Why is crypto rising in popularity? Insights with Nick Ayton

Suzanna Hayek met with Nick Ayton to discuss crypto's increased popularity, its role in countries in financial collapse, NFTs and NFAs, and finally, his TV drama. 

According to crypto.com, the global crypto population in June doubled compared to the number of users in January, increasing from 106 million to 221 million. Nick discussed some of the possible reasons behind the growth in uptake, including new trends in crypto, people having more free time during the pandemic, DeFi, Elon Musk, and disenfranchisement in governments.

Nick also comments on the shift towards cryptocurrency in countries with highly volatile currencies due to poor fiscal policies as they seek alternatives to their unreliable centralised systems. Some countries have backed crypto, while others have imposed strict regulations, but Nick argues that crypto is here to stay.

There are security challenges, however. With increased decentralisation and smart contracts, there are more vulnerabilities, which hackers can exploit.

On the topic of NFTs and NFAs, Nick explains that when you buy an NFT, you buy a token; the asset linked to it is on another chain, creating problems. The solution is NFAs, which bind the token exchange with the asset exchange within a legal framework.

And finally, the discussion steers to Nick's TV drama about hacking and espionage.

Nick Ayton is a leading deep technology influencer and thought leader who operates at the forefront of AI, Blockchain, Quantum Computing and is involved in Quantum Photonic Silicon Processing, real-time 3D rendering, Post Quantum Cryptography… A sought after speaker and strategist; he founded Chainstarter Ventures that helps entrepreneurs capital from Family Offices.

The business focuses on the middle east and assists with capital raising, business development and market entry. Having spent 45 years in technology, founded several tech startups, he is a prolific writer and is making a TV series set against the backdrop ion the existential risk of AI and the race for supremacy between Russian, China and the USA.

Suzanna Hayek is a Kuwait-born, MA Journalism student in London. Suzanna is interested in covering social issues, ocean conservation, and water sports. She is fluent in Arabic and English. Suzanna's love affair with the sea started whilst teaching English as a Foreign Language at a leading international organisation in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. In her free time, Suzanna volunteers at EduPact, an initiative by a London-based, non-profit, which aims to provide free online lessons to children in Lebanon – where she is originally from. Suzanna is happiest when freediving and her favourite sharks are tiger sharks.