Wharton FinTech Podcast
Caliza Founder & CEO, Ezra Kebrab - Modernizing Cross-Border Transactions using Stablecoins
Apr 22, 2025
In this episode, Ezra Kebrab, Founder and CEO of Caliza, shares his journey from Visa to revolutionizing cross-border payments with stablecoins. He discusses how Caliza addresses payment inefficiencies in Brazil and its expansion to Mexico and Asia. Ezra highlights the advantages of stablecoins over traditional systems like SWIFT and their potential for economic opportunities in Latin America. Additionally, he reflects on fundraising efforts and the importance of maintaining personal convictions as a founder while navigating diverse advice.
33:26
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Ezra Kebrab's personal experiences with financial inefficiencies inspired him to innovate in fintech and enhance cross-border payments.
- Caliza aims to revolutionize cross-border transactions through stablecoins, facilitating instant settlements and expanding opportunities for businesses in emerging markets.
Deep dives
Ezra Kabrob's Early Influences
Ezra Kabrob's journey into fintech was significantly shaped by his childhood experiences, particularly the influence of his father, who introduced him to economic concepts through books like 'Maestro' by Bob Woodward. This early exposure to the importance of the Federal Reserve and its global impact on money supply sparked his interest in finance. Additionally, seeing his family navigate remittances highlighted the real-world challenges of financial services. These foundational experiences galvanized his desire to enter fintech and address the pain points he witnessed within financial transactions.
