From World News to Crypto Frontiers, my guests this week are Sasha Kehoe and Christopher Jack, who gives us a quick history of money, how Luxembourg became a financial centre and what the country needs to do next, with digital assets.

This week I’m delighted to have Sasha Kehoe back on the show with her signature news roundup. From the passing of Pope Francis and its global significance to lighter stories about Luxembourg’s driving habits and the latest tech marvels.

Christopher Jack, Programme Manager at the Cambridge Digital Assets Programme, joins us to unravel the fascinating history of finance in Luxembourg, from its steel roots to its rise as a global financial powerhouse and its bold leap into the world of digital assets and crypto.

Sasha Kehoe’s News Roundup

Sasha Kehoe is back on the show, much to the delight of listeners who’ve missed her warmth. We discuss the passing of Pope Francis, its impact on Luxembourg and the world, and speculation that Cardinal Hollerich is a contender. The ongoing Ukraine conflict is ever-present with more difficult news this week.

For a lighter touch, Sasha dives into studies on Luxembourg’s drivers (we don’t fair well), the emotional bonds between dogs and their owners, and Kawasaki’s futuristic ride-on robot lion-proof that the future is closer than we think!

Christopher Jack: Luxembourg’s Financial Evolution and the Digital Asset Revolution

Christopher Jack takes us on a quick journey through the evolution of money. He explains the three pillars of money - means of exchange, unit of account, and store of value, and most especially how trust underpins every financial system, from ancient bartering to today’s digital currencies.

Christopher then unpacks why Luxembourg became a financial hub. In the 1970s, as the steel industry declined, Luxembourg pivoted fast, offering attractive tax laws and regulatory clarity. The listing of the first Eurobond in 1963 and the adoption of the UCITS directive in 1988 cemented Luxembourg’s status as a global financial centre, now managing over $7 trillion in assets.

Looking ahead, Christopher explores Luxembourg’s push into digital assets and crypto. With pioneering blockchain laws and the EU’s MiCA regulation, Luxembourg is positioning itself at the forefront of the digital finance revolution. Tokenization, stablecoins, and new regulatory frameworks promise to democratize investment and reshape global markets-if the country can balance innovation with robust oversight.

Luxembourg’s necessity to adapt fast, stay stable and secure

Luxembourg’s story is one of adaptation and trust. Its future as a financial leader depends on attracting top talent, fostering innovation, and staying agile in a rapidly changing world.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-jack-3953b2142/

https://www.jbs.cam.ac.uk/faculty-research/centres/alternative-finance/the-digital-assets-programme/

https://www.jbs.cam.ac.uk/faculty-research/centres/alternative-finance/