Episode Topic In this episode of Pay Pod, host Kevin Rosenquist sits down with Tal Zackon, CEO of TRES Finance, to explore the evolving landscape of Web3 finance. As blockchain technology reshapes the financial sector, traditional tools struggle to keep up with the complexities of decentralized transactions. TRES Finance is tackling this challenge by providing innovative solutions for financial data management, offering Web3 businesses the infrastructure they need to scale with confidence. Tal shares his journey from venture capital to entrepreneurship, shedding light on what drives him to create groundbreaking financial tools. From reconciling data across over 160 blockchain networks to improving accessibility and compliance in crypto finance, this discussion unpacks the future of Web3 financial operations and how businesses can navigate this evolving space. Whether you're an investor, entrepreneur, or crypto enthusiast, this episode provides key insights into the future of decentralized finance Lessons You’ll Learn This episode provides an inside look at the challenges and opportunities in Web3 finance, as Tal Zackon breaks down the importance of robust financial infrastructure in the crypto space. Listeners will gain insights into how TRES Finance is solving major pain points, such as reconciling fragmented data across multiple blockchain networks, improving regulatory compliance, and making financial operations more efficient for businesses dealing in digital assets. Tal also shares lessons from his entrepreneurial journey—how he overcame initial skepticism, navigated product-market fit challenges, and learned the importance of patience in scaling a startup. Additionally, he discusses the role of artificial intelligence in simplifying crypto compliance and financial analysis, demonstrating how AI-powered tools can streamline reporting, auditing, and portfolio management. By the end of the episode, listeners will have a clearer understanding of how businesses can adopt blockchain technology without the usual complexity and risk. About Our Guest Tal Zackon is the co-founder and CEO of TRES Finance, a company revolutionizing financial data management for Web3 businesses. With a background in venture capital, Tal was driven by the need to build something transformative, leading him to create a financial operating system tailored for blockchain-based companies. His journey began in the military before transitioning into the world of finance, where he quickly recognized the gaps in crypto financial infrastructure. Under his leadership, TRES Finance has developed an advanced data pipeline that simplifies financial operations for crypto businesses, allowing them to manage assets seamlessly across numerous blockchain networks. With a deep understanding of both investment strategy and financial technology, Tal is committed to making Web3 finance more accessible, transparent, and compliant for organizations around the world. His vision extends beyond crypto accounting—he aims to create a foundation that enables businesses to operate with confidence in an increasingly decentralized economy. Topics Covered This episode covers the evolution of Web3 finance and why traditional financial tools are failing to support blockchain-based businesses. Tal shares his journey from venture capital to launching TRES Finance, highlighting the challenges he faced in finding product-market fit and building a sustainable company. He dives deep into the difficulties of crypto accounting, data reconciliation, and compliance, explaining how Web3 businesses struggle with fragmented data across multiple blockchain networks. The conversation also explores the role of artificial intelligence in financial data management, showing how AI-powered tools can improve financial reporting, auditing, and risk assessment in the crypto space. Additionally, Tal discusses the trade-offs between decentralization and efficiency, emphasizing how businesses can leverage blockchain technology while maintaining operational effectiveness. He also sheds light on how fintech companies and exchanges can enhance transparency and build trust with their customers, particularly through innovative solutions like TRES Finance’s proof-of-funds product. Finally, the episode provides a glimpse into the future of crypto compliance, AI integration, and the transformative impact these advancements will have on financial operations in the Web3 ecosystem.

Episode Topic In this episode, Jeroen Develter, CEO of Persistence, delves into the evolution of Bitcoin DeFi (BTCFi) and the challenges of blockchain interoperability. As Bitcoin moves beyond a store of value, Persistence is pioneering cross-chain swaps and decentralized finance solutions, allowing Bitcoin to integrate seamlessly into DeFi ecosystems. Jeroen explains how layer 2 solutions, interoperability innovations, and security improvements are making Bitcoin more scalable and usable for financial applications. He also discusses intent-based transactions, a game-changing approach that simplifies cross-chain operations and improves liquidity without traditional bridges. By eliminating security risks and inefficiencies, Persistence is revolutionizing how Bitcoin interacts with DeFi platforms.   Lessons You’ll Learn This episode offers a deep dive into the future of Bitcoin in DeFi. Jeroen reveals why traditional bridging mechanisms are insecure, how intent-based transactions enhance user experience, and why cross-chain swaps are the future of blockchain interoperability. Listeners will gain insights into how layer 2 solutions are reshaping Bitcoin, what BTCFi means for the financial sector, and why trust and security remain the biggest obstacles in crypto adoption. Whether you’re an investor, developer, or blockchain enthusiast, this episode will equip you with essential knowledge on the next evolution of Bitcoin in DeFi.   About Our Guest Jeroen Develter, CEO of Persistence, is a leading innovator in blockchain interoperability and Bitcoin DeFi. With a background in finance and technology, he has played a pivotal role in expanding Bitcoin’s functionality beyond a store of value, making it a powerful asset for decentralized finance applications. Jeroen’s work at Persistence focuses on bridging Bitcoin with DeFi ecosystems through secure, scalable, and trust-minimized solutions. His expertise in cross-chain swaps, intent-based transactions, and layer 2 scalability is shaping the future of Bitcoin interoperability. Under his leadership, Persistence is addressing the inefficiencies of traditional blockchain bridges, providing a safer and more efficient framework for Bitcoin transactions across multiple chains.   Topics Covered This episode explores Bitcoin’s transformation into a key player in decentralized finance (DeFi) and how Persistence is driving innovation in blockchain interoperability. Jeroen Develter explains why traditional bridges pose security risks and how cross-chain swaps offer a safer, more efficient alternative for moving assets between different blockchains. He also introduces the concept of intent-based transactions, which simplify crypto transactions by allowing users to set their goals while the system automatically finds the best way to execute them. Additionally, Jeroen discusses how layer 2 solutions are solving Bitcoin’s scalability challenges, making transactions faster and cheaper without compromising security. He shares insights into the growing BTCFi ecosystem, explaining how Bitcoin can now be used as collateral, traded more efficiently, and integrated into broader DeFi applications. Finally, he touches on regulatory challenges in the crypto space, emphasizing the importance of balancing innovation with compliance to ensure long-term adoption. Whether you're a blockchain developer, investor, or crypto enthusiast, this conversation provides valuable knowledge on the future of Bitcoin in DeFi and what’s next for blockchain interoperability.  

Episode Topic In this episode, Ryan Duitch,Founder and  CEO of Arro, discusses how his company is transforming the credit industry by making credit accessible, fair, and educational for consumers who are often overlooked by traditional financial institutions. Unlike conventional credit cards that rely heavily on FICO scores, Arro uses alternative data, cash flow analysis, and behavioral insights to approve customers and help them build a stronger financial foundation. By offering soft credit pulls, small initial credit limits, and a growth-based rewards system, Arro provides a low-risk and empowering path to improving credit scores. Arro also integrates financial literacy directly into its platform, offering users educational tools, goal-based incentives, and AI-powered financial coaching to guide them through responsible credit usage. With a mission to break the cycle of bad credit decisions, Arro's unique model is reshaping the way consumers approach credit, making financial empowerment accessible to all. Lessons You’ll Learn Listeners will gain actionable insights into how fintech is redefining credit accessibility and financial literacy. Ryan explains how soft credit pulls, cash flow underwriting, and behavior-based credit line increases can help individuals with low or no credit history build stronger financial profiles. Learn how Arro’s gamified financial education system encourages responsible spending and rewards users for making smart financial decisions. The conversation also highlights the flaws in the traditional credit system, such as how rent payments don’t count toward credit scores and why many consumers struggle with financial education. Ryan discusses the future of credit scoring and how Arro is working to change the industry narrative by creating an alternative credit model that measures financial health beyond just past borrowing behavior.   About Our Guest Ryan Duitch is the CEO and founder of Arro, a fintech company dedicated to making credit more accessible and fair. With a background in financial services and consumer behavior, Ryan has spent years studying the challenges that people face when trying to build or repair their credit. His deep understanding of alternative credit models, financial literacy, and behavioral finance has positioned Arro as a trailblazer in inclusive lending solutions. Under his leadership, Arro has developed a first-of-its-kind system that eliminates the reliance on FICO scores, instead using cash flow analysis, educational incentives, and AI-driven financial coaching to help consumers gain access to credit. Ryan’s mission is to break down barriers in the financial industry by providing a smarter, fairer, and more transparent way for people to manage and grow their credit responsibly.   Topics Covered This episode explores the challenges and opportunities in credit building, focusing on how Arro’s alternative credit system is helping consumers take control of their financial futures. Ryan explains the importance of financial literacy, highlighting how Arro’s platform integrates education and behavioral incentives to promote better credit habits. We also discuss how soft credit pulls, AI-powered financial coaching, and data-driven underwriting are reshaping the future of lending. Whether you're someone with no credit history, recovering from financial setbacks, or looking for smarter ways to build credit, this conversation provides practical takeaways on how fintech is driving financial empowerment in today’s digital world.  

Episode Topic Dive into the transformative world of data storage and fintech innovation with JB Baker, VP of Marketing and Product Management at ScaleFlux. In this episode, we explore how ScaleFlux is revolutionizing the data pipeline, optimizing everything from data creation to actionable business intelligence. With the explosion of data driven by AI-powered financial applications and real-time analytics, ScaleFlux is delivering cutting-edge solutions that are smarter, faster, and more sustainable. Learn how computational storage and advanced SSD technology are not only transforming IT infrastructure for financial institutions but also addressing critical challenges like power efficiency, scalability, and sustainability. We also explore the growing significance of NVMe SSDs and how they improve enterprise performance while reducing electronic waste. JB shares how ScaleFlux’s unique approach combines inline compression and data reduction to enhance real-time data processing. This episode highlights the critical role of sustainable innovation, offering solutions for businesses managing the ever-increasing demands of AI and big data.   Lessons You’ll Learn Gain invaluable insights into navigating today’s data-driven business landscape. JB explains how computational storage supports AI workloads, enabling financial services to process data more efficiently while addressing power constraints and latency issues. Learn how strategies like write reduction technology improve data compression, scalability, and IT infrastructure efficiency. Discover why sustainability matters in tech, as JB discusses solutions to reduce electronic waste through more durable storage components. Understand how NVMe SSDs are redefining industry standards, helping organizations achieve more with fewer resources. From fraud detection to high-frequency trading, this episode reveals how smarter storage enables businesses to deliver faster, better results in a competitive environment.   About Our Guest JB Baker is an industry leader in data storage, with over 15 years of experience driving innovation at companies like ScaleFlux. As the VP of Marketing and Product Management, JB’s expertise lies in bridging technical solutions with business goals to create impactful strategies. He holds a degree in psychology from Harvard University and an MBA specializing in marketing and operations. At ScaleFlux, JB leads efforts to reshape the data storage landscape, focusing on computational storage, power efficiency, and sustainability. His deep understanding of NVMe SSD technology and inline compression has positioned ScaleFlux as a pioneer in addressing the unique challenges of data-intensive applications. JB’s leadership and vision continue to drive ScaleFlux’s mission to deliver scalable, high-performance storage solutions tailored to the evolving demands of AI and big data.   Topics Covered This episode unpacks the critical role of computational storage in supporting data-heavy applications like AI and financial services. JB explains how ScaleFlux’s solutions optimize the data pipeline to deliver faster processing, better scalability, and improved efficiency. Learn why NVMe SSDs are essential for modern IT infrastructure and how they outperform traditional storage technologies like SATA and SAS. We also dive into sustainability, exploring ScaleFlux’s innovative approach to reducing electronic waste by extending the lifespan of storage components. JB highlights the importance of real-time data analysis in applications like fraud detection, high-frequency trading, and AI workloads. Discover how ScaleFlux empowers organizations to handle exponential data growth while meeting the demands of today’s dynamic business environment.  

Episode Topic In this episode of Paypod, we dive into the transformative potential of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology with Adam Israel, co-founder and COO of Mesh. Mesh is a groundbreaking platform that simplifies and secures crypto transactions by connecting over 300 exchanges and wallets seamlessly. Adam shares his journey from a 30-year career in traditional finance, working at institutions like JP Morgan Chase and HSBC, to becoming a passionate advocate for decentralized finance. The discussion explores the global impact of stablecoins, the regulatory hurdles facing the crypto industry, and how Mesh's innovative API technology is reducing friction in crypto ecosystems, making blockchain adoption more accessible than ever.   Lessons You’ll Learn This conversation reveals the immense opportunities blockchain and stablecoins offer in revolutionizing the global financial system. Adam highlights how crypto simplifies cross-border transactions, eliminates dependence on traditional intermediaries, and enhances financial inclusivity. You'll gain insight into the challenges of public trust and regulatory ambiguity, and how compliance-driven solutions like Mesh are paving the way for mainstream adoption. The episode underscores the importance of embedding regulatory requirements into crypto platforms to reduce risks, improve trust, and encourage greater acceptance of decentralized finance.   About Our Guest Adam Israel brings an impressive blend of experience and vision to the conversation. With over three decades in traditional finance and roles at globally recognized institutions like JP Morgan Chase and HSBC, Adam has developed a deep understanding of the financial world. As co-founder and COO of Mesh, Adam applies his expertise to bridge the gap between traditional and decentralized finance. His work focuses on creating infrastructure solutions that address the challenges of trust, safety, and compliance in the crypto space. Adam’s dedication to leveraging blockchain technology reflects his belief in its potential to empower individuals worldwide and revolutionize global financial systems.   Topics Covered The episode explores the pivotal role of stablecoins in reshaping financial systems and enabling seamless cross-border transactions. Adam discusses the barriers to crypto adoption, including regulatory ambiguity and public misconceptions, and how platforms like Mesh are addressing these challenges through innovative, compliance-first solutions. The conversation also highlights the broader applications of blockchain technology, such as simplifying asset transfers and improving transparency in title verifications. Finally, Adam explains how Mesh’s API platform is setting new standards for crypto connectivity, reducing transaction friction, and fostering trust within the evolving financial landscape  

Episode Topic: In this episode, Sarun Vichayabhai, CEO of Playbux, takes us into the evolving world of the metaverse, blockchain, and Web3 technologies. Sarun shares his expertise on how Playbux seamlessly integrates gaming, e-commerce, and decentralized finance, offering users a revolutionary digital experience. From challenges in metaverse adoption to groundbreaking advancements in NFTs, Sarun explains how his platform is bridging the gap between Web2 and Web3, ensuring accessibility and fun for all users. He also discusses the critical role of AI in shaping personalized user experiences and overcoming technical hurdles in the blockchain space. If you’ve ever wondered about the future of virtual economies or the real potential of the metaverse, this episode offers key insights. Lessons You’ll Learn: This episode unpacks essential lessons about the challenges and opportunities in the metaverse space. You’ll discover how Playbux uses AI to predict user needs, reduce onboarding complexities, and enhance engagement in blockchain ecosystems. Sarun Vichayabhai also delves into NFTs' transformation from mere collectibles to powerful tools for utility and membership programs. Learn how integrating real-world ideas into digital platforms can drive innovation and attract users. By understanding the strategic blend of technology and user-centric design, you’ll gain valuable insights into what it takes to thrive in Web3 and blockchain projects. About Our Guest: Sarun Vichayabhai is the visionary CEO of Playbux, a leading platform merging gaming, e-commerce, and blockchain into a seamless Web3 experience. With years of experience in the fintech and blockchain industries, Sarun has been instrumental in driving innovation in virtual economies and decentralized finance. His groundbreaking work with Playbux includes simplifying blockchain onboarding, enhancing user engagement, and creating new standards for NFTs with practical utility. Sarun’s passion for the metaverse, coupled with his commitment to building accessible technologies, makes him a trailblazer in the space.   Topics Covered: This episode covers a range of topics, including why the metaverse hasn’t yet reached its potential and what’s next for its evolution. Sarun discusses how Playbux gamifies the user journey to simplify blockchain onboarding and reduce drop-off rates. He explains how NFTs are transitioning into tools for utility and membership, creating real-world value. The conversation also explores the role of AI in crafting personalized user experiences and the future of blending physical and digital products within virtual marketplaces. Finally, Sarun shares insights into managing large digital communities and offers predictions for the next wave of innovations in blockchain and metaverse technology.  

Episode Topic: In this episode, Sarun Vichayabhai, CEO of Playbux, takes us into the evolving world of the metaverse, blockchain, and Web3 technologies. Sarun shares his expertise on how Playbux seamlessly integrates gaming, e-commerce, and decentralized finance, offering users a revolutionary digital experience. From challenges in metaverse adoption to groundbreaking advancements in NFTs, Sarun explains how his platform is bridging the gap between Web2 and Web3, ensuring accessibility and fun for all users. He also discusses the critical role of AI in shaping personalized user experiences and overcoming technical hurdles in the blockchain space. If you’ve ever wondered about the future of virtual economies or the real potential of the metaverse, this episode offers key insights. Lessons You’ll Learn: This episode unpacks essential lessons about the challenges and opportunities in the metaverse space. You’ll discover how Playbux uses AI to predict user needs, reduce onboarding complexities, and enhance engagement in blockchain ecosystems. Sarun Vichayabhai also delves into NFTs' transformation from mere collectibles to powerful tools for utility and membership programs. Learn how integrating real-world ideas into digital platforms can drive innovation and attract users. By understanding the strategic blend of technology and user-centric design, you’ll gain valuable insights into what it takes to thrive in Web3 and blockchain projects. About Our Guest: Sarun Vichayabhai is the visionary CEO of Playbux, a leading platform merging gaming, e-commerce, and blockchain into a seamless Web3 experience. With years of experience in the fintech and blockchain industries, Sarun has been instrumental in driving innovation in virtual economies and decentralized finance. His groundbreaking work with Playbux includes simplifying blockchain onboarding, enhancing user engagement, and creating new standards for NFTs with practical utility. Sarun’s passion for the metaverse, coupled with his commitment to building accessible technologies, makes him a trailblazer in the space. Topics Covered: This episode covers a range of topics, including why the metaverse hasn’t yet reached its potential and what’s next for its evolution. Sarun discusses how Playbux gamifies the user journey to simplify blockchain onboarding and reduce drop-off rates. He explains how NFTs are transitioning into tools for utility and membership, creating real-world value. The conversation also explores the role of AI in crafting personalized user experiences and the future of blending physical and digital products within virtual marketplaces. Finally, Sarun shares insights into managing large digital communities and offers predictions for the next wave of innovations in blockchain and metaverse technology.  

Episode Topic In this episode of the Pay Pod, Matt Cotter, CEO of PairSoft, discusses the transformative impact of automation and AI on business processes. He delves into how his company is using automation to streamline procurement and accounts payable workflows, eliminating mundane tasks and boosting efficiency. Matt also shares his thoughts on the broader implications of automation and AI, particularly the fears and uncertainties businesses face when integrating these technologies into their operations. He emphasizes how the role of employees will change, with automation freeing them up to focus on more strategic and impactful work, rather than being bogged down by repetitive tasks. Lessons You’ll Learn Listeners will gain valuable insights into the role of AI in reshaping business workflows. Matt explains how automation can alleviate repetitive tasks, freeing up employees to focus on higher-value work that directly contributes to business growth and innovation. He offers practical advice on overcoming fears associated with automation, discussing how these technologies have the potential to enhance efficiency and create new opportunities. Additionally, Matt addresses how the workforce’s role is evolving, explaining that the work people do will change, but automation will not necessarily eliminate jobs—rather, it will shift the focus to more strategic and analytical tasks. About Our Guest Matt Cotter is the CEO of PairSoft, a company specializing in AI-driven automation for procurement, accounts payable, and document management. With a background in leading technology-driven transformations, Matt has been at the forefront of integrating AI to improve business operations. His leadership is driven by a passion for helping businesses achieve operational efficiency and enhancing employee productivity. Matt believes that the future of work is about leveraging technology to empower people, and he strives to create a culture where innovation and empathy intersect to drive positive change within organizations. Topics Covered In this conversation, Matt covers a wide range of topics related to the future of automation in business, focusing specifically on procurement and accounts payable processes. He addresses the common fears and misconceptions surrounding AI, highlighting how businesses can overcome resistance and embrace second-order change. Matt also discusses the role of AI in enhancing operational efficiency, reducing human error, and enabling employees to take on more meaningful, strategic roles. Furthermore, he explores leadership in a rapidly evolving technological landscape and how companies can use AI to not only improve business operations but also create a positive impact on employees and customers

EpisodeTopic                                                                                                      In this episode, we delve into the world of cybersecurity with Anand Naik, founder of SEQURETEK. Anand shares his extensive experience working with major companies like IBM, Sun Microsystems, and Symantec, and how he transitioned into founding Sequretek in 2013 to provide cutting-edge solutions to protect businesses from evolving cyber threats. His company’s focus on using AI and machine learning to combat security risks in real-time is transforming the way cybersecurity is approached. From large enterprises to smaller organizations, the need for robust protection against cyberattacks has never been more critical. Lessons You’ll Learn Listeners will gain valuable insights into the cybersecurity landscape, particularly how new technologies like AI, machine learning, and cloud-based solutions are redefining threat detection and mitigation. Anand explains the importance of simplifying security, offering businesses the flexibility to maintain visibility over their operations without overhauling existing systems. You'll also learn about the growing risks from IoT devices and quantum computing, and how companies can stay ahead by adopting advanced security solutions like Sequretek's percept XDR and percept IGA. About Our Guest Anand Naik is the founder and CEO of Sequretek Tech, a company dedicated to providing innovative cybersecurity solutions powered by AI and machine learning. With over two decades of experience working with global giants like IBM, Symantec, and Sun Microsystems, Anand brings a wealth of knowledge in cybersecurity. His company focuses on making security simple, providing businesses with seamless integration of advanced protection while reducing the complexity of managing multiple security systems. Anand’s work is helping to shape the future of enterprise security, ensuring organizations stay protected in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Topics Covered In this episode, Anand shares his journey from corporate giant to startup entrepreneur, offering insights into the technological shifts he witnessed and how they shaped his approach to cybersecurity. He discusses Sequretek’s unique approach to providing real-time, AI-driven threat detection and security management. Anand also talks about the importance of flexible, modular systems that integrate with existing infrastructures and the future of cybersecurity, touching on emerging threats such as IoT breaches and quantum computing. Additionally, he explains how Sequretek is helping businesses navigate these challenges with minimal disruption and maximum protection.  

Episode Topic In this insightful episode, Kevin Rosenquist welcomes Rufei Qian, CEO of NihaoPay, a company revolutionizing cross-border payments by bridging the gap between global merchants and Chinese consumers. They explore critical topics like regulatory challenges in entering the Chinese market, adapting to cultural differences, and the evolving trends in consumer behavior. Rufei shares how Chinese consumers have shifted towards local brands and the widespread adoption of digital wallets, contrasting it with Western reliance on credit cards. The discussion highlights the transformative impact of technology on global transactions and the unique opportunities in cross-border commerce. Lessons You’ll Learn Discover actionable strategies for navigating the complexities of China's regulatory landscape while delivering a seamless user experience. Rufei delves into how merchants can adapt to the distinct consumer habits in China, such as the mobile-first approach and preference for digital wallets like Alipay and WeChat Pay. Learn how innovation, a global-local strategy, and talent development drive success in the fintech space. Gain insights into the potential of blockchain in payments and how AI can complement, rather than disrupt, established industries. About Our Guest Rufei Qian is the visionary CEO of NihaoPay, a leader in cross-border payments that connects global merchants with Chinese consumers. With over a decade of expertise in fintech, Rufei has spearheaded innovative solutions that simplify transactions, ensuring regulatory compliance and cultural adaptability. Her leadership has driven NihaoPay's groundbreaking initiatives, including a new card issuing platform tailored for seamless global shopping. Rufei is a passionate advocate for using technology to enhance financial ecosystems and foster meaningful connections between diverse markets. Topics Covered This episode dives into how global merchants can navigate China's regulatory landscape, highlighting key challenges and strategies for compliance. Rufei sheds light on evolving consumer trends, including the rise of digital wallets and the shift toward local brands in Chinese markets. She also explores the transformative role of technological innovations, such as AI and blockchain, in shaping the future of payments. Additionally, Rufei discusses NihaoPay’s latest initiative, a card issuing platform designed to simplify cross-border transactions for global consumers. The conversation concludes with insights into cultural and operational shifts, emphasizing the importance of innovation, localization, and talent development in driving growth