
The Crypto Explorer - by Sygnum Bank AG
The world of crypto can sometimes seem really complex - and it can feel intimidating to dive into! Join us on The Crypto Explorer, a podcast by Sygnum, the World's first Digital Asset Bank. In short, snappy episodes with industry leaders and sector specialists, we take a dive into the different aspects of an exciting, emerging asset-class. This is Future Finance – and if you want to understand why it matters and where to begin, this podcast is for you.
Latest episodes

Jun 28, 2024 • 40min
S2E1 - State of the Nation with Mihai Grigore and Katalin Tischhauser
Back from hiatus! Season 2 of The Crypto Explorer kicks off with Mihai Grigore - Director of Research at Messari and Katalin Tischhauser, Head of Research at Sygnum Bank. Together, they give us a State of the (crypto) Nation, examining key market trends and what to look out for in the year ahead. The questions include: What are the most significant trends in the crypto market today?How have recent regulatory changes impacted the crypto landscape, especially with the launch of the ETFs? What role do you see for DeFi in the future of finance? What emerging technologies are you most excited about in the blockchain space?What is your view on the layer 1 proliferation – where do we go from here? What do think of the new generation of high-yield algorithmic stable coins? Read the disclaimer here: https://www.sygnum.com/disclaimer

Oct 24, 2023 • 43min
#31: USDC and the evolving market of stablecoins - Teana Baker Taylor & Thomas Eichenberger
Stable coins continue to play a powerful role in the crypto sphere, so it was helpful to sit down with Teana Baker Taylor (Circle /USDC) and Thomas Eichenberger (CPO , Sygnum) to learn more about the growth in the space, addressing questions like: Is deriving stability from the tradfi markets the best way for the crypto ecosystem to evolve? How can players address issues around the stable coin market - e.g. transparency on backing assets?With the entry of new big Web2 market players, how does this evolve? Will we see co-existence or do you see a winner take all scenario?Read the disclaimer here: https://www.sygnum.com/disclaimer

Aug 31, 2023 • 47min
#30: The intersection of AI and Blockchain - Dominic Williams & Walter Strametz
In this episode, join us Dominic Williams (ICP) and Walter Strametz (CTO Sygnum) dive deep into the fascinating fusion of AI and Blockchain technologies. They explore the impactful use cases that distinguish them from classic blockchain applications, digging into the key intersections where AI and Blockchain converge, offering end users groundbreaking solutions. we look at questions like: 1. AI seems to be the hottest buzzword in tech - What sort of use cases do think have strong impact and how do they differ from classic blockchain use cases? 2. Where do you see the strongest intersection with AI and Blockchain? What are the key points of convergence between these two technologies in applications for end users?3. Perhaps a steps further than pure use-cases – De-AI, or Decentralized AI is also catching headlines, why is this interesting to explore and what benefits does it offer it users? 4. Blockchain's smart contracts enable automated and trustless transactions. How can AI leverage smart contracts to automate processes, and what are the implications for different industries?5. There are also suggestions around improving AI Data Security using blockchain, where do you see this being applicable? 6. What are some interesting applications listeners can already engage with, that are leveraging both technologies? How are these apps superior to their web 2 / non AI counterparts?Read the disclaimer here: https://www.sygnum.com/disclaimer

Aug 15, 2023 • 39min
#29: VC fundraising in crab season - Leeor Groen and Luca Burlando
Join us this week as we explore how Venture Capital funds navigate the ups and downs of a sideways-moving crypto market. Where do market opportunities lie? and what strategies and insights do seasoned investors use ? how do they thrive in volatile conditions, adapting and seizing opportunities? Tune in to understand how VCs maneuver through the sideways trends and still manage to find diamonds in the blockchain bear season.We address questions like: What is your investment thesis – what are you most bullish on in the market today? In an era with no free money and tempered growth, how has the investment outlook changed? Data says 2023 has had the lowest number of crypto startups being set up – why is this and how do you guys deal with it? What is the role of VCs in existing portfolio companies? Especially in slower market times? What are key green flags from a start up that makes you immediately interested?Read the disclaimer here: https://www.sygnum.com/disclaimer

Jul 9, 2023 • 35min
#28: The world of Enterprise Blockchain with Dan Burnett and Tom Lyons
In this episode, we'll delve into the world of enterprise blockchain. We'll explore the role of the Enterprise Ethereum Alliance (EEA) and its impact on standardization and adoption. Our guests, Tom Lyons and Dan Burnett will discuss the latest trends in enterprise blockchain, developments, and the challenges enterprises face during implementation. we address questions likeHow is the EEA different from the Ethereum Foundation? what purpose does it serve in the ecosystem?In 2017 we saw a lot of activity with R3 and Corda and the EEA , but at least I haven’t heard a lot since then, what is new in the world of enterprise blockchain?On the topic of standardization - What are the main trends you are seeing in the enterprise/business Ethereum world?What are you working on now that you are most excited about?What are the key challenges enterprises face around implementation? How do you help address these? If you had a call to action for our listeners, what would it be?Read the disclaimer here: https://www.sygnum.com/disclaimer

Jun 5, 2023 • 35min
#27: Decoding MICA - the evolving face of Crypto regulation
In this podcast we were excited to dive into the world of cryptocurrency regulation, with a particular focus on the ground-breaking Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MICA). Join Luka Mueller and Firas Habach, two esteemed experts in the field, as they demystify the complex landscape of crypto regulations and shed light on the profound impact MICA has on the future of digital assets.Read the disclaimer here: https://www.sygnum.com/disclaimer

May 16, 2023 • 36min
SGExHoBxSygnum: Episode 4: The role of Blockchain in trusted Supply Chains
Switzerland and blockchain: This episode is part of a limited series produced in partnership with Switzerland Global Enterprise and Home of Blockchain.swiss, which aims to highlight the successful implementation of blockchain technology across finance, industry, and NGOs. In this episode, we talk to Tatjana Meier, Blockchain Practice Leader at IBM Switzerland, and Ali Habbabeh, Web 3.0 Product Manager at Roche, about how blockchain technology transforms supply chain management, where its benefits and challenges are, and unique opportunities the Swiss market presents when it comes to implementing blockchain technology in supply chain management. Do you want to know more about business opportunities in the blockchain industry and the digital ecosystem in Switzerland? Get in touch at www.s-ge.com/en/blockchain and www.HomeofBlockchain.swiss.Read the disclaimer here: https://www.sygnum.com/disclaimer

Apr 16, 2023 • 33min
SGExHoBxSygnum: Episode 3: Crypto and the Financial sector
Switzerland and blockchain: This episode is part of a limited series produced in partnership with Switzerland Global Enterprise and Home of Blockchain.swiss, which aims to highlight the successful implementation of blockchain technology across finance, industry, and NGOs.In this episode, we talk to Philipp Cottier, Managing Partner at L1 Digital, and Mathias Imbach, Co-Founder and Group CEO at Sygnum, about the financial and banking environment around cryptocurrencies and what role Swiss financial institutions play in the global adoption of crypto. Do you want to know more about business opportunities in the blockchain industry and the digital ecosystem in Switzerland? Get in touch at www.s-ge.com/en/blockchain and www.HomeofBlockchain.swiss.Read the disclaimer here: https://www.sygnum.com/disclaimer

Mar 28, 2023 • 34min
SGExHoBxSygnum: Episode 2: Mapping the legal landscape of crypto
Switzerland and blockchain: This episode is part of a limited series produced in partnership with Switzerland Global Enterprise and Home of Blockchain.swiss, which aims to highlight the successful implementation of blockchain technology across finance, industry, and NGOs. In this episode, we talk to Karin Lorez, Founder of Lorez Legal and Scale Compliance, and Alexander Brunner, President of Home of Blockchain.swiss, about the regulatory landscape for cryptocurrency in Switzerland, how it has evolved, and why it is so successful. Do you want to know more about business opportunities in the blockchain industry and the digital ecosystem in Switzerland? Get in touch at www.s-ge.com/en/blockchain and www.HomeofBlockchain.swiss. Read the disclaimer here: https://www.sygnum.com/disclaimer

Feb 17, 2023 • 35min
Limited Edition: SGExHoB: Blockchain for a Better World
Switzerland and blockchain: This episode is part of a limited series produced in partnership with Switzerland Global Enterprise and Home of Blockchain.swiss , which aims to highlight the successful implementation of blockchain technology across finance, industry, and NGOs. In this episode, we talk to Sandro Knöpfel, Head of Strategic Partnerships at the Cardano Foundation, and Alvaro Cosi, Communications Manager at Switzerland for UNHCR, about how humanitarian organizations can benefit from blockchain technology. Do you want to know more about business opportunities in the blockchain industry and the digital ecosystem in Switzerland? Get in touch at Blockchain Hub Switzerland | S-GE and www.HomeofBlockchain.swiss.Read the disclaimer here: https://www.sygnum.com/disclaimer