AI, Crypto & The Death of Traditional Finance | Matthew Le Merle

AI, Crypto & The Death of Traditional Finance | Matthew Le Merle | Two Blokes Trading Ep. 17

In this episode of Two Blokes Trading, we speak with Matthew Le Merle — Silicon Valley investor, futurist, and co-founder of Blockchain Coinvestors — to explore how AI and blockchain are reshaping the global financial system. With over 25 years of experience and more than 1,000 startups backed, Matthew explains why traditional finance is on the brink of collapse and what will replace it.

We discuss how blockchain and artificial intelligence are combining to dismantle outdated infrastructure, from cross-border payments to capital formation. Matthew shares why the current wave of technological innovation isn’t a hype cycle, but a permanent shift to a new digital economic order — and what that means for traders, investors, and policymakers alike.

You’ll hear why he believes the real power lies in early-stage innovation, why global crises can accelerate disruption, and how conviction-based investing leads to outsized returns. This is a wide-ranging, high-conviction conversation with one of the most plugged-in voices in Web3 and venture capital.

Whether you're navigating markets or building for the future, this episode will change how you think about the next decade of finance.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Matthew Le Merle explains why the convergence of AI and blockchain is not just changing markets — it’s rewriting the entire global economic playbook. You’ll learn why the old models of value exchange, regulation, and finance are breaking down and how new systems of decentralized infrastructure are emerging to replace them.

We break down how investor psychology, hype cycles, and venture capital stages influence innovation, and why the best opportunities often emerge in downturns. Matthew also explores the evolution of digital identity, trust frameworks, and why billions of AIs will soon be transacting with one another using blockchain-based systems that traditional finance can’t support.

This episode is your guide to understanding how exponential technologies are converging — and why those who fail to adapt may be left behind. From fund-of-funds strategy to quantum computing and crypto payment rails, this is an inside look at the future of finance from a leader shaping it.

Jonathan Farrelly – Host

Jonathan started his trading journey over 15 years ago, learning from some of the best institutional traders in the world. Over the last 9 years, Jonathan has taught thousands of retail traders how to successfully navigate the financial markets. Jonathan has evolved Two Blokes Trading with new technologies to offer traders a fully immersive experience. His ethos is built on transparency with the goal of helping new and experienced traders reach their financial goals.

About Matthew Le Merle:

Matthew Le Merle is Managing Partner at Fifth Era and co-founder of Blockchain Coinvestors, one of the world’s most active venture investors in blockchain and AI. Based in Silicon Valley, Matthew has advised companies like Microsoft, Google, and Intel, and led digital innovation practices at top consulting firms.

With over 25 years in the tech and finance industries, he’s invested in more than 1,000 startups through early, mid, and late-stage funds — many of which are now unicorns. A frequent speaker and thought leader on digital disruption, Matthew brings a deep understanding of how exponential technologies, decentralization, and network effects are transforming global markets.

Matthew’s Website: https://www.blockchaincoinvestors.com/