E117: WalletConnect Founder: Why Your Digital Identity Will Replace Your Passport

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Apr 17, 2025

Pedro Gomes, founder of WalletConnect, shares his vision for the future where blockchain addresses will surpass passports in importance. He discusses the potential monopolies that wallets could create if not standardized and how national identities are becoming less relevant. Insights on the evolving role of stablecoins in commerce reveal their efficiency in transactions. Gomes highlights the rise of personal brands in a digital world and reflects on the need for openness and collaboration in the rapidly changing crypto landscape.

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INSIGHT

Wallet Interoperability Prevents Monopolies

Without wallet interoperability, monopolies would form where one wallet dominates the market.
Sharing market share grows the whole blockchain ecosystem rather than shrinking it.

INSIGHT

Blockchain Address Over National Passport

Your blockchain address tied to salary, investments, and taxes may become more important than your passport.
National identity's financial relevance diminishes in a globalized digital economy.

ANECDOTE

Ukraine War Exposed Decentralization Need

Wallet Connect faced an incident where it had to sanction both Ukraine and Russia due to geopolitical pressures.
This event highlighted the critical importance of true decentralization to avoid single-party control.

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