Hightop
By Hightop
HightopJun 15, 2020
#15: Crypto Banking Wars - Can BlockFi & Celsius Disrupt Banking?
Today is the third episode of our new series, Crypto Banking Wars. We're trying to answer the question: which crypto company is most likely to become the bank of the future?
In our first episode, we have looked at Coinbase, Binance, and other crypto exchanges. We then explored the world of non-custodial wallets. Today we're looking at centralized lending & borrowing services like BlockFi, Nexo, and Celsius.
They got a lot of early traction among crypto users. But are they capable of bundling more financial services and reaching a broader market? Find out in today's episode!
------
Other Ways to Consume Today's Episode:
- Read on Medium: https://medium.com/genesisblock/crypto-banking-wars-can-blockfi-celsius-disrupt-banking-cf33d452ae53
- Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8yVK4JOJ7wmrXnLQgU9uig
- Listen via SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/genesisblock/15-crypto-banking-wars-can-blockfi-celsius-disrupt-banking
- Listen via Podcast (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, etc): https://anchor.fm/genesis-block
Follow our social channels:
https://genesisblock.com/follow/
Download the app. We're a digital bank that's powered by crypto:
https://genesisblock.com/download
#14: Crypto Banking Wars - Can Non-Custodial Crypto Wallets Ever Replace Banks?
Today is the second episode of our new series, Crypto Banking Wars. In this series, we're trying to answer this question: which crypto-native company is most likely to become the bank of the future?
In our last episode, we looked at crypto exchanges like Coinbase & Binance. Today, we're looking at non-custodial crypto wallets -- the products that allow users to become their own bank. These teams are engineer-driven and at the frontlines of protocol innovation. They understand the power of DeFi -- decentralized finance. They are certainly worth discussing.
Can these products overcome the product limitations of blockchain? Can they deliver the type of world-class experience that the masses expect? Find out in today's episode!
------
Other Ways to Consume Today's Episode:
- Read on Medium: https://medium.com/genesisblock/crypto-banking-wars-can-non-custodial-crypto-wallets-ever-replace-banks-c381d7e863f4
- Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/wm5hT0fQvVY
- Listen via SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/genesisblock/14-crypto-banking-wars-can-non-custodial-crypto-wallets-ever-replace-banks
- Listen via Podcast (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, etc): https://anchor.fm/genesis-block
Follow our social channels:
https://genesisblock.com/follow/
Download the app. We're a digital bank that's powered by crypto:
https://genesisblock.com/download/
#13: Crypto Banking Wars - Will Coinbase or Binance Become the Bank of the Future?
Today we start a new series, Crypto Banking Wars. We've previously discussed why we think the power players of consumer finance in the 21st century will be crypto-native companies who build with blockchain technology at their core.
So the key question that this series hopes to answer: which crypto company is best-positioned to become the bank of the future?
We hope it's Genesis Block, but we certainly aren't the only game in town. So in this series, we'll explore the entire crypto landscape—different categories and companies—and we'll analyze who has the best shot at winning the broader consumer finance market. In today's episode, we'll look at big crypto exchanges like Coinbase & Binance. Can their early traction translate to success in the broader market? Listen to find out.
------
Other Ways to Consume Today's Episode:
- Read on Medium: https://medium.com/genesisblock/crypto-banking-wars-will-coinbase-or-binance-become-the-bank-of-the-future-eb31bcf02b02
- Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0csY1j0FuEk
- Listen on SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/genesisblock/13-crypto-banking-wars-will-coinbase-or-binance-become-the-bank-of-the-future/
- Listen via Podcast (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, etc): https://anchor.fm/genesis-block
Follow our social channels:
https://genesisblock.com/follow/
Download the app. We're a digital bank that's powered by crypto:
https://genesisblock.com/download/
#12: Social Impact at Genesis Block: Creating a Mission-Driven Organization
Today's episode is all about our mission at Genesis Block and how we're working to unlock financial inclusion, financial health, and economic freedom for everyone—including those who have been historically underserved.
Yes, we're still a small startup. And most startups justifiably shy away from thinking about social impact until much later. But we want this to be a priority from day one. Social impact shouldn't just be optional icing on the cake once you reach profitability. It should be baked into the cake itself. And for us at Genesis Block, it is.
Today we share more details about what that means, what we're doing, and some specific areas where we hope to make a meaningful positive impact.
------
Other Ways to Consume Today's Episode:
- Read on Medium: https://medium.com/genesisblock/social-impact-at-genesis-block-creating-a-mission-driven-organization-576b7d10aa3f
- Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/x5ePQbx1mmg
- Listen on SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/genesisblock/12-social-impact-at-genesis-block-creating-a-mission-driven-organization
- Listen via Podcast (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, etc): https://anchor.fm/genesis-block
Follow our social channels:
https://genesisblock.com/follow/
Download the app. We're a digital bank that's powered by crypto:
https://genesisblock.com/download/
#11: Crypto-Powered - 10 Points that Highlight the Magic of DeFi
In our previous episode, we did a whirlwind tour of DeFi (decentralized finance). The natural next question is: why does any of it matter? Most of the financial services offered by DeFi protocols already exist in the real world. Why does it need to be decentralized or on a blockchain?
Today we go through 10 points that highlight the magic of DeFi. After today, we hope it becomes clear just how big of an unfair advantage this technology is for Genesis Block. It's our superpower as we compete against big banks and fintech unicorns.
This is the final episode of "Crypto-Powered," a new series that examines what it means for Genesis Block to be a digital bank that's powered by crypto, blockchain, and decentralized protocols. Enjoy!
------
Other Ways to Consume Today's Episode:
- Read on Medium: https://medium.com/genesisblock/crypto-powered-10-points-that-highlight-the-magic-of-defi-a2de42b98060
- Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/tWNRAtcP-Ks
- Listen on SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/genesisblock/11-crypto-powered-10-points-that-highlight-the-magic-of-defi
- Listen via Podcast (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, etc): https://anchor.fm/genesis-block
Follow our social channels:
https://genesisblock.com/follow/
Download the app. We're a digital bank that's powered by crypto:
#10: Crypto-Powered - The Most Promising Use-Cases of Decentralized Finance (DeFi)
In today's episode, we dive deeper down the crypto rabbit hole. We're doing a whirlwind tour of DeFi (decentralized finance). We look at specific examples and use-cases already in the wild and seeing strong growth. And we pay close attention to protocols that Genesis Block is leveraging and integrating with.
The last episode was an intro to Bitcoin, Ethereum, and DeFi. The milk. Today we get into the juicy meat. We're leveling up. That last episode is required listening if you hope to understand today's content.
This is the third episode of Crypto-Powered —a series that examines what it means for Genesis Block to be a digital bank that's powered by crypto, blockchain, and decentralized protocols. Enjoy!
------
Other Ways to Consume Today's Episode:
- Read on Medium: https://medium.com/genesisblock/crypto-powered-the-most-promising-use-cases-of-decentralized-finance-defi-949d8e6a12d3
- Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/T42zLso8Hls
- Listen on SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/genesisblock/10-crypto-powered-the-most-promising-use-cases-of-decentralized-finance-defi
- Listen via Podcast (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, etc): https://anchor.fm/genesis-block
Follow our social channels:
https://genesisblock.com/follow/
Download the app. We're a digital bank that's powered by crypto:
https://genesisblock.com/download
#9: Crypto-Powered - Understanding Bitcoin, Ethereum, and DeFi
Today we begin our journey down the crypto rabbit hole. This episode will be an important introduction for those still learning about Bitcoin, Ethereum, or DeFi (Decentralized Finance). Until one understands the basics of this tech, they won't be able to grasp or appreciate the impact it has on our new digital bank, Genesis Block.
This is the second episode of our new series, Crypto-Powered, where we look at what it means for Genesis Block to be powered by crypto, blockchain technology, and decentralized protocols. This episode (and the next few) will go into greater detail about how this technology gives us an edge, a superpower, and an unfair advantage in the world of consumer finance. Enjoy!
------
Other Ways to Consume Today's Episode:
- Read on Medium: https://medium.com/genesisblock/crypto-powered-understanding-bitcoin-ethereum-and-defi-f1433487eaff
- Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pTDdI0Jkqw4
- Listen via SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/genesisblock/9-crypto-powered-understanding-bitcoin-ethereum-and-defi
- Listen via Podcast (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, etc): https://anchor.fm/genesis-block
We have a lot more content coming. Be sure to follow our channels: https://genesisblock.com/follow/
Have you already downloaded the app? We're Genesis Block, a new digital bank that's powered by crypto & decentralized protocols. The app is live in the App Store (iOS & Android). Get the link to download at https://genesisblock.com/download
#8: Crypto-Powered - Build on Legacy Finance, Prepare To Die
The success of today's high-flying fintech unicorns will be short-lived as long as they're building on legacy finance. Today's episode unpacks that bold statement.
This is the first episode of "Crypto-Powered," a new series where we explore what it means for Genesis Block to be powered by crypto, blockchain technology, and decentralized protocols.
But we can't talk about the future of money unless we first understand some of the problems of money. So before we dive deep into the crypto rabbit hole, we need to look at what's broken with the current financial system. Today's episode looks at the current state of consumer finance and sets the stage for the rest of the series.
------
Other Ways to Consume Today's Episode:
- Read on Medium: https://medium.com/genesisblock/crypto-powered-build-on-legacy-finance-prepare-to-die-9426f497a79
- Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/dbhwaD3Hguk
- Listen on SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/genesisblock/8-crypto-powered-build-on-legacy-finance-prepare-to-die
- Listen via Podcast (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, etc): https://anchor.fm/genesis-block
We have a lot more content coming. Be sure to follow our channels: https://genesisblock.com/follow/
Have you already downloaded the app? We're Genesis Block, a new digital bank that's powered by crypto & decentralized protocols. The app is live in the App Store (iOS & Android). Get the link to download at https://genesisblock.com/download
#7: The Type of Company Culture I Hope To Build
In today’s episode, Mick Hagen (CEO/Founder) shares a few thoughts on the culture he hopes we can nurture, the values he hopes we can defend, and the type of company he hopes we can build.
This episode is a break from any specific series or theme. We're currently growing our engineering team and doing many interviews with candidates. The topic of company culture is something that Mick is frequently asked about. Today, he is sharing his thoughts publicly.
If you like what Mick shared today and want to explore work opportunities with Genesis Block, we’d love to hear from you! Tell us more about yourself at http://genesisblock.com/jobs
------
Other Ways to Consume Today's Episode:
- Medium (read): https://medium.com/genesisblock/the-type-of-company-culture-i-hope-to-build-at-genesis-block-83dad556d26c
- Youtube (watch): https://youtu.be/G5XVpPwCFyQ
- SoundCloud (listen): https://soundcloud.com/genesisblock/7-the-type-of-company-culture-i-hope-to-build/s-4GlAacCGnVz
- Other Podcast platforms (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Overcast, etc): https://anchor.fm/genesis-block
We have a lot more content coming. Be sure to follow our channels: https://genesisblock.com/follow/
Have you already downloaded the app? We're Genesis Block, a new digital bank that's powered by crypto & decentralized protocols. The app is live in the App Store (iOS & Android). Get the link to download at https://genesisblock.com/download
#6: Spreading Crypto - The Cost of Adoption (If Our Plan Works)
In the final episode of our "Spreading Crypto" mini-series, we look at the costs & compromises that may be required to help this technology reach broader adoption.
Will the ego and pride of the crypto community be hurt if blockchain technology forever operates in the background, hidden from the spotlight? Is the community willing to shed some of the idealism around censorship-resistance & absolute decentralization if it meant greater growth of this technology? What sacrifices is the community willing to make at the altars of crypto adoption?
We answer those questions in today's episode. We also finish the series off with a rallying cry. Regardless of whether you agree with the route we're taking at Genesis Block -- our strategies of how to take crypto to the masses - -we still hope that you'll be cheering us on. We're all on the same team. We're all fighting for the same cause: Spreading Crypto.
------
Other Ways to Consume Today's Episode:
- Medium Post (if you prefer reading): https://medium.com/genesisblock/spreading-crypto-the-cost-of-adoption-if-our-plan-works-bc0cb51a58e2
- YouTube Video (if you prefer watching): https://youtu.be/52JnBFscexE
- SoundCloud (another listening option): https://soundcloud.com/genesisblock/6-spreading-crypto-the-cost-of-adoption-if-our-plan-works/s-SpwKuF9fUu6
- Listen via Podcast platforms (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Overcast, etc): https://anchor.fm/genesis-block
We have a lot more content coming. Be sure to follow our channels: https://genesisblock.com/follow/
Have you already downloaded the app? We're Genesis Block, a new digital bank that's powered by crypto & decentralized protocols. The app is live in the App Store (iOS & Android). Get the link to download at https://genesisblock.com/download
#5: Spreading Crypto - Why Do Crypto Normies Need a Bank?
The power of crypto is that anyone can become their own bank. We no longer need traditional, legacy banks!
So why does the world need Genesis Block, a new digital bank powered by crypto? What's the purpose? And how does it help crypto achieve broader adoption?
We answer those questions in today's episode. This is the fourth episode of our "Spreading Crypto" series where we examine what it'll take for this incredible technology to reach the masses. Enjoy the episode!
------
Other Ways to Consume Today’s Episode:
- Medium Post (if you prefer reading): https://medium.com/genesisblock/spreading-crypto-why-do-crypto-normies-need-a-bank-d31929de0259
- YouTube Video (if you prefer watching): https://youtu.be/JZsleuMoyIk
- Listen via SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/genesisblock/5-spreading-crypto-why-do-crypto-normies-need-a-bank/s-fcMwU4DkKiW
- Listen via Podcast platforms (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Overcast, etc): https://anchor.fm/genesis-block
We have a lot more content coming. Be sure to follow our channels: https://genesisblock.com/follow/
Have you already downloaded the app? We're Genesis Block, a new digital bank that's powered by crypto & decentralized protocols. The app is live in the App Store (iOS & Android). Get the link to download at https://genesisblock.com/download/
#4: Spreading Crypto - The Winning Strategy For Broader Adoption
Today we discuss a few unique strategies that crypto companies use as they push their applications to mainstream audiences.
There's an important question that every company must answer: How will crypto & blockchain be exposed to end-users in the application (if at all)?
It's a foundational question and establishes a tone for how users interact with the product. How are most companies handling this today? What strategies are most likely to be successful? What's our approach at Genesis Block? Find out in today's episode.
------
Other Ways to Consume This Content:
~ Medium Post (if you prefer reading): https://medium.com/genesisblock/spreading-crypto-the-winning-strategy-for-broader-adoption-b79c3bde2d36
~ YouTube Video (if you prefer watching): https://youtu.be/ZDpK5-EKXTQ
~ Listen via SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/genesisblock/4-spreading-crypto-the-winning-strategy-for-broader-adoption/s-tl3LGs7wIjK
~ Listen via Podcast platforms (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Overcast, etc): https://anchor.fm/genesis-block
We have a lot more content coming. Be sure to follow our channels: https://genesisblock.com/follow/
Have you already downloaded the app? We're Genesis Block, a new digital bank that's powered by crypto & decentralized protocols. The app is live in the App Store (iOS & Android). Get the link to download at https://genesisblock.com/download
#3: Spreading Crypto - In Search of the Killer Application
If crypto needs a killer app, how's that going? Spoiler alert: Not good. 😭 Most of our industry is barking up the wrong tree. In this episode, we explain why.
Today we do a deep dive into the state of application development within crypto. We look at popular crypto applications like exchanges & trading platforms. We also do analysis on decentralized applications & non-custodial wallets — as that's where so much developer energy and focus is (which we think is a terrible mistake).
This is the second episode of our "Spreading Crypto" series, where we look at what it'll take to bring this incredible tech to the masses. Our first episode covered protocols and how they've historically become adopted (they need a killer app!).
Let's dive into the state of crypto applications...
------
Other Ways to Consume This Content:
~ Medium Post (if you prefer reading): https://medium.com/genesisblock/spreading-crypto-in-search-of-the-killer-application-d91ad9158fd1
~ YouTube Video (if you prefer watching): https://youtu.be/cMTZF5Hd7Wk
~ Listen via SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/genesisblock/3-spreading-crypto-in-search-of-the-killer-application/s-G420DhYPESH
~ Listen via Podcast platforms (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Overcast, etc): https://anchor.fm/genesis-block
We have a lot more content coming. Be sure to follow our channels: https://genesisblock.com/follow/
Have you already downloaded the app? We're Genesis Block, a new digital bank that's powered by crypto & decentralized protocols. The app is live in the App Store (iOS & Android). Get the link to download at https://genesisblock.com/download
#2: Spreading Crypto - How Protocols Reach Mainstream Adoption
This episode kicks off a new mini-series called “Spreading Crypto," where we explore what it will take to bring blockchain and crypto to mainstream adoption. What's holding it back? What strategies will help propel it to the masses? In this series, we answer those questions.
In today's episode, Mick Hagen (CEO/Founder of Genesis Block) takes a deep dive into protocols -- what they are and how they have historically become adopted. Crypto today is mostly all low-level protocols. Will the path to crypto adoption be any different than the many protocols that have come before? Will history give us any clues about the future?
Other links related to this episode:
~ Medium Post (if you prefer reading): https://medium.com/genesisblock/spreading-crypto-how-protocols-reach-mainstream-adoption-1c3a74c01fb9
~ Youtube Video (if you prefer watching): https://youtu.be/xdCYqqSV1AE
~ Links to other Podcast platforms (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Overcast, etc): https://anchor.fm/genesis-block
~ SoundCloud (other listening option): https://soundcloud.com/genesisblock/2-spreading-crypto-how-protocols-reach-mainstream-adoption/s-KiehvRD5TgO
Have you already downloaded the app? We're Genesis Block, a new digital bank that's powered by crypto & decentralized protocols. The app is live in the App Store (iOS & Android). Get the link to download at https://genesisblock.com/download
We have a lot more content coming. Be sure to follow our channels: https://genesisblock.com/follow/
#1: Introducing Genesis Block: a digital bank powered by crypto & blockchain
Hello world! Meet Genesis Block, a new digital bank that's powered by crypto & decentralized protocols. The app is live in the App Store (iOS & Android). Get the link to download at https://genesisblock.com/
In this our first episode, Mick Hagen (CEO/Founder) goes into more detail about what Genesis Block is, what problems it aims to solve, and who it's for. We discuss our partnership with Visa & Evolve Bank. We discuss how most of the top financial products today are only for the super-wealthy or well-connected --- but how blockchain technology is starting to change that and level the playing field. We go into more detail about how Genesis Block is making it really easy for normal people to tap into the value of this exciting technology without needing to become a blockchain expert. We discuss how we think this product will go far beyond just the crypto audience. We also give a glimpse into what you can look forward to in the upcoming episodes. It's jam-packed with content and we're just getting started!
Other links related to this episode:
~ Medium Post (more detail including product videos): https://medium.com/genesisblock/introducing-genesis-block-digital-banking-powered-by-crypto-e184e4b6fa01
~ Youtube Video (same audio as this podcast, but with video if you want to see Mick speak and supporting graphics): https://youtu.be/mk1jvb8kBa4
~ Other Podcast links (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Overcast, etc): https://anchor.fm/genesis-block
~ SoundCloud (same audio, but if you prefer this platform): https://soundcloud.com/genesisblock/1-introducing-genesis-block-a-digital-bank-powered-by-crypto-blockchain/s-hWUNw6xJXDw
~ Download the app: https://genesisblock.com/download
Don't miss any upcoming episodes! Subscribe to our social channels: https://genesisblock.com/follow/
Welcome to Genesis Block!
A preview of some of the music that you'll hear in our podcast.