Crypto Savvy: The Essentials

Blockchain, for all its discourse, is still perceived by many as merely the underlying technology that enables the existence of cryptocurrency. Since its inception, industry professionals and corporations large and small have been working hard to incorporate blockchain into their operations to bolster their businesses. 2022, in particular, was a breakthrough year in blockchain adoption in finance - numerous central banks and hundred-year-old banks are, for the first time, developing and using elements of blockchain infrastructure to support CBDC and financial instruments. On the latest episode of the Crypto Savvy: The Essentials podcast, host Jizzles spoke to "Asian FinTech Speaker of the Year" Dr. Oriol Caudevilla, who explained why blockchain should be a force to be reckoned with in the TradFi space, especially in trade finance deals. He also debunked the misconception that distributed ledger technology (DLT) is equivalent to blockchain. Notices & Disclaimers• Views, information and opinions expressed in the Podcast are those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent that of the HashKey Group. While we make every effort to ensure that the information we are sharing is accurate, we welcome any comments, suggestions, or correction of errors. • This Podcast should not be considered as an offer or solicitation to sell, buy or subscribe to any financial instruments or product, securities or any derivative instrument, or any other rights pertaining thereto. • Any decision made by a party after listening to this Podcast shall be on the basis of its own research and not be influenced or based on any view expressed in this Podcast or otherwise. This Podcast does not address all risks. This Podcast does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation and has been prepared without regard to individual financial circumstances, objectives or particular needs of listeners. Listeners should seek their own financial, tax, legal, regulatory and other advice regarding the appropriateness or otherwise of investing in any investments and/or pursuing any investment strategies. The HashKey Group does not express any opinion as to the present or future value or price of any instruments referred to in this Podcast. • By accessing this Podcast, listeners acknowledge that the HashKey Group makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk.

FTX, one of the largest crypto exchanges in the world, stunningly collapsed and filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, sending shockwaves throughout an already-reeling industry. Host Jizzles caught up with Lesia Marchenko (Vice President of JKL Capital) and Ian Lam (Founder of trading firm Satori Research), who shared their takeaways on the FTX debacle and the subsequent ripple effects and contagion still felt across the industry to this day, as well as some of the key lessons learnt from the incident.As HashKey, JKL and Satori Research are all based in Hong Kong or have operational footprints in the city, the three of them also gave their thoughts on what the latest regulatory direction and policy measures announced recently by the Hong Kong government mean for the city? Will Hong Kong become the de facto crypto hub in the future? Notices & Disclaimers• Views, information and opinions expressed in the Podcast are those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent that of the HashKey Group. While we make every effort to ensure that the information we are sharing is accurate, we welcome any comments, suggestions, or correction of errors. • This Podcast should not be considered as an offer or solicitation to sell, buy or subscribe to any financial instruments or product, securities or any derivative instrument, or any other rights pertaining thereto. • Any decision made by a party after listening to this Podcast shall be on the basis of its own research and not be influenced or based on any view expressed in this Podcast or otherwise. This Podcast does not address all risks. This Podcast does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation and has been prepared without regard to individual financial circumstances, objectives or particular needs of listeners. Listeners should seek their own financial, tax, legal, regulatory and other advice regarding the appropriateness or otherwise of investing in any investments and/or pursuing any investment strategies. The HashKey Group does not express any opinion as to the present or future value or price of any instruments referred to in this Podcast. • By accessing this Podcast, listeners acknowledge that the HashKey Group makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk.

Were you thinking of how to appropriately allocate digital assets to your portfolio and manage the risks associate with this asset class? Well, we've got a great one for you! In our latest episode, host Jason Li caught up with Aleksey Mironenko, Global Head of Investment Solutions at Leo Wealth, a boutique wealth management firm with offices in Asia and the United States. An avid rower and runner in his free time, Aleksey defines what a "well constructed" and "cost efficient" portfolio is, and which category of digital assets he is most bullish about under the current macro environment.P.S. This episode was recorded in early November 2022 — before the collapse of FTX and the subsequent market reaction and contagion.Notices & Disclaimers• Views, information and opinions expressed in the Podcast are those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent that of the HashKey Group. While we make every effort to ensure that the information we are sharing is accurate, we welcome any comments, suggestions, or correction of errors. • This Podcast should not be considered as an offer or solicitation to sell, buy or subscribe to any financial instruments or product, securities or any derivative instrument, or any other rights pertaining thereto. • Any decision made by a party after listening to this Podcast shall be on the basis of its own research and not be influenced or based on any view expressed in this Podcast or otherwise. This Podcast does not address all risks. This Podcast does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation and has been prepared without regard to individual financial circumstances, objectives or particular needs of listeners. Listeners should seek their own financial, tax, legal, regulatory and other advice regarding the appropriateness or otherwise of investing in any investments and/or pursuing any investment strategies. The HashKey Group does not express any opinion as to the present or future value or price of any instruments referred to in this Podcast. • By accessing this Podcast, listeners acknowledge that the HashKey Group makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk.

In October last year, finance veteran Evan Auyang joined Animoca Brands as its Group President. Headquartered in Hong Kong, Animoca Brands is best known as the company behind some of the most popular blockchain games such as The Sandbox, Crazy Defense Heroes and REVV Racing, and a prominent investor in the space. Since joining Animoca, Evan has been the major driver behind its fundraising and investment efforts.In this episode, Evan speaks about the contributions and impact to society Animoca hopes to make, and the importance of community-building in the crypto world. As a senior figure in arguably the biggest blockchain gaming company, Evan also shares how the play-to-earn (P2E) gaming phenomenon is creating new employment opportunities, and the power of user-generated content in the metaverse.Notices & Disclaimers • Views, information and opinions expressed in the Podcast are those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent that of the HashKey Group. While we make every effort to ensure that the information we are sharing is accurate, we welcome any comments, suggestions, or correction of errors. • This Podcast should not be considered as an offer or solicitation to sell, buy or subscribe to any financial instruments or product, securities or any derivative instrument, or any other rights pertaining thereto. • Any decision made by a party after listening to this Podcast shall be on the basis of its own research and not be influenced or based on any view expressed in this Podcast or otherwise. This Podcast does not address all risks. This Podcast does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation and has been prepared without regard to individual financial circumstances, objectives or particular needs of listeners. Listeners should seek their own financial, tax, legal, regulatory and other advice regarding the appropriateness or otherwise of investing in any investments and/or pursuing any investment strategies. The HashKey Group does not express any opinion as to the present or future value or price of any instruments referred to in this Podcast. • By accessing this Podcast, listeners acknowledge that the HashKey Group makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. 

Henri Centieiro is the Senior Research Manager at HashKey Capital, HashKey Group’s venture capital and asset management arm. A blockchain enthusiast and aficionado, Henri is a regular speaker at international blockchain conferences, Hong Kong universities and local FinTech and finance associations. In this episode, we asked Henri to give us a briefer on all things blockchain, including the differences between a permissioned and permissionless blockchain, common misconceptions of how transactions on blockchains occur, and successful use cases of industries incorporating the technology into its operations. Describing blockchain as the world’s most secure “accounting system”, Henri also points out what needs to happen in order for blockchain to achieve widespread adoption and realise its true potential.Notices & Disclaimers • Views, information and opinions expressed in the Podcast are those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent that of the HashKey Group. While we make every effort to ensure that the information we are sharing is accurate, we welcome any comments, suggestions, or correction of errors. • This Podcast should not be considered as an offer or solicitation to sell, buy or subscribe to any financial instruments or product, securities or any derivative instrument, or any other rights pertaining thereto. • Any decision made by a party after listening to this Podcast shall be on the basis of its own research and not be influenced or based on any view expressed in this Podcast or otherwise. This Podcast does not address all risks. This Podcast does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation and has been prepared without regard to individual financial circumstances, objectives or particular needs of listeners. Listeners should seek their own financial, tax, legal, regulatory and other advice regarding the appropriateness or otherwise of investing in any investments and/or pursuing any investment strategies. The HashKey Group does not express any opinion as to the present or future value or price of any instruments referred to in this Podcast. • By accessing this Podcast, listeners acknowledge that the HashKey Group makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. 

In January 2022, the Bank of International Settlements Innovation Hub revealed its work program for 2022-2023, which will see the Hub expand its presence into the realms of DeFi, RegTech and cybersecurity, in addition to their existing CBDC and green finance initiatives. Bénédicte Nolens heads up the BIS Innovation Hub’s Hong Kong Centre, which is on a mission to develop innovative solutions that benefit the current financial system.Previously the Managing Director of Standard Chartered Bank’s blockchain innovation arm, Bénédicte explains to us how central bankers are responding to the digital asset movement and why adopting DeFi might not be the smartest solution for them. She also shares how the Hub is developing of a multi CBDC prototype platform to facilitate international payments, and why “Green Finance” is a field that everyone should start paying attention to.Notices & Disclaimers• Views, information and opinions expressed in the Podcast are those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent that of the HashKey Group. While we make every effort to ensure that the information we are sharing is accurate, we welcome any comments, suggestions, or correction of errors. • This Podcast should not be considered as an offer or solicitation to sell, buy or subscribe to any financial instruments or product, securities or any derivative instrument, or any other rights pertaining thereto. • Any decision made by a party after listening to this Podcast shall be on the basis of its own research and not be influenced or based on any view expressed in this Podcast or otherwise. This Podcast does not address all risks. This Podcast does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation and has been prepared without regard to individual financial circumstances, objectives or particular needs of listeners. Listeners should seek their own financial, tax, legal, regulatory and other advice regarding the appropriateness or otherwise of investing in any investments and/or pursuing any investment strategies. The HashKey Group does not express any opinion as to the present or future value or price of any instruments referred to in this Podcast. • By accessing this Podcast, listeners acknowledge that the HashKey Group makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. 

Whenever crypto firms and institutions want to borrow money, they often find it challenging to take out a loan from traditional lenders such as banks; and when they turn to DeFi, these protocols’ over-collateralisation requirements often eat into the borrowers’ ability to efficiently use their capital. Because of this, Clearpool, founded in 2021, came up with a solution, where institutional borrowers can access unsecured loans directly from their ecosystem.Listen to how its CEO and Co-Founder, Rob Alcorn, describes the logic and mechanism behind Clearpool’s innovative uncollateralized lending protocol. Rob also explains the measures they take to minimise counter-party risks, why lenders are naturally incentivised to provide liquidity onto the platform.Notices & Disclaimers• Views, information and opinions expressed in the Podcast are those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent that of the HashKey Group. While we make every effort to ensure that the information we are sharing is accurate, we welcome any comments, suggestions, or correction of errors. • This Podcast should not be considered as an offer or solicitation to sell, buy or subscribe to any financial instruments or product, securities or any derivative instrument, or any other rights pertaining thereto. • Any decision made by a party after listening to this Podcast shall be on the basis of its own research and not be influenced or based on any view expressed in this Podcast or otherwise. This Podcast does not address all risks. This Podcast does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation and has been prepared without regard to individual financial circumstances, objectives or particular needs of listeners. Listeners should seek their own financial, tax, legal, regulatory and other advice regarding the appropriateness or otherwise of investing in any investments and/or pursuing any investment strategies. The HashKey Group does not express any opinion as to the present or future value or price of any instruments referred to in this Podcast. • By accessing this Podcast, listeners acknowledge that the HashKey Group makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. 

Digital asset custody is in many ways similar to the custody of traditional financial assets. Investors need to know their digital assets are safe, yet the nature of these assets means that secure custody potentially poses more challenges. As the market continues to mature and more institutions get in the game, these holders will naturally expect custodians to manage their assets just as they expect banks to manage their traditional financial assets. In this episode we spoke with Alessio Quaglini, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Hong Kong-based digital asset custodian HEX Trust, as he pulls back the curtains on what it really means to retain custody of a digital asset, the different categories of digital assets custody, the parameters of choosing a reliable custodian, and HEX Trust’s recent venture into the Metaverse.Notices & Disclaimers• Views, information and opinions expressed in the Podcast are those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent that of the HashKey Group. While we make every effort to ensure that the information we are sharing is accurate, we welcome any comments, suggestions, or correction of errors. • This Podcast should not be considered as an offer or solicitation to sell, buy or subscribe to any financial instruments or product, securities or any derivative instrument, or any other rights pertaining thereto. • Any decision made by a party after listening to this Podcast shall be on the basis of its own research and not be influenced or based on any view expressed in this Podcast or otherwise. This Podcast does not address all risks. This Podcast does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation and has been prepared without regard to individual financial circumstances, objectives or particular needs of listeners. Listeners should seek their own financial, tax, legal, regulatory and other advice regarding the appropriateness or otherwise of investing in any investments and/or pursuing any investment strategies. The HashKey Group does not express any opinion as to the present or future value or price of any instruments referred to in this Podcast. • By accessing this Podcast, listeners acknowledge that the HashKey Group makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk.