Wirex News - Your Crypto Podcast

In this episode of the Wirex Podcast, host Lianna Adams sits down with Jarod Koopman, Executive Director of Cyber and Forensic Services at the IRS, for a rare behind-the-scenes look into how the U.S. government investigates crypto-related crime. From tracing suspicious blockchain transactions to collaborating across borders and busting money laundering rings, Jarod shares real insights into the evolving world of digital finance enforcement. We unpack the tactics financial criminals use to hide assets, the rise of stablecoins, the role AI might play in future financial crimes, and even what Hollywood gets hilariously wrong about the IRS. Plus: Jarod shares his most memorable (and failed) criminal cover-up story. 

In this episode of the Wirex Podcast, host Lianna dives into one of the most intriguing legal experiments happening today — how Mexico is pioneering blockchain-based dispute resolution. She’s joined by Maria Castillo, Founder and CEO of Peace Keepers, a trailblazing platform reimagining how conflicts are settled using decentralized technology. Together, they unpack: What’s actually changing in Mexico’s legal system How disputes were traditionally handled vs. the new blockchain approach The types of cases that can now be resolved on-chain The balance (or tension) between code and traditional court rulings Whether this signals a global shift in legal innovation If you’ve ever wondered how blockchain could impact everyday life beyond finance, this one’s for you. 🔊 Tune in and explore the future of justice — it might be closer than you think. 

In this episode of the Wirex Podcast, host Lianna Adams digs into one of the most debated questions in the crypto space: can blockchain technology truly address wealth inequality, or is it reinforcing the same power structures it set out to disrupt? Lianna is joined by Stewart Rogers, Darketing Illuminator at CONFUSION&JOY and Editor-at-Large at Dataconomy, who brings a sharp and honest perspective to the conversation. Together, they explore whether crypto has delivered on its promise of financial inclusion, or simply created a new digital elite. They discuss: The original vision of crypto as a tool for financial freedom Whether the technology is empowering the unbanked or amplifying wealth disparities The role of DAOs, VCs, and whales in shaping power dynamics Why millions remain excluded despite the industry's explosive growth What needs to change for crypto to be a true equalizer A candid and critical look at where crypto stands today—and where it could be headed. If you're interested in the intersection of tech, money, and social impact, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. 

In today’s fast-paced AI-driven world, founders need to think beyond the traditional playbook when it comes to exit strategies. In this episode of the Wirex Podcast, host Lianna Adams sits down with Sanin Cutuk, Chief Revenue Officer at Workforce AI & Taxaroo, to unpack how AI is reshaping the landscape for startup exits.They dive deep into:How AI has changed the game for scaling and monetizing businessesWhen exits make sense and how to determine if it's the right move for your companyThe crucial role of data strategy in increasing your company's appeal to buyers or public marketsThe risks of overvaluation in the AI boom and how to ensure your valuation stays groundedNavigating the growing concerns around AI ethics and regulations, and their potential impact on exit opportunitiesTop tips for maximizing your company's exit value in the next 3-5 yearsThis episode is packed with valuable insights for founders looking to scale or sell their AI startups. Tune in to learn how to position your company for success in a rapidly evolving market.Don't forget to subscribe for more expert advice on fintech, AI, and digital finance!

DeFi promised to revolutionize finance, but why do so many projects end in failure? From rug pulls to unsustainable tokenomics, the industry has seen its fair share of disasters. In this episode, host Lianna Adams sits down with Andrew Berkowitz, CEO and Co-founder of ValuesCo, to dissect the most common pitfalls in DeFi and what it truly takes to build something that lasts. We’ll explore:  🔹 The biggest DeFi collapses and why they happened  🔹 Whether decentralization is real—or just a marketing gimmick  🔹 If some DeFi projects are just Ponzi schemes in disguise  🔹 What founders should be doing to create sustainable projects Join us for a no-nonsense conversation on the hard truths behind DeFi’s biggest failures. Tune in now! 

In this episode of the Wirex Podcast, Lianna Adams sits down with Carina Schuster, an award-winning tech journalist, to explore one of the biggest questions in media today—where is journalism really headed? With Web3 promising decentralization and independence while traditional media still holds influence, the battle over storytelling, trust, and truth is more intense than ever. We dive into: 🔹 What Web3 journalism really means (beyond tokenized content)  🔹 Whether traditional media is dying—or evolving  🔹 How fact-checking and integrity work in a decentralized world  🔹 The role of AI in the future of journalism—innovation or disruption?  🔹 Who do you trust more—a legacy newsroom, a Twitter influencer, or a DAO? Is Web3 the future of journalism or just digital chaos? Tune in for an eye-opening discussion! 

In this episode of the Wirex Podcast, we're diving into one of the biggest debates in the crypto world—which country is leading the race in blockchain innovation? To break it all down, we're joined by Irina Heaver, Managing Partner at NeosLegal and a top expert in crypto law, Web3 regulation, and cross-border business strategies. We’ll tackle: Which hub—UAE, Singapore, or Switzerland—deserves the title of crypto capital? The biggest misconceptions about each region's crypto scene Where founders should launch their startups for fewer regulatory headaches What each country is getting right (or dangerously wrong) in their policies How these hubs would fare in a global financial crisis What the crypto landscape will look like in 2030 Which region do you think is winning the crypto race? Tune in for expert insights and bold predictions. 

Could entire nations transition to blockchain-based governance and finance? In this episode of the Wirex Podcast, we’re diving into this bold idea with Aishwary Gupta, Head of Payments and Liquidity at Polygon. We break down the concept of a "crypto nation"—whether it means full blockchain integration or just crypto-friendly policies. Aishwary shares insights on which countries are leading the way, the role of banks and regulators in a blockchain-driven economy, and whether decentralized tech contradicts government control. Will we see blockchain-based city-states before full-fledged crypto nations? And which country is most likely to make the leap first? Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on the future of nation-states in the Web3 era. Let us know—do you think crypto nations could become a reality? Host: Lianna Adams, Founder of Impactful Artistry, Web3 advocate

In many parts of the world, financial access isn’t a given—it’s a daily struggle. But in emerging markets like Africa, blockchain is changing that reality, unlocking new opportunities for millions. In this episode of the Wirex Crypto Podcast, host Lianna Adams sits down with Mouloukou Sanoh, CEO and Co-Founder of MANSA Finance, to explore how blockchain is reshaping financial systems in underserved regions. We’ll dive into: 🔹 How digital finance is revolutionizing access to banking and payments 🔹 The biggest challenges of scaling blockchain solutions in emerging markets 🔹 Whether people in these regions truly trust crypto and Web3 🔹 The role of young developers in shaping the future of blockchain adoption Is blockchain really the key to financial inclusion, or just another trend? Tune in to find out! 

DeFi was meant to revolutionize finance—cutting out middlemen, making financial services more accessible, and putting people in control of their money. But has it actually lived up to the hype?In this episode, Lianna Adams talks to Ada Vaughan, Senior Director of DeFi Partnerships at Stellar Development Foundation, to break down what’s really happening in the world of DeFi.We’ll cover:🔹 How far DeFi has come in making finance more accessible🔹 Whether it’s truly decentralized or just another version of traditional banking🔹 The biggest challenges, from security risks to regulations🔹 What needs to happen for DeFi to reach mainstream adoptionSo, is DeFi a real game-changer or just another tech experiment? Tune in to hear Ada’s insights and decide for yourself!🎧 Listen now, and don’t forget to subscribe and share!