin Partners: https://www.stablecoinpartners.com/ StableCheck: https://www.stablecoinstandard.com/stablecheck Stable Sea Stable Sea: https://www.stablesea.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanner-taddeo-9b64562a | |||
| Inside Accenture’s FinTech Lab: Luke Giancarlo on Bringing Stablecoins to Big Finance | 10 Mar 2026 | 00:48:23 | |
Accenture’s Luke Giancarlo joins us to unpack what it really takes for stablecoins to break into enterprise adoption. From working with 120+ fintechs to advising the world’s largest banks, he explains why the true bottleneck isn’t the tech, its organizational mindset, regulation readiness, and bridging how startups and institutions think, buy, and build. Follow Stablecoin Partners Stablecoin Partners: https://www.stablecoinpartners.com/StableCheck: https://www.stablecoinstandard.com/stablecheck Accenture Accenture: https://www.accenture.com/ FinTech Innovation Lab: https://www.fintechinnovationlab.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintech-innovation-lab-london/ Luke Giancarlo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-giancarlo/ | |||
| Ghazi Ben Amor (Zama) on Confidential Stablecoins & the Future of Private On‑Chain Finance | 25 Mar 2026 | 00:53:40 | |
Zama’s Ghazi Ben Amor breaks down how fully homomorphic encryption enables confidential stablecoin transfers, private DeFi, and encrypted RWAs, all while remaining verifiable on public chains. We explore why confidentiality is becoming essential for enterprise adoption, how wrapped and natively confidential stablecoins work, and why privacy‑preserving infrastructure is the next major unlock for institutional on‑chain finance. Follow Stablecoin Partners Stablecoin Partners: https://www.stablecoinpartners.com/StableCheck: https://www.stablecoinstandard.com/stablecheck ZamaZama: https://zama.org Zama: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zama-ai/ Ghazi Ben Amor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ghazi-ben-amor-075911/ | |||
| How Stablecoins Are Rewiring Fund Access and Global Finance with Đorđe Žarković | 12 May 2026 | 00:42:00 | |
In this episode, Đorđe Žarković, Head of Fund Solutions at Bank Frick, breaks down what happens when traditional correspondent banking fails and why stablecoins are emerging as the only scalable alternative. We explore how Bank Frick became one of the first regulated institutions to accept USDC at the fund level, how stablecoins are accelerating capital flows into investment vehicles, and why convergence between traditional finance and blockchain infrastructure is inevitable. This conversation is a deep dive into the real plumbing of global finance and how it’s being rebuilt. Follow Stablecoin Partners Stablecoin Partners: https://www.stablecoinpartners.com/ StableCheck: https://www.stablecoinstandard.com/stablecheck Bank Frick Bank Frick: https://www.bankfrick.li/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/đorđe-žarković/ | |||
| Stablecoins Beyond Dollars: How Grain Became Digital Money | 21 Apr 2026 | 00:43:02 | |
In this episode, we explore how grain‑backed tokens are redefining money in the real economy. Eduardo Novilo Astrada, CEO and co‑founder of JustToken (AgroToken), explains how soy, corn, and wheat have functioned as currency in Latin America for decades and how blockchain finally allows that system to scale digitally. Dax Hansen, partner at Perkins & Coie and a regenerative farmer, unpacks the legal, regulatory, and financial implications of asset‑backed tokens and why commodities may be the missing link in on‑chain finance. Follow Stablecoin Partners Stablecoin Partners: https://www.stablecoinpartners.com/ StableCheck: https://www.stablecoinstandard.com/stablecheck JustToken https://www.justoken.com/ Email: Eduardo@justtoken.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eduardonovilloastrada/ Perkins & Coie Email: Dhansen@PerkinsCoie.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daxhansen | |||
| Christopher Perkins on How Stablecoins Solve For Trapped Collateral and Settlement Risk | 07 Apr 2026 | 00:38:03 | |
Christopher Perkins, President and Managing Partner at CoinFund, joins us to unpack the stablecoin infrastructure era. We explore why settlement risk and trapped collateral are the hidden taxes in global finance, why demand for US‑dollar stablecoins remains insatiable, and what TradFi’s entry into crypto really means for decentralization, privacy, and security. This is a grounded, macro‑level conversation on how stablecoins are becoming the plumbing of global markets. Follow Stablecoin Partners Stablecoin Partners: https://www.stablecoinpartners.com/ StableCheck: https://www.stablecoinstandard.com/stablecheck CoinFund CoinFund https://coinfund.io/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-perkins-092569a | |||
| Why Stablecoins Won’t Win Without Distribution with Gabriele Galli | 19 May 2026 | 00:44:02 | |
In this episode, Gabriele Galli, SVP of Sales, Partnerships, and Business Development at Mesh, breaks down what it actually takes to win the stablecoin payments race. We explore how Mesh is building the connective layer that allows users to pay with any crypto asset while merchants settle instantly in stablecoins, why stablecoins dominate real usage today, and how fragmentation across chains and systems is being solved. This is a deep dive into the infrastructure layer nobody sees — and why distribution, trust, and partnerships matter more than ever. Follow Stablecoin Partners Stablecoin Partners: https://www.stablecoinpartners.com/ StableCheck: https://www.stablecoinstandard.com/stablecheck Mesh Mesh: https://www.meshpay.com/ | |||
| Replacing SWIFT Without Customers Noticing (Kirill Gertman) | 26 May 2026 | 00:49:56 | |
In this episode, Kirill Gertman, Co‑Founder and CEO of Conduit, explains how stablecoins are quietly replacing legacy payment rails like SWIFT without end users ever touching crypto. We explore how Conduit processes billions in B2B payments across emerging markets, why compliance is the real product, and how stablecoins unlock faster, cheaper, and more reliable cross‑border flows. This conversation dives into the real-world mechanics of global payments, from Africa and LatAm to bank partnerships and regulatory realities. Regulation 561 issued by the Brazilian Central Bank: https://paymentbrief.com/articles/brazil-stablecoin-cross-border-ban-2026/ Follow Stablecoin Partners Stablecoin Partners: https://www.stablecoinpartners.com/ StableCheck: https://www.stablecoinstandard.com/stablecheck Conduit Conduit: https://www.conduitpay.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirillgertman/ Email: hello@conduitpay.com | |||
| When Money Moves Itself: Agentic Payments and the Future of Cross-Border Finance (Pritpal Shokar) | 23 Jun 2026 | 00:43:13 | |
In this episode, we're joined by Pritpal Shokar, Head of Product for Digital Assets at Thunes, to explore what it really takes to build stablecoin infrastructure at a global scale. We dig into how digital money is evolving across borders, why stablecoins and e-money aren't as interchangeable as they seem, and where tokenized deposits fit into the picture. From liquidity challenges in cross-border payments to the UK's shifting regulatory landscape, we examine the friction points that still define international finance, and how programmable money could eliminate them. We also look ahead to the emerging world of agentic payments, where AI-driven transactions demand new thinking around trust, oversight, and the role of the treasurer. Follow Stablecoin Partners: - Stablecoin Partners: https://www.stablecoinpartners.com/ - StableCheck: https://www.stablecoinstandard.com/stablecheck Thunes: - Website: https://www.thunes.com/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thunespayments/ - Pritpal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pritpal-shokar/ Presented in partnership with Nephos Group Proud sponsors of the Stablecoin Standard Podcast, Nephos Group is the specialist accountancy and advisory firm for stablecoin issuers. From proof of reserves and attestations to stablecoin accounting and compliance support, they help digital asset businesses build the financial rigour that institutional adoption demands. Learn more at nephosgroup.com. | |||
| The asset leg and the money leg of on-chain finance (Will Beeson & Jack Chong) | 16 Jun 2026 | 00:42:46 | |
In this episode, we’re joined by Will Beeson (Multiliquid) and Jack Chong (Checker) to unpack where the money layer and asset layer of on‑chain finance collide. We explore how stablecoins and tokenized real‑world assets are converging, why liquidity remains the biggest bottleneck at institutional scale, and how infrastructure players are solving access, settlement, and distribution challenges. This is a deep dive into the future of financial markets, where cash, assets and payments operate on a single, always‑on system. Follow Stablecoin Partners Stablecoin Partners: https://www.stablecoinpartners.com/ StableCheck: https://www.stablecoinstandard.com/stablecheck Multiliquid Multiliquid: https://multiliquid.xyz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willbeeson/ Checker Checker: https://checker.finance LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-chong/ | |||
| Title: From Net 30 to Net 30 Minute settlement (Ran Grushkowsky) | 09 Jun 2026 | 00:46:22 | |
In this episode, Ran Grushkowsky, Co‑Founder and CEO of MassPay, breaks down why global payout systems are still fundamentally broken—and what it takes to fix them. We explore how MassPay built payout infrastructure across 230+ countries, why optionality in how people get paid is the real unlock, and how payouts are evolving from a cost centre into a revenue driver. We also dive into stablecoins as a settlement rail, embedded compliance, and what enterprise-scale payments really look like under the hood. Follow Stablecoin Partners Stablecoin Partners: https://www.stablecoinpartners.com/ StableCheck: https://www.stablecoinstandard.com/stablecheck MassPay MassPay: https://masspay.io LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rangrushkowsky/ | |||
| Inside the UAE's First Central Bank-Licensed Stablecoin: Building AECoin (Ramez Rafeek) | 09 Jul 2026 | 00:29:21 | |
In this episode, we're joined by Ramez Rafeek, General Manager of AED Stablecoin LLC, the issuer of AECoin, the UAE's first Dirham-backed stablecoin, licensed directly by the Central Bank of the UAE. We dig into what it actually took to build a regulated stablecoin from scratch alongside a central bank, how the escrow-backed, one-to-one Dirham peg works day to day, and why AECoin's daily reporting and monthly attestation model sets a different bar for transparency. From government fee payments and merchant adoption to a standout use case, topping up your wallet with crypto and spending it instantly as AECoin, we explore how real-world distribution was won across retail, institutional, and B2B channels. We also examine the broader Dirham stablecoin landscape, how the UAE's central bank licensing differs from free-zone regimes like VARA and ADGM, and where Ramez sees digital Dirham adoption heading by 2030.Follow Stablecoin Partners Stablecoin Partners: https://www.stablecoinpartners.com/ StableCheck: https://www.stablecoinstandard.com/stablecheck AE CoinWebsite: https://aecoin.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ad-coinuae/ Ramez: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramez-rafeek-18651541/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to AECoin and Its Significance03:04 Regulatory Framework and Compliance in the UAE11:50 Impact of Regulation on Innovation12:21 Competitive Landscape of Stablecoins in the UAE15:35 Use Cases and Adoption of AECoin20:21 Future of AECoin and Market Demand26:01 Vision for the Future of Digital Payments in the UAE30:42 Conclusion and Resources for AECoin | |||
| Building Sorbet: MENA's First On-Chain Neobank (Maher Ayari) | 14 Jul 2026 | 00:50:53 | |
In this episode, we're joined by Maher Ayari, co-founder of Sorbet, a stablecoin-powered fintech building what it calls the region's first on-chain neobank for the MENA market. We dig into how a freelancer payments problem in Riyadh turned into a broader thesis for stablecoin-based settlement, why the UAE and Saudi Arabia rank among the top global remittance corridors despite currencies already pegged to the dollar, and how Sorbet is navigating one of the world's more conservative regulatory environments while building alongside the Saudi Central Bank's evolving stance on digital assets. From the "stablecoin sandwich" model of plugging into providers like Bridge and Circle, to the strategic shift toward owning liquidity rails directly, we explore how Sorbet is repositioning from B2C freelancer payments toward a Mercury-style B2B financial operating system for businesses across Saudi and the wider region. We also unpack the just-announced OpenUSD consortium, what it signals about the USDC-versus-USDT dynamic, and why distribution, not issuance, may be the hardest problem in stablecoins today.Follow Stablecoin Partners Stablecoin Partners: https://www.stablecoinpartners.com/ StableCheck: https://www.stablecoinstandard.com/stablecheck SorbetWebsite: https://mysorbet.io/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mysorbet/ Maher: https://sa.linkedin.com/in/maher-ayari Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Sorbet and the MENA Region02:58 Maher's Journey and the Birth of Sorbet06:06 The Evolution of Stablecoins in the MENA Region09:01 Challenges and Opportunities in Building in the GCC11:55 The Role of Stablecoins in Remittances14:46 Understanding the Unique Needs of the MENA Market17:58 The Future of Stablecoins and Financial Infrastructure21:02 Target Customers and Business Model of Sorbet24:15 Transitioning to B2B Financial Solutions29:11 The Evolution of Stablecoins in the MENA Region35:40 Innovative Financial Products and Market Positioning39:20 The Impact of OpenUSD on the Stablecoin Landscape46:33 Navigating the Future of Stablecoins and Regulation | |||
| Accounting for Stablecoins: Inside Nephos Group's Crypto Practice (Joe David) | 28 Jul 2026 | 00:53:36 | |
In this episode, we're joined by Joe David, founder and CEO of Nephos Group, an accountancy practice that moved from servicing a handful of early crypto clients in 2018 to running its business from Dubai and settling its own invoices in a regulated dirham stablecoin. We dig into how a chance client introduction to a crypto exchange turned into a full pivot for the firm, why Joe relocated Nephos's headquarters from the UK to the UAE, and how VARA and ADGM's "inside out" approach to regulation compares with the UK's attempt to bolt crypto onto existing financial services rules. From accepting payments in AE Coin to the tax treatment question dividing regulators worldwide, is a stablecoin a disposal of an asset or a cash-equivalent payment method?, we explore where the accounting and compliance headaches really sit for businesses adopting this technology. We also unpack the difference between a reserve attestation and true proof of reserves, why GBPA opts for monthly reporting ahead of the FCA's quarterly requirement, and how local stablecoins like AE Coin and GBPA might coexist with global players in an increasingly interoperable, multi-currency stablecoin landscape. Follow Stablecoin Partners Stablecoin Partners: https://www.stablecoinpartners.com/ StableCheck: https://www.stablecoinstandard.com/stablecheck
Nephos Group Website: https://www.nephosgroup.com/ Joe Website: https://joedavid.co/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joedavidcrypto/
Chapters 0:00 - Opening and introductions 1:14 - Joe’s background and how Nephos moved into crypto 6:57 - Why Joe moved from the UK to Dubai 9:24 - Why the UAE is a crypto-friendly hub 13:31 - Stablecoin payments and AE Coin 18:13 - Tax treatment of stablecoins 28:36 - Reserves vs. attestations 35:10 - UK stablecoin rules and monthly reporting 42:09 - Local vs international stablecoins 48:47 - Where the industry is heading 52:29 - What businesses should ask their accountant first | |||
| FX meets stablecoins: Elysium and AUDD | 18 Aug 2026 | 00:45:48 | |
In this episode, we’re joined by Chris O'Connor and Roque Castro from Elysium Technologies, alongside Effie Dimitropoulos, CEO of AUDD, to explore where stablecoins, FX markets, and institutional settlement intersect. We discuss the rise of non‑USD stablecoins, the evolution of post‑trade infrastructure, and why interoperability between stablecoins, tokenized assets, and traditional financial rails could define the next phase of digital finance. Stablecoin Partners https://www.stablecoinpartners.com https://www.stablecoinstandard.com/stablecheck Sponsored by Elysium Website: https://elysiumtechgroup.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/elysium-technologies-group/ Chris O'Connor | CEO, Elysium Technologies LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cdoconno/ Roque Castro | CCO Elysium Technologies LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roquecastro/ Effie Dimitropoulos | CEO, AUDD Website: https://audd.digital LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edimitropoulos/ | |||
| Building SphereNet: The Compliance-First Ledger for Cross-Border Payments (Arnold Lee) | 25 Aug 2026 | 00:50:18 | |
In this episode, we're joined by Arnold Lee, co-founder and CEO of Sphere Labs, whose company settles cross-border payments across more than 160 markets and just brought Deutsche Telekom on as a validator for its new compliance-native ledger, SphereNet. We dig into how a Solana hackathon win led Arnold and his co-founder to spend the last three years building payment rails across Latin America, why the region's regulatory chaos and thin corporate participation create both the opportunity and the ceiling for stablecoin adoption, and how SphereNet's approach to confidential-but-disclosable transactions is designed to let regulated institutions get comfortable with blockchain rails without sacrificing their compliance obligations. We also unpack why a telecom giant like Deutsche Telekom is a surprisingly natural fit as a validator, Arnold's contrarian take on agentic commerce (it's less about AI agents buying sneakers and more about underwriting mid-market trade finance that humans can't be bothered to do), and what the GENIUS Act, and the CLARITY Act working its way through Congress, actually mean for money transmitters building in this space.
Follow Stablecoin Partners Stablecoin Partners: https://www.stablecoinpartners.com/ StableCheck: https://www.stablecoinstandard.com/stablecheck
Sphere Pay/Labs/Net: Websites: SpherePay: Global Stablecoin Payments API & Dashboard / https://spherelabs.co/ / https://www.sphere.net/ LinkedIn: Sphere Labs | LinkedIn Arnold: Arnold Lee - Sphere Labs | LinkedIn
Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Sphere Labs and Arnold Lee's Journey 03:00 The Evolution of SphereNet and Its Unique Approach 05:56 Sphere Labs' Operations in Latin America 09:13 Compliance and Institutional Adoption Challenges 12:02 Sphere's Differentiation in the Market 14:59 The Interplay of Sphere Pay, Sphere Labs, and Sphere Net 18:09 Privacy Preservation in Blockchain Transactions 25:26 Balancing Privacy and Regulation 29:18 The Role of Telecom in Payment Infrastructure 31:44 AI and Agentic Payments: A New Frontier 40:26 Building Compliance into Blockchain Solutions 45:48 The Impact of Regulatory Clarity on Innovation | |||