Karsten Wenzlaff, Advisor
August 26th, 2025
Crypto | Dec 12, 2023

Image courtesy of DALL-E
El Salvador's just received approval to launch of the world's first Bitcoin bonds, expected in the first quarter of 2024.
🚨BREAKING NEWS🚨
The Volcano Bond has just received regulatory approval from the Digital Assets Commission (CNAD).
We anticipate the bond will be issued during the first quarter of 2024.
This is just the beginning for new capital markets on #Bitcoin in El Salvador.
🇸🇻🌋🚀
— The Bitcoin Office (@bitcoinofficesv) December 12, 2023
These "Volcano Bonds," offering a 10-year term with a 6.5% annual return, are a cornerstone in the development of new Bitcoin-based capital markets in El Salvador. The proceeds from these bonds are earmarked for the ambitious "Bitcoin City," a project that aims to create a hub for cryptocurrency and blockchain technology, powered by the nation's volcanic energy.
In a parallel move to bolster its position as a crypto-friendly destination, El Salvador has launched the Bitcoin visa program. This initiative, in collaboration with Tether, aims to attract crypto investors by offering citizenship in exchange for a significant investment in Bitcoin or USDT stablecoin.
The Bitcoin visa program has reportedly raised $153 million within just a week of its launch, reflecting the high global interest in this unique opportunity. This program allows up to 1,000 individuals annually to participate in El Salvador's Bitcoin-driven economic revival, potentially raising up to $1 billion each year.
El Salvador has already begun tapping into its volcanic resources for Bitcoin mining, in partnership with Luxor Technology, on a project valued at $1 billion. This not only underscores the country's commitment to cryptocurrency but also highlights its innovative approach to leveraging natural resources for economic growth.
As El Salvador prepares for this historic launch and continues to attract investment through its visa program, all eyes are on this small nation. The success of these bonds will blend traditional investment mechanisms with the evolving world of cryptocurrency.
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, artificial intelligence, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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Enforcement | Dec 11, 2023

The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) unveils a 'compliance wishlist' and extensive monitorship over Binance
Unsealed on December 8, 2023, the DOJ's monitorship over Binance's operations and business activities is described in an 11-page document, which includes several stringent obligations for the crypto exchange. This development follows Binance and its former CEO, Changpeng "CZ" Zhao, admitting to violating U.S. money laundering and terror financing laws, agreeing to pay $4.3 billion in fines on November 21, 2023.
These include:
This unprecedented level of oversight is likely to cost Binance millions of dollars. John Reed Stark, a former Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) official, described Binance's new compliance commitments as a "consulting firm’s wish list" that could potentially shut down the platform. The SEC is also using Binance's settlement to strengthen its case against the exchange, pressing 13 charges related to unregistered offers and sales of various tokens and products.
Binance’s agreement with the DOJ and FinCEN subjects it to an unparalleled degree of government oversight. This is comparable to a round-the-clock financial audit, where the company is responsible for the expenses of a government-appointed team vigilantly overseeing its operations.
Such intense scrutiny brings to the forefront the question of whether a traditionally private and non-transparent firm like Binance can evolve into an entity that operates with full transparency and adherence to legal standards.
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, artificial intelligence, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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Crypto | Dec 8, 2023

Image by Freepik
Responding to Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., Jamie Dimon said:
“I’ve always been deeply opposed to crypto, bitcoin, etc. The only true use case for it is criminals, drug traffickers … money laundering, tax avoidance. If I was the government, I’d close it down,” he added.
This development is significant as it showcases a prominent financial leader's staunch opposition to cryptocurrencies, juxtaposed against the backdrop of his own bank's adoption of related technology. This highlights the ongoing tension between traditional banking perspectives and the evolving digital currency sector.
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, artificial intelligence, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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Blockchain Bonds | Dec 6, 2023

Image courtesy of DALL.E
Societe Generale, a major French bank, has issued its inaugural digital green bond on the Ethereum public blockchain. This move represents a significant advancement in the integration of blockchain technology in sustainable finance. The bond, valued at EUR 10 million with a three-year maturity, is aimed at financing green activities and demonstrates enhanced transparency and efficiency in financial transactions.
This innovative approach could pave the way for more widespread adoption of blockchain in ESG-focused financial products, offering a new level of transparency and accountability in sustainable finance.
This report by OMFIF and EY, published on Sep 27, 2022, discusses how a public finance management system focused on transparency and seamless data sharing can lead to more effective and efficient policy-making. It emphasizes the importance of ensuring funds reach their intended recipients and are used for their intended purpose.
The article explores the emerging concept of fractional bonds, highlighting platforms like BondbloX, which simplify bond investing by allowing electronic tracking and trading of bonds, akin to stocks.
Published on Nov 5, 2022, by InsurTech Insights, this article discusses Bermuda's role as an innovator in insurance and digital assets, focusing on the use of staked tokens as collateral in the insurance industry.
This article discusses the role of decentralized finance (DeFi) in addressing climate change. It highlights how DeFi can revolutionize climate change solutions through innovative financial models that promote sustainability and create new investment opportunities for a greener future.
The article explores the growing interest in sustainable finance, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. It covers various market offerings like green bonds, social bonds, and sustainability-linked bonds and loans, discussing their role in addressing environmental and social challenges.
This piece delves into the convergence of sustainable finance, digital finance, and the democratization of capital markets. It emphasizes the opportunity to use digital finance to foster a greener economy, considering environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors in investment decisions.
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, artificial intelligence, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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Innovation | Dec 6, 2023

Image: Unsplash/Brad Switzer
As we step into 2024, A16z has furnished us with their annual big idea predictions of the future with the landscape of fintech, AI, and crypto being poised for transformative change. Fintech is increasingly becoming developer-driven, reshaping the industry's infrastructure with a focus on enhanced user experiences and open-source innovation. This shift not only empowers fintech companies but also positions them to better serve community and regional banks, revolutionizing financial services with advanced software solutions.
In the realm of AI, we're witnessing a significant leap in healthcare, where AI-enabled platforms are set to overhaul outdated systems, promising more efficient and effective patient care. The democratization of creativity through AI is another milestone, breaking down barriers in artistic expression and design. Moreover, the interpretability of AI models is becoming a focal point, ensuring these technologies are not just powerful but also understandable and controllable.
Crypto, no longer confined to financial niches, is emerging as a fundamental component across various sectors. Its integration with AI, the evolution of gaming economies, and advancements in verification methods like SNARKs. From enhancing the authenticity of digital content to revolutionizing smart contract development, crypto is set to become more accessible, secure, and integral to technological and societal systems.
"For fintech companies that pride themselves on a great developer experience, this will play to their advantage." - Angela Strange, General Partner at Andreessen Horowitz

Image: Unsplash/Jr Korpa
"The big question is: why do these models say the things they do? Why do some prompts produce better results than others?" - Anjney Midha, General Partner at Andreessen Horowitz

Image by Freepik
These insights from a16z for 2024 highlight a future where crypto is not just a financial tool but a fundamental part of various technological and societal systems, from gaming to brand identity and beyond.
The integration of AI, the evolution of gaming economies, and the advancement in verification methods are set to redefine the landscape of crypto, making it more accessible, secure, and integrated into our daily lives.
"Crypto technology can be used to open the black box; track the origin of things we see online." - Andy Hall, Professor at Stanford.
Together, these developments in fintech, AI, and crypto signal a future where technology is not just an enabler but a driver of efficiency, creativity, and security, reshaping how we interact with and benefit from these advanced systems in our daily lives.
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, artificial intelligence, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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Crypto | Dec 4, 2023

Image by Freepik
In 2023, the US cryptocurrency industry is on track to surpass its previous record in federal lobbying spending. As reported by Reuters, according to OpenSecrets, a nonprofit research group, crypto companies have already spent $18.96 million in the first three quarters, exceeding the $16.1 million spent during the same period in 2022.
This surge in lobbying efforts comes in the wake of reputational damage and the need for favorable legislation, despite the high-profile collapse of FTX, a major spender in this arena last year.
This record spending in lobbying by the US crypto industry highlights the sector's determination to influence policy and regulatory frameworks amid increasing scrutiny and regulatory challenges. This trend signals crypto's evolving role and the need for clear regulatory guidelines which is crucial for its long-term stability and growth.
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, artificial intelligence, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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Crypto | Dec 5, 2023

Image: Richard Teng, Binance CEO, Nov 2023
In a recent blog post titled "My First Blog as Binance’s CEO," the new CEO of Binance acknowledges the past challenges faced by the company, particularly in areas of compliance and regulation, and asserts that these have been pivotal learning experiences, making the company stronger and more resilient.
The CEO's message is one of transformation and responsible growth, focusing on user-centric values, regulatory collaboration, and a broader application of blockchain technology. He stresses the need for deeper engagement with policymakers to foster a globally harmonized regulatory framework, ensuring consumer protection and industry innovation. The commitment to maintaining a robust financial structure, prioritizing user asset protection, and driving the adoption of Web3 technologies underscores a strategic shift in Binance's approach.
"It is an honor and with the deepest humility that I step into the role of Binance’s CEO, succeeding the visionary founder of this incredible company."
- This statement reflects a respectful acknowledgment of the legacy CZ created. The new CEO aims to convey a sense of continuity while also bringing his own leadership style to the forefront.
"A cornerstone of this organization has always been the idea that innovation should bring value to users."
- Given Binance's past criticism for prioritizing growth over user protection, this quote emphasizes a renewed focus on user-centric innovation. It's a commitment to aligning business growth with tangible benefits for users.
"We have turned the page on Binance’s historical challenges and we are, in fact, stronger today than we have ever been."
- This statement addresses past regulatory and compliance issues under CZ's tenure. It's an attempt to reassure stakeholders that Binance has learned from its past and is now more resilient and compliant.
"As an industry, we require more focus than ever on collaborating with policymakers."
- Reflecting on the regulatory challenges faced previously, this quote underscores a strategic shift towards proactive engagement with regulators. It's a move to foster a more stable and regulated environment for crypto, which was a point of contention in the past.
"I am deeply committed to the promise of blockchain, such as the opportunities for increased financial inclusion, cross-border remittances, and reduced transaction costs."
- This highlights a vision for blockchain beyond just cryptocurrency trading, which has been a core focus of Binance. It suggests a broader, more inclusive approach to blockchain technology, aligning with global financial trends and addressing criticisms of being too narrowly focused on trading.
These quotes collectively signal a strategic shift in Binance's approach under the new CEO. They reflect a desire to move past the turbulence of CZ's era, which included regulatory scrutiny and compliance issues, and to embark on a path that balances innovation with user protection, regulatory compliance, and a broader vision for blockchain technology.
Although as reported in a recent CoinDesk article, Richard Teng seemed evasive in his first major public interview held by the Financial Times 'Crypto and Digital Assets Summit in London' since assuming the role of the new CEO of Binance. In the interview, Tent was notably reticent when pressed for details about Binance's governance, including the location of its global headquarters, whether the company would undergo an audit, the current employee count, and its licensing status in the UK.
This evasiveness was particularly evident when Teng was asked to specify an auditor for Binance, to which he responded that the company, being private, was not obligated to disclose such information. The interview raised questions about Binance's commitment to transparency, especially given its status as the world's largest crypto exchange. Teng's reluctance to provide straightforward answers to fundamental questions about the company's operations and governance has added a layer of complexity to the narrative of Binance's new chapter under his leadership.
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, artificial intelligence, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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Craig Asano
CEO and Executive Director
casano@ncfacanada.org
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