Edgar Perez is a renowned Artificial Intelligence speaker who advises global businesses on disruptive technologies, digital transformation and the future of innovation. With experience spanning Wall Street, Fortune 500 companies and high-profile conferences, he has become a leading voice on the opportunities and risks that come with rapid technological change.

From the rise of Central Bank Digital Currencies to the evolution of Web3, Perez explains how organisations can adapt, stay competitive and embrace innovation responsibly. His insights offer a rare combination of technical depth and practical guidance, helping leaders navigate shifts in finance, cybersecurity, and beyond.

In this exclusive interview with The Motivational Speakers Agency, Perez shares his perspectives on digital transformation, quantum computing and the new frontiers businesses must prepare for as technology continues to accelerate.

Q: Central Bank Digital Currencies are gaining traction worldwide. What opportunities and risks do you believe they present for organisations?

Edgar Perez: "Let's think about how difficult it is today to transfer money. If you have a relative in another country and you want to send, let's say, 100, how long is it going to take? Days? Hours? How much are you going to pay? One percent? Two percent? And yet we are in the 21st century.

"That is something that is going to change with technology. Today cryptocurrencies are one alternative, but these currencies are decentralised and not backed by any authority. CBDCs come along. CBDCs are Central Bank Digital Currencies backed by central banks all over the world. China, Korea, many different countries are already pursuing this path, offering CBDCs and allowing people to finally eliminate cash.

"That will be extremely helpful when you think about transfers, because this is going to be faster, more efficient, and a great advancement for companies and people. All of us need to send and receive money.

"CBDCs will create opportunities for companies because they will offer faster, cheaper and more secure ways to make and receive payments. They will also enable organisations to access new markets and customers, especially those who are underbanked or who don't have bank accounts. They will enhance the transparency and traceability of transactions.

"Of course, financial services companies face a challenge because they might think that central banks will take over money. But that's not exactly the case. You don't see central banks today offering bank accounts.

"Banks and financial service institutions will still have an important role to play, even though CBDCs will be managed by central banks and will definitely increase visibility in the movement of the monetary system all over the world."

Q: Digital transformation is accelerating across industries. What advice would you give to businesses determined to stay ahead of the curve?

Edgar Perez: "It is important to ask yourself: where am I, which business am I in, and what is my future? When you think about any digital transformation effort, you need to think about a digital strategy, which is basically a roadmap: what's your vision, what are your goals, what are your priorities? That will help define initiatives for digital transformation.

"Your digital transformation strategy should align with your overall business strategy and address the needs and pain points of customers, employees and partners. A digital strategy should be flexible and agile, allowing experimentation.

"Every effort will start from the top. The CEO needs to provide strong support for a successful digital transformation. They should communicate the vision and the value of it, allocate resources and budget, empower employees, support teams, and monitor and celebrate success. This has to be a priority.

"Technology is evolving so fast. Fifteen thousand years ago we didn't have agriculture. Fifteen hundred years ago we didn't have machines. Fifteen decades ago we didn't have ...