

Around The Coin
Stephen Sargeant and Mike Townsend
Around The Coin is a podcast exploring finance, fintech, and the future of money. Hosted by industry experts, it features deep dives into payments, crypto, banking, and disruptive innovations shaping the global economy.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 12, 2025 • 1h 8min
Earning Real Yield Safely in Crypto - Vik Arun | ATC #585
In this episode of the Around The Coin podcast, host Stephen Sargeant interviews Vik Arun, CEO and co-founder of Superform, a company pioneering new levels of decentralization through their innovative app. Stephen and Vik discuss the current investment landscape, the potential impact of regulations, and the technicalities of deploying blockchain technology. Vik shares his journey from engineering to finance to crypto, revealing insights about Superform's mission to make DeFi accessible and secure for everyone. They delve into the challenges of earning yield, maintaining user trust, and bridging the gap between traditional finance and the crypto world. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of digital assets and decentralized finance. We are also available via:Around The Coin — Official WebsiteBuzzsproutApple PodcastSpotifyPlayer FMQuoraMediumX FacebookLinkedInTiktokSoundcloud

Nov 5, 2025 • 59min
Do We Really Need More Blockchains? - Anthony Day | ATC #584
In this episode of Around The Coin, host Stephen Sargeant sits down with Anthony Day, Marketing Director at VeChain, to discuss the future of blockchain applications. Anthony emphasizes the need for purpose-filled, impactful applications over simply creating more blockchains. They delve into VeChain's journey, its significant partnerships like UFC, and the innovative V Better platform, which hosts over 50 applications aimed at promoting sustainability and community growth. Anthony also shares his insights from working at Deloitte Ireland in their blockchain lab since 2012 and the practical use of AI agents in Web3. Tune in for a comprehensive discussion on how VeChain is setting new standards for real-world asset tokenization and mass blockchain adoption. We are also available via:Around The Coin — Official WebsiteBuzzsproutApple PodcastSpotifyPlayer FMQuoraMediumX FacebookLinkedInTiktokSoundcloud Check out http://deepca.st/around-the-coin on DeepCast to delve into episode transcripts, key insights, discussed topics, and more!

Oct 29, 2025 • 57min
Why Security Is Crypto’s Biggest Challenge - Ido Ben Natan | ATC #583
Join host Stephen Sargeant on the Around The Coin Podcast as he converses with Ido Ben Natan, the CEO and Co-founder of Blockaid. Discover the story behind significant hacks like the Buy Bit incident and the ongoing cybersecurity challenges in DeFi. Ido discusses his journey from traditional cybersecurity to Web3, the persistent vulnerabilities in the crypto space, and Blockaid's innovative solutions to proactively prevent hacks. The episode also delves into the future of AI-driven payments and the crucial role of robust security measures in the evolving world of blockchain. A must-watch for anyone interested in the intersection of cybersecurity and decentralized finance.We are also available via:Around The Coin — Official WebsiteBuzzsproutApple PodcastSpotifyPlayer FMQuoraMediumX FacebookLinkedInTiktokSoundcloudCheck out http://deepca.st/around-the-coin on DeepCast to delve into episode transcripts, key insights, discussed topics, and more!

Oct 22, 2025 • 58min
What’s Driving the Rise of Asset Tokenization? - Angie Walker | ATC #582
In this episode of the Around The Coin podcast, host Stephen Sargeant speaks with Angie Walker, the commercial head of Apex Digital. Angie discusses the launch of Apex Digital's 3.0 platform, which focuses on tokenizing all asset classes, making them available 24/7, and bridging traditional finance with digital assets. They dive into Angie's rich experience with R3, Corda, and Chainlink, as well as the regulatory landscape and upcoming trends in real-world asset tokenization, stablecoins, and digital infrastructure. Angie also sheds light on the Apex Invest Summit and the transformative potential of tokenized funds, commodities, and securities. This episode is a must-listen for anyone wanting to understand the future of on-chain assets and the evolving digital financial ecosystem. We are also available via:Around The Coin — Official WebsiteBuzzsproutApple PodcastSpotifyPlayer FMQuoraMediumX FacebookLinkedInTiktokSoundcloud Check out http://deepca.st/around-the-coin on DeepCast to delve into episode transcripts, key insights, discussed topics, and more!

Oct 15, 2025 • 55min
Future of Crypto ETFs and Industry Outlook - Federico Brokate| ATC #581
Welcome to another edition of the Around The Coin podcast! In this episode, host Stephen Sargeant sits down with Federico Brokate, Head of US Business at 21Shares, to discuss the dynamics of crypto ETFs and ETPs, focusing on the regulatory landscape and the challenges faced by the industry. Federico delves into his journey from BlackRock to 21Shares, highlighting their pioneering role in bringing the world’s first Solana ETP to market in 2021. The conversation covers everything from the evolution of crypto regulations under different administrations to the exciting prospects for Solana and other emerging blockchains. Tune in for an insightful discussion on the future of crypto assets and the institutional interest driving it.We are also available via:Around The Coin — Official WebsiteBuzzsproutApple PodcastSpotifyPlayer FMQuoraMediumX FacebookLinkedInTiktokSoundcloudCheck out http://deepca.st/around-the-coin on DeepCast to delve into episode transcripts, key insights, discussed topics, and more!

Oct 8, 2025 • 56min
Will AI Replace Payment Gateways Soon? - Roberto E. Kafati | ATC #580
Join host Stephen Sargeant in an insightful conversation with Roberto Kafati (Reks), the CEO and founder of DEUNA, about the future of payments in North, Central, and Latin America. Roberto shares his journey from DEUNA's inception to becoming an innovative payment infrastructure that leverages AI and agentic intelligence. They discuss the challenges and opportunities in the payment industry, the integration of stablecoins, and the impact of digital adoption during the COVID-19 pandemic. Gain valuable insights into the resilience required to build a successful payment infrastructure and hear about DEUNA's future plans, including their presence at Money 2020 in Las Vegas. Don't miss this engaging discussion with a true industry visionary.We are also available via:Around The Coin — Official WebsiteBuzzsproutApple PodcastSpotifyPlayer FMQuoraMediumX FacebookLinkedInTiktokSoundcloud Check out http://deepca.st/around-the-coin on DeepCast to delve into episode transcripts, key insights, discussed topics, and more!

Oct 2, 2025 • 52min
Is Texas Becoming the Bitcoin Capital? - Lee Bratcher | ATC #579
Join host Stephen Sargeant as he engages in an enlightening conversation with Lee Bratcher, the president and founder of the Texas Blockchain Council. Dive deep into the current landscape of Bitcoin mining in Texas, the intersection of politics and crypto, and the impact of digital assets. Lee discusses the regulatory environment, the future of land administration through blockchain, and Texas's strategic Bitcoin reserve. Learn about the upcoming North American Blockchain Summit featuring industry experts, sports icons Emmett Smith and Terrell Owens, and impactful discussions around AI, data centers, and more. Explore the collaboration between the Texas Blockchain Council and the Canadian Blockchain Consortium, highlighting the shared mission of driving innovation in the digital asset space. We are also available via:Around The Coin — Official WebsiteBuzzsproutApple PodcastSpotifyPlayer FMQuoraMediumX FacebookLinkedInTiktokSoundcloud Check out http://deepca.st/around-the-coin on DeepCast to delve into episode transcripts, key insights, discussed topics, and more!

Sep 24, 2025 • 1h 8min
What’s Next for Global Fintech Leaders? - Taylor Lauber | ATC #578
In this episode of Around The Coin, host Stephen Sargeant welcomes Taylor Lauber, CEO of Shift4. They discuss Shift4's journey into the payment processing space, its work with e-commerce companies, and its involvement in the cryptocurrency world. The conversation also covers Shift4's philanthropic endeavors, such as the Giving Block and the Care for Crypto campaign, which have donated over $20 million. Taylor shares insights on the nuances of regulatory compliance, the future of fintech, and how Shift4 is staying ahead with technological advancements, including exploring space payments. Additionally, they explore Taylor's personal background, his career at Blackstone Group, the growth strategies at Shift4, and the importance of balancing software and hardware in the current state of payments. This episode is packed with valuable information for anyone interested in payments, tech, and the evolving fintech landscape. We are also available via:Around The Coin — Official WebsiteBuzzsproutApple PodcastSpotifyPlayer FMQuoraMediumX FacebookLinkedInTiktokSoundcloud Check out http://deepca.st/around-the-coin on DeepCast to delve into episode transcripts, key insights, discussed topics, and more!

Sep 11, 2025 • 1h 16min
From Tax Inspector to Tech CEO - Aidan Larkin | ATC #577
Join host Stephen Sargeant on the Around The Coin podcast as he talks with Aidan Larkin, the CEO and co-founder of Asset Reality, about the dynamic journey of building a startup in asset recovery. Aidan delves into the trials and triumphs of running a VC-backed company, handling imposter syndrome, and maintaining self-awareness as a CEO. The conversation covers the challenges in both digital and physical asset recovery, heavily intertwined with regulatory obligations. Aidan’s fascinating anecdotes range from exotic seizures like movie memorabilia and even live animals to deep dives into his past experiences as a tax inspector and handling criminal tax cases. They also discuss the future of asset recovery, the influence of regulations, and the importance of cross-border cooperation in combating economic crime. If you’re into crypto, asset recovery, or the regulatory landscape, this episode is for you. We are also available via:Around The Coin — Official WebsiteBuzzsproutApple PodcastSpotifyPlayer FMQuoraMediumX FacebookLinkedInTiktokSoundcloud Check out http://deepca.st/around-the-coin on DeepCast to delve into episode transcripts, key insights, discussed topics, and more!

Sep 3, 2025 • 56min
Future of Digital Assets in Public Markets - Jaime Leverton | ATC #576
In this episode of the Around The Coin podcast, host Stephen Sargeant welcomes Jaime Leverton, CEO of ReserveOne and former CEO of Hut 8. Jaime shares her incredible journey across telco, cloud infrastructure, Bitcoin mining, and now building a diversified digital asset treasury. They dive into the rise of ReserveOne, the unique structure of digital asset stockpiles, and why Bitcoin and stablecoins are critical for the future of payments. Jaime explains the challenges of running public companies, navigating U.S. vs Canadian regulations, and how ReserveOne differentiates itself from ETFs and tokens. She also opens up about balancing parenthood with leadership, lessons learned from Blackberry and Hut 8, and advice for builders in crypto and fintech. This episode is essential for anyone interested in stablecoins, digital asset treasuries, regulation, and the future of corporate Bitcoin adoption. We are also available via:Around The Coin — Official WebsiteBuzzsproutApple PodcastSpotifyPlayer FMQuoraMediumX FacebookLinkedInTiktokSoundcloud Check out http://deepca.st/around-the-coin on DeepCast to delve into episode transcripts, key insights, discussed topics, and more!


