Bitcoin.com News Interviews

Hamze Fawzi, Founder and Chairman of Assets Advisors Capital (AAC), joins Bitcoin.com News to discuss the growing financial bridge between the Gulf region and Japan, and how institutional infrastructure is shaping the future of crypto.

In this episode, Hamze explains why traditional financial systems failed to connect these two major economies—and how blockchain, tokenization, and “capital architecture” are now unlocking new cross-border opportunities. He shares insights into how institutional investors approach risk, governance, and geopolitical events differently from retail participants.

The conversation also explores the rise of real-world asset (RWA) tokenization, the role of compliant and non-custodial platforms like Mirai X, and why Japan’s leadership in CBDCs and stablecoins could play a key role in the next phase of global finance.

From capital flows driven by presence and relationships to the importance of trust and governance structures, this episode provides a deep dive into how institutions are entering Web3.

Topics include: institutional crypto adoption, Gulf–Japan finance, RWA tokenization, stablecoins, CBDCs, Web3 infrastructure, capital markets, blockchain regulation, and global crypto trends.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to AAC and Its Role

01:07 Impact of Geopolitical Situations on Business

03:27 The Bridge Between GCC and Japan

05:00 Institutional vs Retail Investment in Crypto

07:53 Tokenization of Real World Assets

10:07 Decentralized Platforms and Compliance

12:37 The Future of Stablecoins

14:05 Cultural Insights: GCC and Japan

16:23 Building Trust and Governance Structures

19:41 The Human Element in Business22:05 Future Plans for AAC

Justin Waldron, founder of Play.fun, joins David Sencil to explore the future of crypto gaming, Web3 game development, and how blockchain technology is reshaping the gaming industry.

Recorded at Team Summit in Tokyo, this conversation dives into how frictionless onboarding, fair token launches, and fast, low-cost infrastructure like Solana are enabling a new generation of games. Justin also shares insights on why bear markets produce the strongest builders, how mobile gaming dominates in Asia, and why simpler, casual games may drive the next wave of adoption.

They also discuss the role of AI in game creation, the rise of short-form gaming experiences, and how platforms like Play.fun are lowering barriers by removing wallet friction and enabling anonymous access.

Topics include: crypto gaming, Web3 games, Solana blockchain, game development, token launches, mobile gaming trends, AI in gaming, and the future of digital entertainment.

⏱️ Chapters:

00:00 – Navigating the Crypto Landscape

05:02 – Introducing Play.fun & Open Game Protocol

10:02 – The Evolution of Game Development

14:54 – The Role of AI in Game Creation

20:03 – The Future of Gaming in Japan

25:08 – Crypto Meets Gaming

29:51 – The Next 12–18 Months

Mark Piano, Director and Consultant at Horizons Global, joins Bitcoin.com News to discuss the future of yen-backed stablecoins, Japan’s evolving crypto regulations, and how legal frameworks are shaping the next phase of Web3 growth.

In this episode, Mark explains why Japan’s regulatory clarity could become a major advantage for blockchain builders, and how yen stablecoins may unlock new opportunities in tokenization, DeFi, and cross-border finance. He also breaks down the role of offshore structures, including Cayman foundation companies, and why they’ve become a standard for Web3 projects globally.

From Bitcoin’s early real-world use cases to the lessons learned from the DAO hack, this conversation explores how law, infrastructure, and innovation intersect in the crypto industry.

Topics include: stablecoins, Japan crypto regulation, Web3 infrastructure, tokenization, DeFi, offshore finance, Cayman foundations, Bitcoin adoption, and global crypto markets.

Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction

01:08 – Bitcoin Utility in Myanmar (No ATMs)

02:30 – The DAO Hack & Becoming a Crypto Lawyer

03:45 – Moving to the Cayman Islands

04:50 – Why Cayman Became a Crypto Hub

06:05 – What Are Cayman Foundation Companies?

06:45 – Why Ownerless Foundations Matter in Web3

08:00 – Onshore vs Offshore Structures

14:13 – Directors’ Fiduciary Duties Explained

16:33 – Why Mark Is in Japan

17:18 – Yen Stablecoins & Tokenization Opportunities

19:58 – Offshore Stablecoin Issuance21:09 – Institutional vs Retail Market Access

How did Japan become a leader in stablecoin infrastructure—and what role could JPY-backed stablecoins play in the future of global finance?

Seihaku Yoshida, Founder and CEO of Hashport, joins Bitcoin.com News to share insights from the frontlines of Japan’s evolving crypto ecosystem. From launching during the crypto winter to building one of the country’s largest stablecoin payment platforms, Seihaku explains why regulation, innovation, and timing all matter.

In this episode, we explore Japan’s approach to crypto policy, the rise of stablecoin adoption, and how emerging technologies like AI could reshape how digital currencies are used.

If you're curious about stablecoins, global crypto infrastructure, and where the industry is heading next, this conversation offers a unique perspective from Japan.

⏱️ Chapters:

00:34 – Starting the Company

01:21 – Background & Experience

03:26 – Challenges in 2018

05:15 – Consulting & Early Crypto Projects

07:00 – Hashport’s Current Focus

09:16 – Transition to Wallet Infrastructure

11:05 – Japan Expo Experience

13:02 – Strategies & Collaborations

16:31 – Japanese Crypto Users

21:16 – Future Opportunities

26:23 – Japan’s Regulatory Environment

29:00 – The Role of Stablecoins

What is holding blockchain performance back?

In this episode, Annabelle Huang, CEO of Altius Labs, discusses crypto scalability, execution-layer bottlenecks, and the growing demand for high-performance blockchain infrastructure. The conversation explores app chains, onchain trading, decentralized finance (DeFi), and how new market players are shifting expectations around speed and efficiency.

Topics include crypto infrastructure, blockchain scalability, execution performance, modular architecture, DeFi trading, and institutional adoption.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction and Scaling Discussion

00:17 - Interview with Annabel Wong

01:09 - Thoughts on Digital Asset Summit (DAS)

02:10 - Tokenization and Infrastructure Insights

03:15 - Privacy and Compliance in Blockchain

05:21 - Altius Labs' Focus and Strategy

08:23 - Fintech and Enterprise Interest

10:05 - Infrastructure Development Trends

13:31 - Privacy Solutions and Challenges

16:37 - Market Trends and Scalability

19:54 - Scalability and Decentralization

22:27 - Institutional Interest and Market Activity

26:58 - Altius Labs' Roadmap and Future Plans

Gary Liu, co-founder of Terminal 3, breaks down why crypto isn’t dying—but evolving into a more mature financial system.

In this episode, we explore the rise of stablecoins, the role of AI in enterprise environments, and the growing importance of security and governance for AI agents. Gary also shares insights on how agent-to-agent payments could reshape digital finance, and why stablecoins may become the backbone of this emerging economy.

We also discuss Japan’s role in the global crypto ecosystem and what it signals for broader adoption.

Topics include: stablecoins, AI security, crypto adoption, digital payments, Web3 infrastructure, and the future of finance.

Are AI agents about to replace traditional software—and even jobs?

In this episode, Yat Siu, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of Animoca Brands, explains how autonomous AI agents are creating a new economy where anyone can build, automate, and monetize digital tasks in minutes.

From earning $125,000 with a single agent to building over 1,000 AI-powered skills, this conversation explores how AI is transforming software, work, and the future of the internet.If you're interested in artificial intelligence, crypto, Web3, or the future of work, this episode breaks down what’s coming next—and how you can get started.

Topics covered:

- AI agents vs traditional software and search tools

- How AI agents are changing jobs and productivity

- Real-world earnings: $125K from a single AI agent

- The rise of the AI agent economy and skill marketplaces

- How AI agents learn, improve, and scale- Building custom tools in minutes (no coding required)

- Practical use cases for everyday users and businesses

Recorded in Tokyo, Japan during cherry blossom season.

Follow Bitcoin.com News for more insights on AI, crypto, and Web3: https://x.com/BTCTN

⏱️ Chapters:

00:00 Intro & Opening

00:30 Animoca Minds Update: 1,000+ Skills Built

02:00 Yat Siu’s Personal Agent Evolution: 200 Agents Running

03:20 One Agent Learning & Self-Replication

05:00 Real Money: $125,000 with a Single Agent

07:30 AI Agents vs. Search Tools

09:00 The Mental Framing: Think of It as Hiring

11:15 The Agent Economy & Marketplace

12:00 Pricing & The Future

14:30 Practical Applications & Closing

Mel Mattison joins Alex Richardson to break down the biggest forces shaping today’s global economy—Bitcoin, inflation, war, and the future of the U.S. financial system.

In this episode, they discuss the economic impact of geopolitical tensions, including the Iran crisis, and how the world is shifting toward a multipolar system. Mel explains why rising U.S. deficits and persistent inflation could reshape markets—and what it means for investors.

They also explore Bitcoin’s long-term role, gold as a hedge, and why traditional portfolio strategies may no longer be effective in this new macro environment.

Topics include: Bitcoin adoption, inflation trends, U.S. debt crisis, global markets, asset allocation, and the future of money.

Chapters:

00:00 Market Predictions and Economic Outlook

03:11 Geopolitical Tensions and Their Economic Impact

05:59 The Shift to a Multipolar World09:12 Bitcoin's Resilience and Future Potential

12:05 U.S. Fiscal Situation and Inflationary Pressures

18:05 Reconsidering Asset Allocation Strategies

24:28 Inflation and Asset Valuation Dynamics

26:55 The Promise of Latin American Markets

31:42 The Debate on Affordability and Asset Price Inflation

37:48 Wage Growth and Economic Stability

40:12 The Role of Bitcoin and Digital Assets

44:23 Exploring the Themes of 'QUOZ'

It started in a one-bedroom apartment. Then 400 people showed up — and everything changed.

In this episode, Tobias Bauer (TBV) shares how *The Best Event (TBE)* scaled to 53,000 attendees in 2025 — and why most crypto events fail.A deep dive into what actually drives deals in Web3: networking, data, and experience.

📌 Key Topics:

- Scaling from meetups to global events

- Why most side events fail

- Data-driven matchmaking- $1M+ event economics

- What’s next for TBE

-🎙 Host: David Sencil

📍 Recorded at TeamZ Tokyo

Follow: https://x.com/BitcoinNews

Explore: https://thebestevent.com/