CoinDesk Podcast Network Gen C: Revolutionizing Aid: How Blockchain Is Fixing Broken Humanitarian Finance
Jun 16, 2025
Dr. Melyn McKay, Founder of Coala Pay, leverages her 15 years of humanitarian experience to discuss how blockchain is reinventing aid distribution. She highlights the obstacles billions face due to inaccessible financial systems and how blockchain technology can facilitate instant and secure payments in crisis zones. McKay shares her journey from cash-carrying in war zones to using stablecoins for efficient transactions. Trust and transparency are key themes, showcasing how Coala Pay connects communities with vetted organizations to revolutionize humanitarian finance.
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Unsafe Traditional Aid Payments
- Melyn McKay and team faced the challenge of paying partners in risky, conflict areas like Myanmar, where traditional payments were unsafe.
- Local partners requested safer payment methods, leading Koala Pay to explore blockchain solutions.
Aid Sector's Administrative Burden
- The aid sector has strong accountability and auditing standards, which drive high administrative costs.
- Automating money tracking with blockchain can redirect resources to community impact instead of extensive accounting.
Bridge Trust Gap for Direct Giving
- To build trust for direct giving, demonstrate rigorous vetting and monitoring of local organizations.
- Use blockchain transparency to facilitate donors giving funds directly to trusted local partners.
