Fintech Files: Insights on TECH by BCG Platinion

The Future of Money Movement: Crypto Security and Payments with Michael Shaulov

Nov 18, 2025

Michael Shaulov, Founder and CEO of Fireblocks, is a cybersecurity expert who revolutionized digital asset custody. He discusses the evolution of digital payment rails and how cybersecurity is crucial for secure transactions. The rise of stablecoins is explored, highlighting their role in transforming traditional finance and easing cross-border payments. Shaulov also emphasizes how Fireblocks built its secure platform and the growing institutional shift towards using digital assets for real business operations.

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ANECDOTE

From SWIFT Hacks To Founding Fireblocks

Michael Shaulov recounts investigating early coordinated crypto attacks and realizing institutions lacked enterprise-grade security.
That experience led him to found Fireblocks to secure digital asset transactions using chip-level trusted execution technologies.

INSIGHT

Security By Design Is The Foundation

Fireblocks built a "security by design" platform using trusted execution environments at the chip level.
That architecture turned a cybersecurity idea into scalable fintech infrastructure for institutions.

ADVICE

Pre-Transaction Controls Are Essential

Pre-validate counterparties and embed compliance information before sending transactions.
Use authenticated, instant instructions rather than relying on post-transaction rollback.

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Money moves digitally across invisible networks every day — but what actually carries it from one place to another? Fireblocks CEO Michael Shaulov joins us to unpack the evolution of digital payment rails; the networks and infrastructure that move money in our digital world. We explore how cybersecurity, blockchain, and new forms of currency are reshaping global transactions. Michael shares how Fireblocks’ “security by design” approach has fueled institutional adoption of digital assets and what the rise of stablecoins could mean for everyday payments. From practical benefits to the complex challenges of integration, this conversation looks at how the future of money movement is being built right now.

Discussion Highlights:

Building the Foundation for a New Financial Rail: How early insights into organized crypto attacks led to Fireblocks’ creation.
Secure by Design: How Fireblocks built its platform on chip-level security to protect the growing world of digital assets.
Secure at Scale: Why institutions are moving from experimenting with crypto to using digital assets and stablecoins in real business transactions.
The Role of Stablecoins: How digital dollars are complementing traditional finance, reshaping payments and operations worldwide.
The Opportunity for Cross-Border Payments: Why blockchain-based payment rails are tackling fragmentation and inefficiency in moving money around the world.
Connecting the Digital Economy: Why the launch of the Fireblocks Payments Network marks a turning point toward truly instant, compliant global transactions.

About Fintech Files:

Join us on Fintech Files from BCG Platinion as we explore the cutting-edge trends disrupting Fintech today.

From NeoBanks to cryptocurrency, we delve into the dynamic landscape of financial technology through insightful conversations with global disruptors. We’ll uncover the most groundbreaking trends shaping the future of Fintech and examine their impact on the financial world. We focus on real-world examples, making financial technology relatable and accessible to both Fintech enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Hosted by Annika Melchert, a Principal currently based at BCG Platinion in the Middle East, and Nora Hocke, a Principal currently based at BCG Platinion in Sydney, our hosts bring expertise in tech transformations, platform architecture, and digital innovation. Annika and Nora work with Fintechs and incumbent banks, and together they offer unique insights into the evolving financial landscape, drawing on their wealth of experience with leading organizations. Bianca Lopes is an entrepreneur and economist from Brazil with a background in digital identity and biometrics. Having supported over 40 financial institutions and eight governments, Bianca’s work reshapes technology, reimagines identity, and drives innovation.