Voice of FinTech®

Fernando Vázquez Cao, CEO at SBI Digital Assets Holdings, the digital assets arm of the SBI group, and Marc Robinson, COO at SBI Digital Assets Holdings in Tokyo, Japan discuss their vision for the digital assets ecosystem, their views on the importance of partnerships (such as Boerse Stuttgart), the status of the ecosystem in Japan and their hiring plans worldwide.

The SBI Group operates in 21 countries and provides financial services in a wide range of categories, including securities, banking, asset management and insurance. The SBI Group is an investor in Ripple, BRD, R3, Solaris Bank and Boerse Stuttgart among others.

Show Notes

In this episode, we speak to Fernando Luis Vázquez Cao, CEO at SBI Digital Assets Holdings and Marc Robinson, COO at SBI Digital Assets Holdings.

You will learn about:

  • Fernando's and Marc's journey, which led them to Japan and SBI specifically
  • Background: SBI Holdings and SBI Digital Assets and their connection to Softbank
  • Why did SBI venture out to Digital Assets?
  • Why do they believe in digital assets? 
  • Status of blockchain, crypto and digital assets scene in Japan. What's the outlook for each?
  • SBI Digital Assets vision for the digital assets ecosystem and its role in it
  • The key milestones that Fernando and Marc are the proudest of achieving
  • The impact of the pandemic on the blockchain or digital assets
  • Predictions for blockchain: pure, Bitcoin-like, or permissioned, enterprise blockchain ran by incumbents?
  • Important partnerships and acquisitions in Europe and their rationale (e.g., Boerse Stuttgart)
  • The key focus of due diligence when looking to acquire tech start-ups
  • Best way to reach out and learn more

What is Voice of FinTech®?

Aiming to inspire entrepreneurs around the world to launch their new ventures. Connect FinTech enthusiasts with start-ups, incubators, accelerators, investors and incumbents.